The koala may be Australia's most iconic species, but the country is considering upgrading it to an endangered listing as its numbers continue to fall. It is one of 28 species under consideration for a change of status by the Australian government.

The koala is currently considered to be ‘vulnerable,’ but the 2019-2020 bushfire disaster as well as ongoing habitat destruction, drought and disease on the east coast has posed a threat to the species. There are also fears that the koala population may become extinct in parts of Australia by 2050, according to a recent inquiry established by the New South Wales parliament.