Australia:
* Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act): This is the primary federal legislation for protecting koalas. It lists koalas as a "nationally threatened species" and provides a framework for managing their habitat and populations. Under this Act, it is illegal to harm, kill, trade, or possess a koala without a permit.
* State Legislation: Each Australian state and territory has its own legislation for protecting koalas. For example, in New South Wales, the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 protects koalas as a "vulnerable species".
* Local Laws: Some local councils also have specific by-laws related to koala protection, such as regulations regarding tree clearing and development in koala habitat areas.
Other Countries:
* Koalas are not found in any other country besides Australia, so there is no specific legislation protecting them outside of Australia.
International Treaties:
* While there are no specific treaties for koalas, Australia is a signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES), which regulates the international trade of endangered species, including koalas.
It is important to note that:
* Even though there are laws protecting koalas, their populations continue to decline due to habitat loss, bushfires, disease, and vehicle collisions.
* Public awareness, community involvement, and ongoing conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of this iconic species.
For more information on specific laws and regulations, you can refer to the websites of the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, the relevant state/territory government agencies, and conservation organizations like the WWF and the Australian Koala Foundation.