ETWP; Proposed Determination of Threatened Status for the Koala

The Service proposes to determine threatened status for the Australian koala. The eucalyptus forest and woodland ecosystem, on which this arboreal marsupial depends, has been reduced by more than half and is continuing to deteriorate. The species also is threatened by habitat fragmentation and consequent potential loss of genetic viability, disease, and various other factors. The Service seeks relevant data and comments from the public. This proposal incorporates a finding that a petition requesting the listing of the koala is warranted. This proposal, if made final, would extend the Act's protection to this species.