"Endangered Koalas Face Mass Starvation on French Island Despite Protection"

Koalas on French Island (Victoria) face potential mass starvation despite being protected, highlighting the impact of habitat fragmentation and local conditions on this vulnerable species.

• Despite being free from feral cats and foxes, the koalas on French Island (Victoria) are at risk of starvation due to drought and habitat fragmentation affecting their food supply.
• The Victorian Koala Management Strategy, introduced in 2023, acknowledges the importance of birth control and species translocation to address the overpopulation of koalas in local areas.
• Koalas are classified as vulnerable species in New South Wales, Queensland, and the ACT, yet they remain unprotected in Victoria, raising concerns about their long-term survival on French Island.