Australia's proposed koala haven faces logging threat

A tree stump stands after recent logging within the proposed Great Koala National Park (GKNP) area in Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia, October 25, 2023. REUTERS/Cordelia Hsu

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Nestled in old eucalyptus forests in Australia's New South Wales region, an estimated 15% of the state’s dwindling koala population is set to win some protection from as early as 2025, but environmentalists say that might be too late.

To shore up the habitat of these iconic Australian animals, the state government plans to merge 315,000 hectares (1,216 sq miles) of national park and public forest land into the Great Koala National Park (GKNP), covering an area twice the size of London.