Conference to tackle koala recovery

The International Day for Biological Diversity, Friday 22 May 2009, will see Friends of the Koala presenting a one-day conference on koala protection and conservation issues with a Northern Rivers focus. A mix of papers and presentations by academics, a practising ecologist, an environmental lawyer, a wildlife veterinarian and researcher, and wildlife rehabilitators will set the scene for the development of an action agenda to take to all three levels of government. “A resurgence of responsibility for protecting the nation’s faunal flagship is emerging” said conference facilitator, Dr David Lloyd of Southern Cross University. “Translating it into co-ordinated and effective conservation outcomes for koala populations at the local level will require political will at all three levels of government, robust leadership and an innovative approach to resources.” The Koala Conservation Conference will be held at the Whitebrook Theatre, Southern Cross University (Lismore Campus) on Friday 22 May 2009 starting at 9am. Registration forms are available on Friends of the Koala’s website: www.friendsofthekoala.org or at the Koala Care Centre in Rifle Range Road, East Lismore. Enquiries can be directed to the President, Lorraine Vass on 6629 8388.

 
Friends of the Earth is asking for assistance in raising money to protect the Strzelecki Koala. The Strzelecki Koala is the only 'genetically diverse' koala population left in Victoria and South Australia. All other populations are a result of translocation programs and are suffering from inbreeding. The recent February 2009 bushfires wiped out key koala habitat in the Strzelecki Ranges, including known breeding populations.Friends of the Earth in conjunction with Friends of Gippsland Bush are attempting to raise $20,000 in order to1) map the remaining habitat in the Strzelecki Ranges,2) Nominate the Strzelecki Koala for Legislative Protection, and3) Conduct research into the genetic diversity of the Strzelecki Koala. All monies donated to Friends of the Earth are tax deductible. www.foe.org.au