Koalas ‘Functionally Extinct’ After Australia Fires Destroy 80% of Their Habitat

Re:Koalas ‘Functionally Extinct’ After Australia Fires Destr... by mikorym on Sunday November 24, 2019 @12:46PM (#21621976)

Although 1000 koalas are believed to have been killed in these recent fires (from the article), it doesn't look like they are "functionally extinct" [1]. Also, it seems like that particular claim was made earlier the year as well (before the presumed most recent fires). I don't know what to say about the "80% of their habitat" claim.

In any case, as many have lamented before me, it's a pity that we keep wanting poster boy animals rather than just general, sanitory debate around nature conservation.

[1] https://www.newscientist.com/article/2203655-no-koalas-are-n...

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Re:Koalas ‘Functionally Extinct’ After Australia Fires Destr... by hanniabu on Sunday November 24, 2019 @12:54PM (#21622027)

> we keep wanting poster boy animals rather than just general, sanitory debate around nature conservation.

Same here, but I also can't disagree because if we don't get the population a little enraged and hyped up about it then there will be no pressure on the politicians. At least this is the case in the US where oil/gas/mining lobbyists continue to have protected lands changed to unprotected so they can rape and desecrate it for profits.

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Re:Koalas ‘Functionally Extinct’ After Australia Fires Destr... by gedy on Sunday November 24, 2019 @12:58PM (#21622066)

> if we don't get the population a little enraged and hyped up

I disagree - people just become numb and tune it all out. Plus, the opposite side then just point out the exaggerations to their own benefit.

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Re:Koalas ‘Functionally Extinct’ After Australia Fires Destr... by microcolonel on Sunday November 24, 2019 @01:03PM (#21622094)

Bingo, outsize panic serves politicians, but rarely serves causes in the long run.

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