Mastodawn

BellingenNSW Jun 22, 2024

The danger of turning endangered species like koalas into cash cows

Residents concerned by rock-throwing tourists
Kennett River has come under siege after a seemingly innocent tip on the internet has attracted thousands of people to the small seaside town. Tourists climbing fences and throwing rocks to wake koalas.
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https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/melbourne-breakfast/koala-chaos-residents-concerned-by-rock-throwing-tourists/103931258

TikTok tourists force Great Ocean Road koalas to flee
"The small community is facing increasing issues such as wildlife disturbance, trespassing, and pedestrian safety concerns as thousands of visitors flock to the area daily to see koalas in the wild."

"However, a perfect storm of social media reels and online reviews encouraging tourists to visit the area has exacerbated the situation...Tourists, eager for close-up photos of koalas, have been observed climbing trees, shaking branches, and throwing rocks to wake sleeping koalas. They have also been trespassing on private property as they seek to get closer to wildlife...Shorter daylight hours have also led visitors to resort to spotlighting koalas in the dark, sparking new wildlife welfare concerns."
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https://timesnewsgroup.com.au/surfcoasttimes/news/tiktok-tourists-force-great-ocean-road-koalas-to-flee/
#koalas #wildlife #conservation #PopulationViability #biodiversity #WildlifeDisturbance #tourism #impacts #harm #violence #harassment #SocialMedia #GIS #GoogleMaps #pins #roads #VacationScape #recreation #drones #uavs #cars #traffic #spotlighting

Koala chaos: Residents concerned by rock-throwing tourists - ABC listen

Kennett River has come under siege after a seemingly innocent tip on the internet has attracted thousands of people to the small seaside town.

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Koala chaos: Residents concerned by rock-throwing tourists - ABC listen