Koalas begin to be hunted for fur between 10,000 and 30,000 skins reached London each year. Experts concerned believed koalas could not survive such onslaught.
Koalas begin to be hunted for fur between 10,000 and 30,000 skins reached London each year. Experts concerned believed koalas could not survive such onslaught.
Despite wide scaled protection, there were a series of “Open Seasons” when koalas were allowed to be killed.
Koalas were hunted almost to extinction in the early 20th century for fur.
Koala protective legislation act introduced in NSW
Koala protective legislation act introduced in Qld
Koala protective legislation act introduced in SA
1 million skins were sold in “Open Season” in Qld
French Islands pets had bred so well that numbers grew to 2300 . Farmers, alarmed, requested cull which was denied. Instead translocation programs began.
50 Koalas were translocated to Phillip Island, Victoria and 6 translocated to Kangaroo Island, South Australia
As many as 2 million furs were exported from NSW. Large scale public outcry slaughter revolted the general public.
a further 12 Koalas translocated from French Island, Vic to Kangaroo Island, SA
Last open season, 600,000 koalas were killed in one month despite growing movement to protect the species
Wildlife Preservation Society of Australia was formed, determined to stop the koala fur trade. Campaigning included the President of the United States, skins imported to North America were being labelled “wombat”.
The commonwealth government ceased altogether issuing permits for the export of koala furs. After the ban of the fur trade koala numbers increased.
A total of 165 koalas were translocated from French Island to Quail Island, Victoria.
Frederick Lewis, the Chief Inspector of Game in Victoria, said that the once abundant animal had been brought to near extinction in that state, suggesting that only 500–1000 remained. However populations confined to Islands already experiencing problems with over population, resulted in starvation, tree dieback and death .
Koalas on Phillip Island had become so overpopulated, approximately 6000, therefore the translocation program was established to reduce numbers. 350 koalas were sent to The Strathbogie Plateau, Victoria.
More than 3000 koalas have been translocated from Phillip Island. Program ceases in 1978.
Quail Island, Victoria, hundreds of starving koalas, trees dead.
1308 koalas translocated from Quail Island, Victoria, more than 60 found dead.
133 koalas translocated from French and Phillip Islands released on Snake Island, Victoria.
32 koalas translocated from Phillip Island and released on Raymond Island
.
37 Koalas translocated from French Island to Framlingham in Western Victoria.
Phillip Island’s numbers so low, concern population headed for extinction.
Semi captive enclosure established to ensure koalas on Phillip Island for tourists.
Framlingham locals alarmed. Severe die back. Koalas located in every second tree. Authorities do nothing.
Framlingham population now a staggering 10,000 koalas. Translocation takes place of just over 1,000 koalas. Entire manna gum forest now dead. Many dying starving koalas
Snake Island’s population now at a staggering 5,000.
population now approx 630 with major defoliation from overbrowsing. Manna gum woodlands now dead and dying.
Death of approx 150 koalas from starvation. Population crash .Experts put in recommendations for future management of koalas on
Department of Sustainability release Victoria’s Koala Management Strategy.
Spring - 30 koalas translocated from Raymond Island to mainland undergo 6 week monitoring trial with successful results. A further 390 then translocated from Raymond Island to save remaining population.
DSE conduct Koala Count on
175
11 Koalas translocated from Raymond Island
DSE conduct Koala Count on
- 219
DSE conducts 3 day Koala Management program on Raymond Island
Koalas are captured, health checks conducted. Vasectomies performed on some males, hormone implants on some females to control growing population. Approx 100 koalas (unconfirmed) translocated to the mainland.
DSE conduct Koala Count on Raymond island -297
DSE conducts 3 day Koala Management program on Raymond Island.
Koalas are captured, health checks conducted. Vasectomies performed on some males, hormone implants on some females to control growing population. 33 koalas translocated to mainland.
DSE conduct Koala count on Raymond Island- 251
DSE conducts 3 day Koala Management program on Raymond Island.
Koalas are captured, health checks conducted. Vasectomies performed on some males, hormone implants on some females to control growing population. 17 Translocated to mainland.
DSE conducts 3 day Koala Management program on Raymond Island.
Koalas are captured, health checks conducted. Vasectomies performed on some males, hormone implants on some females to control growing population. None translocated
May DEPI conduct Koala count on Raymond Island -305
Oct- DEPI conducts 4 day Koala Management program on Raymond Island.
Koalas are captured, health checks conducted. Vasectomies performed on some males, hormone implants on some females to control growing population. 17 koalas translocated to Mainland.
DEPI conduct 3 day Koala Management Program. Koalas are captured, health checks conducted. Vasectomies performed on males, hormone implants on some females to control growing population. 4 translocated to Mainland.