What in the World - How Australia is addressing its koala chlamydia crisis

Download How Australia is addressing its koala chlamydia crisis

Australian koalas are having a hard time in the wild. As many as 80% of some populations in eastern Australia have chlamydia and it can be deadly. They’re also facing habitat loss from urbanisation and natural disasters. In areas like New South Wales, they're listed as endangered - meaning that they're at risk of becoming extinct.

BBC reporter Tiffanie Turnbull tells us about some of the recent moves the Australian government has made to towards koala conservation. And how a newly approved vaccine has shown promising results in stopping the spread of chlamydia in koalas.

Plus we also hear about the plans to create the Great Koala National Park. Two campaigners, Paula Flack and Darcie Carruthers who were involved in making the park happen, tell us their thoughts on the final result.

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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart
Producers: Benita Barden and Jem Westgate
Editor: Emily Horler

Published on Tuesday, 23rd September 2025.

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