Pet dogs as predators of koalas

Pet dogs are also one of the predators of koalas and it has become a growing concern among koala conservationists. According to one study in the South-Eastern Queensland region, about 395 koalas have become victims of dog attacks in just 5 years. The study also found that dog density was directly related to the killings of koalas by dogs. Therefore, areas with overlapping territories of koalas and a higher presence of pet dogs are witnessing more casualties of koalas. Koala conservationists have particularly pointed out that free-roaming and unleashed dogs are among the main culprits.

Koalas specifically become victims of pet dogs during the breeding season. A lot of males in search of a potential mate move from one tree to another and during their journey, they usually encounter pet dogs on the ground. Similarly, young male koala joeys who are kicked out of their territory by dominant male koalas also become victims of dog attacks.

Key Statistics about Koalas Casualties from Dog Attacks in South-Eastern Queensland

Koalas	Statistical Value
Koalas killed	395
Survival rate	25%
Killings by large dogs	96%
Hospital Admissions due to dog attacks	27%
Deep Tissue wounds	30%
Superficial wounds	66%
Dog attack Months	July, August, & September

Dogs are highly territorial animals. They instinctively chase any wild or unknown animal in their territory. The same is true about koalas as pet dogs instinctively chase and even hunt them. They consider koalas as intruders. According to the vets at the koala hospitals in Queensland, identifying bite wounds or scratch marks on koalas is extremely difficult due to their thick fur. Some experts have also pointed to the fact that sometimes even a single scratch can cause the death of a koala. Hospital data also revealed that about 40 percent of koalas with wounds died. In another study of 100 koalas admitted at the Moggil Koala Hospital 75 percent admitted koalas died who came with dog attacks. Dogs inflict more internal wounds on koalas than it seems from outside. If proper medication is not given, a koala dies quite easily.

According to hospital data in the South-Eastern Queensland region, Morten Bay had the most koala casualties from dog attacks. This area had a total tally of 188 koala deaths. Gold Coast and Redland areas had 43 koala mortalities due to dog attacks. Similarly, Logan had 27 and Ipswich had 15 koala casualties respectively. All of these areas were urban areas and had a high density of pet dogs. Even though rural areas had far less koala casualties from pet dogs, the exact data from those regions may not be available.

Top regions with Koalas' deaths in South-Eastern Queensland

Queensland region	Deaths
Moreton Bay	188
Gold Coast	43
Redland	43
Logan	27
Ipswich	15

Experts have warned dog owners against allowing their dogs to play with koalas. Dogs play with their mouth, and they try to bite while playing. Even during the play, there is a very big possibility that a dog may injure a koala by biting or through the nails of its paws. And as mentioned earlier sometimes a scratch is enough to kill a koala. Furthermore, the playful behavior of dogs or their barking may stress a koala, and a stressful koala stops eating that may lead to its death.

Some people allow their pets to free-roam instead of walking them on a leash. Such dogs are directly involved in koala attacks. Experts have advised owners to put their dogs on the leash while giving them a walk. Experts have also suggested proper fencing of the backyards and installing poles near the fences. These poles can assist koalas in climbing and avoid dog attacks if they get trapped. Finally, responsible dog petting programs have been introduced throughout Queensland that have helped to minimize dog attacks on koalas by 40 percent.

References

1. Courier Mail, 2024. Dogs maul two koalas to death on Straddie, triggering call for harsher penalties. [Accessed 15 January 2025].
2. Department of Environment and Science, Queensland, 2024. Help keep our koalas safe this breeding season. [Accessed 15 January 2025].
3. Dissanayake, R.B., Stevenson, M., Astudillo, V.G., Allavena, R. and Henning, J., 2023. Anthropogenic and environmental factors associated with koala deaths due to dog attacks and vehicle collisions in South-East Queensland, Australia, 2009-2013. Scientific reports, 13(1), p.14275.
4. Phys.org, 2023. Cars, chlamydia and canines are biggest koala killers. [Accessed 15 January 2025].
5. Redlands Coast Today, 2024. Keeping koalas safe from dogs in suburbia. [Accessed 15 January 2025].
6. Schlagloth, R., Santamaria, F., Melzer, A., Keatley, M.R. and Houston, W., 2022. Vehicle collisions and dog attacks on Victorian koalas as evidenced by a retrospective analysis of sightings and admission records 1997-2011. Australian Zoologist, 42(3), pp.655-666.
7. UQ News, 2023. Cars, chlamydia and canines are biggest koala killers. The University of Queensland, Australia. [Accessed 15 January 2025].