As humans, we should realize that the call for emergencies from our fellow animals must not be alarming only when they hit or about to hit the verge of extinction; by then, it would be too late. We must implement our strategies for their revival and wait for their schemes to fall into the arrangement.
The latest tweet that took the internet by storm claimed that, according to the Australian Koala Foundation, the koalas are functionally extinct. However, this report has been discarded due to sheer falsity because they koalas have indeed become less in numbers but, surely not extinct. Before we move on any further, let us clarify the term “functionally extinct” to realize and identify its niches.
“Functionally extinct” implies the species whose reduced population is no longer feasible and thus isn’t capable of contributing to the ecosystem whatsoever. Once a particular breed is associated with this term, it would directly mean that the conservation policies no longer hold any value. Nevertheless, Mathew Crowther, a wildlife ecologist, asserted that using the term “functionally extinct” for Koalas is misleading and can result in the shift of focus from research-based conservation techniques for the worse.
Populations of koalas are indeed plunging towards the lowest numbers in some parts of Australia. However, in the areas where there is no bush fire, the marsupial is still roaming, yet, considered steps above endangered. The koala population is indeed experiencing threats from human activities and climate change.
The bush fires of Australia are qualified as a pressing concern that needs more attention immediately; if the reports of the experts are to be believed, the bush fires alone were responsible for killing about 30,000 koalas in the last three months. Apart from rendering the koalas with life-threatening burns and bruises and their consequential death, the bush fires, along with massive deforestation and unforeseen climate change is removing most of their natural habitats and source of food.
When it comes to protecting the Koalas, one should address the human-driven factors with enhanced seriousness. Actions such as deforestation, forest fires, bush fires, and poaching should be terminated at the earliest due to the damage that we have created to the animal kingdom. It is too severe to retrieve from anytime soon. Conversely, working towards their revival when there’s still time will inevitably have a positive impact on the journey that is lying ahead of us and turn things around.