Culling colonies of STD-ridden koalas could save the species, researchers say.

It’s estimated more than 50 per cent of some koala colonies have chlamydia, which leads to infertility and suffering.

Professor David Wilson, lead researcher at Burnet Institute, told Tom Elliott euthanising sections of the koala community with the disease would be for the ‘greater good’ of the Australian icon.

‘I’m sure it sounds like I’m a monster for suggesting something like this, but I’m looking at it from a population perspective and wanting the greatest good for the next 10-20 years,’ he explained on 3AW Drive.

‘They’re actually really suffering.’

LISTEN: Professor Wilson explains his idea on 3AW Drive