In the wake of Australia's recent bushfire crisis, a new scientific study is calling for one of the country's most beloved animals – the koala – to officially be reclassified as endangered.

Examining a period of 15 weeks from October 1, 2019 to January 10, 2020, the report commissioned by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and prepared by the research group Biolink, conservatively estimated that around 5,000 koalas, or 12 percent of the population in New South Wales (NSW) State were killed as a direct result of the bushfires.

While some koalas may have escaped the flames, the figures do not include the ongoing losses which are expected due to habitat destruction.

With more research to be completed covering the period to February 10, 2020, the report found that the iconic marsupials are facing "serious challenges" when it comes to their long-term survival.

The ongoing threat posed by bushfires and climate change, as well as low reproductive rates and habitat loss caused by human activities, put the species' future at significant risk.

In response, the NSW state government is reported to be considering an emergency endangered species listing, meaning there will be greater funding for conservation available and increased restrictions on land clearing near koala habitats.

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