Article: Koalas up a gum tree as CO2 turns eucalyptus poisonous

ONE of Australia's most iconic creatures is under threat because its food is being poisoned by growing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, research has shown.

The koala could be the latest species to fall victim to increasing levels of greenhouse gas emissions, according to Ian Hume, emeritus professor of biology at Sydney University.

His studies have revealed that carbon dioxide saps nutrients from eucalyptus leaves, which are the animals' only source of food.

Professor Hume estimates that at current pollution levels, a reduction in Australia's koala population will be evident in 50 years due to a lack of leaves edible to the creatures.

Prof Hume, who has written books on the ...

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