Once a koala population falls below a critical point it can no longer produce the next generation, leading to extinction.
The Australian Koala Foundation announced they believe “there are no more than 80,000 koalas in Australia,” making the species “functionally extinct."
What does ‘functionally extinct’ mean?The term “functionally extinct” can describe a few perilous situations. In one case, it can refer to a species whose population has declined to the point where it can no longer play a significant role in their ecosystem. For example, it has been used to describe dingoes in places where they have become so reduced they have a negligible influence on the species they prey on.
Functionally extinct can also describe a population that is no longer viable. For example in Southport, Queensland, native oyster reef beds are functionally extinct because more than 99 percent of the habitat has been lost and there are no individuals left to reproduce. Exhaustive multi-disciplinary koala research continues apace in an effort to find ways of protecting wild koala populations and ensuring that they remain viable now and into the future. Habitat loss, population dynamics, genetics, disease, diet and climate change are some key areas being studied.
The estimated percentage of koala population loss in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia was 53 percent, 26 percent, 14 percent and three percent, respectively. The estimated total number of koalas for Australia was 329,000 , with an estimated average decline of 24 percent over the past three generations and the next three generations.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Koalas 'functionally extinct' in Australia with just 80,000 estimated to remainOnce a koala population falls below a critical point it can no longer produce the next generation, leading to extinction.
Read more »
Koalas 'functionally extinct' in Australia with just 80,000 estimated to remainOnce a koala population falls below a critical point it can no longer produce the next generation, leading to extinction.
Read more »
Samsung Investigates Massive Data Leak -- What You Need To KnowSamsung security secrets were found exposed to the public by a security researcher. Just how big a security faux pas was this? Here's what is known so far…
Read more »
10 things you need to know before the opening bellThis is what traders are talking about.
Read more »
What every woman needs to know about investingInvesting isn't just a man's game. Financial equality and independence are just as important for women. And for those women looking to seek a life of prosperity and build wealth, having the right investing skills is the key.
Read more »
Uber IPO: Everything You Need To KnowAfter extraordinary growth—along with public scandals—Uber is about to go public. But amid the hype are real concerns about its profitability.
Read more »
Uber IPO: 5 things you need to know about the biggest IPO in yearsUber Technologies Inc. moved a step closer to a mammoth initial public offering on Friday.
Read more »
Every Leader Needs Some Narcissism, So How Do We Know When It Turns Dangerous?Every leader needs a dose of healthy narcisism. How do you distinguish narcisism that facilitates leadership from problematic narcisism from dangerous narcisism? The Trump Presidency has sadly made discussion of narcisism part of every day conversation.
Read more »
19 Travel Hacks You NEED To Know Before Your Next Trip19 Travel Hacks That Will 100% Make Your Next Trip Easier
Read more »