Australian Koala Foundation

Description

The Australian Koala Foundation, known as AKF, is a non-profit, non-government organisation dedicated to the conservation and management of the wild koala and its habitat. It was formed in 1986, initially to research koala disease before shifting its focus to habitat loss and its reversal. It is an Australian charity that says it takes no government funding, which it says gives it an independent voice.

The foundation is best known for its mapping work, including the Koala Habitat Atlas, which maps koala habitat tree by tree for use by the public, government and courts. It also invites members of the public to record sightings through its Koala Map. Its Koala Kiss Project works to identify and connect separated patches of koala habitat by planting trees between them.

AKF campaigns for stronger legal protection for koalas, including lobbying for a dedicated Koala Protection Act, and its advocacy contributed to the koala being listed as vulnerable and later endangered under Australian law. It runs community education and engages supporters through its Koala Army. It operates in Australia.