Australia to Protect ‘Vulnerable’ Koalas    [11-05-2012] The koala is one of Australia’s best-known animals. They are loved by many people all around the world. But sadly, the Australian government listed the koala as a threatened species for the first time last week. This is because its population is rapidly decreasing in some parts of the country. The most at-risk koalas will be added on the national list of threatened species. Koalas in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT)호주수도특별지역 will be listed as vulnerable. Their numbers have dropped by 40 percent in Queensland and by a third in New South Wales over the past 20 years. There are no wild koalas left in the ACT. Experts blame habitat loss, urban expansion, vehicle strikes, dog attacks, and disease. “Koala populations are very clearly in trouble so we must take action,” said Environment Minister Tony Burke. “We’re talking about a species that is not only iconic in Australia, but it known worldwide. We can’t wait any longer. We need to make sure the koala is protected for future generations.”     출처: 어린이 영자신문 키즈타임즈 (www.kidstimes.net)