Claim koala cuteness is being exploited

They help win Australia friends and influence people but wildlife campaigners say it's time federal politicians showed koalas some love.

Australia exercised some so called "koala diplomacy" last week, sending four furry ambassadors to Singapore's Zoo.

World leaders also cuddled koalas during the G20 Summit in Brisbane last year.

But Australian Koala Foundation spokesman Deborah Tabart fears the animals' cuteness is being exploited.

"Politicians love to cuddle the koala for a photo op but don't take any action when it comes to protecting the species in the wild," Ms Tabart said on Thursday.

Forest habitats needed urgent protection, she added.

The foundation estimates there could be less than 43,000 koalas left in the wild.

"What happens when there are no Koalas left to cuddle?" she said.