Victoria's koala population halved, new survey reveals
Victoria's koala population has crashed to about 220,000, down sharply from previous estimates of 460,000.
Victoria's koala population has crashed to about 220,000 individuals. The figure comes from the first scientific baseline count by the state government.
Previous estimates put the number at 460,000. The Arthur Rylah Institute survey found many koalas in very poor health.
A single koala found in the Ballarat region was put down. It had severe dental disease and kidney tumours.
The report was completed in June 2025. The government held it for more than 12 months before release.
About a quarter of Victoria's remaining koalas depend on commercial blue gum plantations for survival.
- approximately 220,000
- Current population
- 460,000
- Previous estimate
- June 2025
- Report completed
- about one quarter
- Koalas dependent on blue gum plantations
Why it mattersThe finding shows Victoria's koala population is far smaller and more stressed than previously believed. This affects conservation strategy and land management.
AustraliaVictoria's iconic koala population faces potential collapse without urgent intervention, affecting tourism, environmental policy and community conservation efforts across the state.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 7 d ago
