Koalas declared endangered in eastern Australia, in "shockingly fast decline"

Canberra, Australia — Koalas were declared officially endangered Friday in eastern Australia as they fall prey to disease, lost habitat and other threats.

Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley downgraded their conservation status across the country's east coast, in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, on a recommendation by the government's Threatened Species Scientific Committee.

Earlier they had been listed as a vulnerable species.