Academics reject claims that koalas are close to extinction.

Academics reject claims that koalas are close to extinction.

Dr Valentina Mella, a koala conservationist in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences, said the claims could be dangerous to conservation efforts.

“The term 'functionally extinct' refers to species whose reduced populations are no longer viable,” said Dr Mella.

“Focus should be shifted to the valuable research-based management strategies that can be applied to enhance koala conservation, which could address the threats that have recently been highlighted."