Trees, for koalas, mean life. Climate change and wild logging are putting a strain on their existence but in Australia a project has been started, thanks to which some volunteers have planted 600 trees. And this is how these cute creatures have returned to live peacefully in Bongil Bongil National Park
Trees, for i koalas, they mean life. Climate change and wild logging are putting a strain on their existence but in Australia a project has been started, thanks to which some volunteers have planted 600 trees. And this is how these nice creatures have returned to live peacefully in Bongil Bongil National Park.
The initiative, the Tree Parents project, made it possible to entrust volunteers with the planting and care of hundreds of trees for the first 2-3 years of their life.
The forest habitat on which koalas are based is being destroyed at an alarming rate. For example, in Queensland, Australia, nearly 700.000 hectares of forest land disappeared in 2014 alone.
With nowhere else to go, many of the Gold Coast's roughly 1.000 wild koalas find themselves dangerously close to the roads and that can be very dangerous. Koala populations are declining rapidly and could risk extinction.
READ also: KOALA AT RISK OF EXTINCTION. MORE SHELTER TREES ARE NEEDED
This is why Australia is trying to run for cover. The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) has invited volunteers to collaborate in the care of the trees that offer both food and shelter to koalas in Bongil Bongil National Park.
Il Tree Parents project was launched in 2014 and over 100 enthusiastic and competitive local volunteers have already planted 600 eucalyptus trees in a degraded area.
Andrew Lugg del NPWS he said that the planning and preparation of the site has now started and the second phase of the project will start soon with another 600 trees to be planted in May.
“The woods around Coffs Harbour supports one of the most important wild koala populations in the state, but some forest areas have been modified and there is a lack of tree species that provide food for the Koala. This project will help quickly create the koala's vital habitat and provide the opportunity for people to help local wildlife for centuries as most eucalyptus trees live over 300 years. "
READ also: THE CRY OF THE KOALA ON THE LAST TREE OF EUCALYPTUS (VIDEO AND PETITION)
Teams of 6-12 individuals undertake to care for 60 young trees in the park for the first two or three years of their life.
If you live in Australia and want to contribute as a volunteer too, you can contact Martin Smith of the local NPWS office at (02) 6652 0907.
Francesca Mancuso
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