What in the World How Australia is addressing its koala chlamydia crisis
Sep 23, 2025
Tiffany Turnbull, a BBC journalist in Sydney, sheds light on Australia's koala crisis, where up to 80% are infected with deadly chlamydia. She discusses the vaccine trials showing a two-thirds reduction in deaths and the challenges of treating these charming marsupials. Additionally, Tiffany highlights the urgent need for habitat protection, especially with the establishment of the Great Koala National Park, which has been a major campaign effort. The fight for these beloved creatures continues amidst urban threats and natural disasters.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Chlamydia Drives High Koala Mortality
- Up to around 70% of wild koalas carry chlamydia and it causes about half of their deaths.
- This disease is a key factor driving rapid population declines along Australia's east coast.
Childhood Rescues In Queensland
- Tiffany Turnbull recalls childhood memories of finding and rescuing koalas in southeast Queensland.
- She describes taking orphaned joeys to Australia Zoo for checkups and reunification with their mothers.
Rapid Population Collapse On The East Coast
- Koala populations have plummeted across the eastern coast with declines up to an estimated 80% in some areas.
- Some states now fear local extinction within a generation without intervention.