Koala declared endangered in eastern Australia as disease, lost habitat take toll

Koalas have been declared officially endangered in eastern Australia as they fall prey to disease, lost habitat and other threats. - AP

CANBERRA, Australia (AP): Koalas were declared officially endangered Friday in eastern Australia as they fall prey to disease, lost habitat and other threats.

Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley downgraded their conservation status across the country’s east coast, in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, on a recommendation by the government’s Threatened Species Scientific Committee.