YA Eco Mysteries, Memoirs, Novels & Travel
Koala Listed as Threatened Species
06/09/12 09:18 Filed in: Environment
What inspired me to write Who Kidnapped the Koala? The fourth book in the eco mystery series, The Adventures of the Sizzling Six.
On a visit to Australia my husband and I spent a weekend with a cousin in Somers on the Mornington Peninsula. While there we very much enjoyed a tour of the Moonlit Sanctuary. Inspired by our close encounters with koalas, I wrote the fourth book in the eco mystery series, The Adventures of the Sizzling Six: Who Kidnapped the Koala? The series is intended for middle school readers approximately ages 4-7 grades. Science teachers, nature centers, environmental advocates, and librarians will find the series an informative and engaging reading. The eco mysteries encourage fieldwork, environmental awareness, and community service. Koalas in some regions face increasing threats from urban expansion, disease, habitat loss, vehicle strikes, predation by dogs, susceptibility to drought, and climate change. After considering scientific advice from the Threatened Species Scientific Committee, Environment Minister Tony Burke has listed the Queensland, New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory koala populations as vulnerable under national environment law. A leading koala scientist, Professor Alistair Melzer, from the University of Central Queensland, said the listing was "a big step forward" but further measures were needed to prevent deaths from cars and dog attacks in urban areas. "The listing alone will not save the koala," he stated. "It's basically a label that says we've got to a point where koalas are in serious trouble and need careful management if they're going to survive."
For additional information visit:
Who Kidnapped The Koala?
Koalas listed as a threatened species - Story - Environment/Sci - 3 News
Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) - Listing | Threatened Species | Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Koala bear listed as threatened species - Telegraph