A juvenile rescued from the roadside by the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, he was held under observation for a few days before being released into a suitable habitat.

Sadly, not all koalas are so lucky.

Of those rescued by the Koala Hospital in the first months of this year, 26 sadly died.

Threatened Species Day on September 7 aims to raise awareness of animals, like koalas, and plants at risk of extinction and highlight how we can protect threatened species now and into the future.

Australia is home to more than 500,000 animal and plant species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Over the last 200 years, more than 100 animal and plant species have become extinct.

In NSW alone there are close to 1,000 animal and plant species at risk of extinction.

How can you help local threatened species including koalas?

Report koala sightings – via email at sightings@koalahospital.org.au  If the koala looks injured; appears to have inflamed, closed or crusty eyes; or if the rump is wet and stained reddish-brown, please call the Koala Hospital’s 24 hour rescue hotline - 6584 1522.

You can also adopt a koala from as little as $50. Your adoption helps with the rescue and treatment of sick and injured koalas, the preservation and expansion of habitat and the collection of information for research.

And drive slowly – it’s koala breeding season and koalas are on the move, day and night, looking for a mate.

During this time, keep your dog in a yard. Many koalas come to the Koala Hospital after being injured by dogs.