Fauna experts have recommended the conservation status of the koala in Queensland be downgraded and broadened to "vulnerable" throughout the state.

However, the recommendation is yet to be accepted by Environment Minister Andrew Powell.

Experts have recommended Queensland's koala population be downgraded to 'vulnerable'. Credit:Ian Waldie

Since 2004, the koala has been threatened and classified as "vulnerable" in the south-east Queensland bio-region, stretching from Gladstone south to the border and west to Toowoomba.

In the rest of the state, it is classified as threatened, but of "low concern".