Cars and chlamydia behind rise in Queensland koala deaths

Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Scientists in Australia have identified the two main drivers of koala deaths in southeast Queensland: cars and chlamydia.

Researchers at the University of Queensland analyzed death and disease data from Moggill Koala Hospital records. Between 1997 to 2013, more than 5,000 otherwise healthy koalas were killed by cars. Of the more than 20,000 koala deaths studied, 50 percent involved koalas with at least one disease.

"It's important data collected over the span of the koala population crash," Rachel Allavena, a professor of veterinary sciences, said in a news release. "Populations throughout 'Koala Coast' declined by about 80 per cent over this period, so this iconic and famous species is in real trouble in our area."

Chlamydia was the most prominent disease among koalas admitted to Moggill Koala Hospital. The disease renders many females infertile and leaves infected koalas vulnerable to predators.

Wasting disease, starvation and animal attacks, especially from dogs, were also significant drivers of koala losses.

Researchers published the results of their survey in the journal Scientific Reports.

As part of survey, scientists set up an online database that allows local veterinarians report instances of koala injury, disease and death. The data will help government agencies and conservation groups make more strategic investments in koala care and prevention.