Hanging in the balance: a review of Victorian koala populations, threats and management

Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus Goldfuss, 1817) in Victoria have a complex history of near-extirpation, reintroduction, and population recovery. Today, their abundance varies considerably throughout their Victorian range, with some regions supporting low-density populations and others having unsustainably high densities. Although considered relatively secure compared with northern populations, Victoria’s koalas not only face the same threats, but also additional challenges associated with low genetic diversity, overabundance, and commercial blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) plantations. Management actions to conserve low-density populations, improve genetic diversity, mitigate the ecological and poor welfare consequences of overabundance, and address welfare and landscape-scale issues associated with blue gum plantations are required. However, management is often reactive, constrained by limited funding, and hindered by public perceptions and misinformation propagated through news and social media. Here, we review the legacy of past management, the current distribution and abundance of koalas in Victoria, and key threats and challenges. We argue that effective future management requires population and disease monitoring, proactive strategies to prevent overabundance crises, habitat management, and transparent communication with the public to achieve balanced outcomes for koala welfare, populations and habitat.