Victoria’s koalas in chronically poor health and population is half what was previously estimated

An overabundance in some local koala populations had created a perception that Victoria’s overall population was thriving, researchers say. Photograph: Penny Stephens/The Guardian

The Victorian government sat on a report for more than 12 months that found the state’s koala population was in chronically poor health.

The review of the state’s koala populations, led by state science agency the Arthur Rylah Institute in conjunction with scientists from major universities, was completed for the Victorian government in June 2025.