Additional Threats

• CLIMATE CHANGE – Koalas appear to be drinking much more water than they used to.  It is believed their newfound thirst is because the leaves that used to keep them hydrated are drying out as our climate gets hotter and drier.
• VEHICLE STRIKES – Koalas need to come to ground to move between the trees within their habitat.  On ground movement across roads put koalas at a greater risk of being hit by cars, particularly at night.
• ATTACKS BY DOGS, CATTLE AND HORSES – Between July and November, adult koalas will be moving around in search of mates, making them more vulnerable to dog attacks. Cattle and horses often attack koalas forced onto the ground because of excessive tree-clearing. If the koalas’ habitat was better connected, they would not be forced to walk across paddocks and properties searching for new habitat.
• STRESS and DISEASE such as Chlamydia.  Chlamydia causes conjunctivitis (which can lead to blindness), urinary tract infections and infections of the reproductive organs that can lead to female infertility.For tips on how to recognise a sick Koala, see the Friends of the Koala website: http://www.friendsofthekoala.org/fok/thehealthykoala
• UNFRIENDLY FENCING (particularly barbed wire) will stop koalas from moving freely between habitats. Refer the wildlife friendly fencing website: http://wildlifefriendlyfencing.om/WFF/Home.html and/or download our  Friendly Fencing Flyer
• BUSHFIRES – Koalas are also at great risk from bushfires.  A bushfire will destroy the under story and a hot fire will burn the canopy.  The koala’s territory is often no longer able to sustain them due to lack of food and shelter, and a forest can take up to 10 years to recover from a major burn.

Each year we work closely with the Mornington Peninsula Shire, Frankston City Council and Vic Roads to identify the roads across the Mornington Peninsula where koalas are being hit and/or killed. From spring through to autumn when koalas are on the move,  our road safety signs are installed to urge drivers to slow down and stay alert in these high risk areas.

In January 2026, new temporary signage was installed along the Western Port Highway between O’Neills Road and Thornells Road in Tyabb, the most devastating koala roadkill hotspot on the Peninsula. Too many koalas have lost their lives on this stretch of road.

The roadkill statistics for koalas on the Mornington Peninsula is heartbreaking and cannot be ignored:

• In 2024, 40 koalas were killed, including two joeys. 
• In 2025 alone, a further 25 koalas died, again including a joey. 
• During the recent holiday period (from October 2025 to February 2026), 19 more koalas were lost, including two joeys. 
• By February, 10 koalas — including a joey — have already lost their lives in 2026.

Please look out for our koalas and other wildlife!