Could one of the world's most unique and adorable creatures vanish in the next few decades? Researchers from the Australian Koala Foundation are beginning to think so, as numbers of koalas are rapidly on the decline. The current koala population is somewhere between 43,000 and 80,000, a stark contrast to the 100,000 individual koalas in 2003.

photo: Jodie Bhattacharya

Dwindling habitats, drier than normal conditions and a shocking outbreak of chlamydia among the species are to blame, experts speculate.

An increase in development is causing destruction of koala habitat, and as the organization says in regard to koalas, 'no tree, no me.' Global warming may already be negatively effecting the species, as dry weather conditions are causing Eucalyptus leaves, the desired food of choice for koalas, to lack the nutritional punch they used to.

This isn't a geo-specific problem, either, as koala populations are down across all regions where the species live. Though preservation groups would like to add koalas to the threatened species list, such an act can't take place until mid-2010.

A world without koalas would be truly tragic. You can do your part to save this species and others by choosing WWF as your Cause on SocialVibe and earn as many points as possible by encouraging your friends to visit your profile and complete activities. With your help, we can make a difference!

via TreeHugger