Koala

Since our inception in 1986 the AKF has known that existing legislation does not stop trees from being cleared. We also know that all Koala problems stem from losing their homes. Now, the AKF is ready to go with a Koala Protection Act; a simple a piece of national legislation that has been formulated by us in consultation with our legal teams in Australia and overseas.

It will focus on protecting trees, including habitats that are empty. Existing State and Federal legislation ironically focusses on the Koala itself, and the habitat is almost impossible to protect. 

The reason we have been so clear about protection of the trees is because if you are a Koala and lose your home, you have nothing to eat, and you are lost, leaving you more susceptible to threats such as cars and dogs.

There is a petition for a Koala protection act but right mow their is minimal protection for Koalas.

One example of a mutual symbiotic relationship that a koala has is in between them and the eucalyptus tree. The koala can eat the leaves that could be dying. This helps the koala because they are getting the food that they need and and the tree is getting rid of the unhealthy leaves so it can grow better and healthier. Nothing is harmed.

An example of a parasitic symbiotic relationship that a koala has is in between them and their predator, the dingo. The dingo will trick the koala into "playing" with them. They really start to attack the koala and then leave once the koala is injured. They also could have a risk of death. This is parasitism because the dingo is able to "play" with the koala and burn steam off, and the koala gets injured form the experience.

One example of commensalism in a symbiotic relationship in koalas is between them and eucalyptus trees. Koalas get food, shelter, supplies and a hiding place from predators. The trees can't be affected form the koala sitting/resting on them. The koala benefits from the tree.