One of Australia’s most famous animals is the Koala. Often seen munching away on Eucalyptus leaves or having a comfortable doze high up in a tree, these cute, furry creatures are fascinating to watch an also interesting to learn about.
Habitat
Koalas live in the South Eastern and Eastern part of Australia. They live along the coastlines of New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland and Victoria.
Koalas spend most their time hanging out high up in the eucalyptus trees of native woodlands and forests.
Appearance
Koala’s have big furry ears and a dark leathery nose (similar to a dog). They have grey fur, a creamy coloured chest and strong clawed feet, which are ideal for hanging out in trees.
They measure 60-85cm long and weigh about 14kg.
Names
Koala’s are often referred to as bears, but they are not bears at all. They are in fact herbivorous marsupials.
A baby koala is called a joey, this is because koalas are closely related to wombats and kangaroos. A female is called a doe and a male is called a buck.
Diet
Koalas survive on a diet of eucalyptus leaves and can eat up to a whopping one kilogram per day! Koalas rarely drink water as they get most of their moisture from gum leaves.
They are fussy eaters too, choosing only the most nutritious, juicy and tastiest leaves to munch on.
Eucalyptus leaves are tough and poisonous to most animals, however koalas have a special digestive organ called a cecum which allows them to break down and consume the leaves safely.
Sleep
Koalas can sleep up to 18 hours a day. Eucalyptus leaves are low in nutrients so when they are not eating, they spend their time dozing in trees to conserve energy.
Lifespan and Joeys
Koalas live 13-18 years in the wild.
Baby koalas (joeys) live in their mothers pouch for about six months. After this time they ride around on their mothers back for another six months, returning to the pouch only to feed and sleep.