Environmental groups have raised serious concerns over claims that koalas in Victoria’s Budj Bim National Park are being targeted and killed by snipers using rifles from helicopters.
According to these groups, around 700 koalas have reportedly been killed so far.
The Victorian government is facing heavy criticism for its handling of the situation, with environmentalists accusing it of failing to protect the endangered animals.
Opposition environment spokesman Brad Roswell has urged the government to release official records detailing the number of koalas killed.
He also expressed concern about the negative impact this issue could have on Victoria’s international reputation.
Environmentalists further highlighted that koala habitats across nearly 2,000 hectares were destroyed in recent forest fires, compounding the threat to the species.
