SAVING THE KOALA

Early day motion 188, tabled 21 November 2006 by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative). Signed by 46 members.

That this House congratulates the efforts of researchers from the Zoological Society of London and the University of Queensland in developing a successful programme of artificial insemination which will safeguard the future of the Australian marsupial the koala; notes that the koala population has steadily declined from over a million just one century ago to somewhere in the region of 60,000 today; recognises that the decrease in population, which is in large part due to deforestation and urban development, has seen a rapid increase in inbreeding leading to infertility and thus a reduction in fertile koala numbers; wishes all scientists involved in the programme every success; and notes with pride the important role British researchers have been able to play in this magnificent exchange of scientific accomplishment, which has undoubtedly saved the koala from an unsure future and possible extinction.

Signatures by party: Labour 22, Conservative 9, Liberal Democrat 9, DUP 3, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.