P175 CEEFAX 175 Fri 13 May 21:13/57 -n2n2 FROM -/.%/.%/, NEWSROUND KOALAS FACE MAJOR EXTJNCTJON THREAT Australia's koalas could become extinct faster than previously thought because of bushfires and housing developments. Steve Phillips of the Australian Koala Foundation fears the koala will "burn out and become extinct". It is estimated that Australia's wild koala population has dropped from 400,000 in 1986 to 45,000 now. "They can't handle the impacts we have imposed on the environment - whjthjr roads, houses or firer," adds Steve. Contacts Main News PP Info PP Rjpts