Isra-Mart srl : Koalas, too, would benefit from carbon tax

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Isra-Mart srl news:

TOUGH measures including a carbon tax are needed to save the koala from vanishing in its own habitat, warns local environmentalist Janine Duffy.

A week after highlighting the declining number of koalas in the Brisbane Ranges, Ms Duffy said she was not advocating expensive measures but, rather, basics like habitat preservation.

"We need a carbon tax; plant more trees and combat the drought," she said.

"We also need to link habitat to wildlife corridors, which means planting trees between two forested areas that are separated. This helps them move through to other areas through a tree link when the food is scarce or if there's a fire or another natural disaster."

Last week, Ms Duffy told the Weekly the marsupial was under threat locally due to habitat destruction.

A Friends of Brisbane Ranges member, Ms Duffy said the Australian icon could be wiped out within 20 years if urgent steps were not taken.

"They are natural browsers on trees," she said. "If the trees have no leaves, then there is no future for the wild koalas."

Ms Duffy said the animal could only have a sustainable future if it was allowed to flourish in the wild. "Koalas are an animal that lives in perfect balance in its environment," she said. "So many other species are reliant on the koalas. It would upset this balance if they were wiped out."

Ms Duffy said birds like honeyeaters depended on the koala's fur to line their nests.

"The birds sit on the koala's back and pluck the fur," she said.

Ms Duffy said visitors should be careful not to stress koalas while in the forest.

Koalas sightings can be reported to Friends of Brisbane Ranges member Carole Bartholomew at cazbarth@yahoo.com.au or 53694197.

Koala etiquette ...

WHAT to do if you see a koala:

■Don't touch the tree they are in and stay back 10 metres.

■Keep all people on one side and avoid surrounding the tree.

■Keep dogs away, and don't make noises to attract the koala's attention.