Thousands of koalas get a spacious new home as Australia establishes a vast national park.

Giant national park established in Australia for thousands of koalas' habitat protection - Expanded National Park Established in Australia for Thousands of Koalas' Safeguard

In a significant move to protect one of Australia's most beloved creatures, the Great Koala National Park is being established in New South Wales. Spanning an area of 476,000 hectares, the park will be one of the largest in the state and a crucial step towards safeguarding the future of the koala population.

The park aims to provide a sanctuary for approximately 12,000 koalas, a population that has been severely impacted by the devastating "Black Summer" bushfires five years ago. The WWF estimates that around 60,000 koalas were killed, injured, displaced, or traumatized during the fires. The current estimated population of wild koalas in Australia is approximately 80,000 individuals, with particular concern about the population in the states of New South Wales and Queensland on the east coast.

The ancient forests of the region, home to over 100 endangered species including the greater glider, the giant owl, and the greater gliding possum, will be protected within the national park. The park's creation is not just a victory for koalas but also for the rich biodiversity of the area, making it one of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots.

The WWF has hailed the plan as offering koalas a real chance of survival. Koalas, scientifically known as "Phascolarctos cinereus", are endemic to Australia and feed exclusively on eucalyptus leaves. They spend most of their day sitting in trees.

The government of Regional Premier Minister Chris Minns will add 176,000 hectares of forest to existing protected areas. Logging of trees in the area will immediately stop, and affected loggers will be supported through a program.

Environment Minister Penny Sharpe described the Great Koala National Park as a "gift for our grandchildren". The park is expected to generate an estimated AUD 163 million (EUR 91 million) in additional tourism revenue, making it a new attraction on Australia's east coast.

Images of koalas with singed fur and burned paws went around the world during the "Black Summer", highlighting the urgent need for action. The dramatic decline in koala population is from millions at the beginning of the last century. With the establishment of the Great Koala National Park, there is hope that the koala's story in Australia may take a turn for the better.