Koalas in Australia
Koalas are one of Australia's most recognised and loved animals. They live mainly in eucalyptus trees throughout temperate, tropical and sub-tropical regions of the country. They are arboreal (tree-dwelling) and spend most of their time tucked up in the canopy of a tree, sleeping or resting for as long as 18 hours each day. They rely on a leaf-based diet that has little energy value, and only require water in times of drought.
Reproduction and Lifecycle
During their lifetime, female koalas may breed five or six times in a wild population and they typically give birth to a baby joey that weighs about.0025 pounds at birth. This young koala crawls into its mother's pouch and stays with her for the first six to seven months of its life, until it is ready to leave.
Koala Species and Physical Characteristics
There are a number of koala species in the world and they are primarily found in North Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. Scientists are divided on whether there are two or three sub-species, but they do agree that there are a few differences in their physical characteristics like body size and fur properties.
Origin of the Name Koala
The name 'koala' comes from the indigenous language of the Dharug people who live in the region from Parramatta to the Blue Mountains of NSW and is believed to mean 'no water'.
Unique Physical Attributes
Their unique physical attributes include opposable thumbs, which they use to climb trees and pick eucalyptus leaves, sharp claws that allow them to dig into branches and feet with rough pads and claws to grab onto tree trunks. They have an acute sense of hearing and smell, which they use to detect predators and other koalas. Males also have a scent gland on their chest, which oozes an oily, strong-smelling liquid that attracts females.
Diet and Water Requirements
When it comes to food, koalas eat mostly eucalyptus leaves, which they grind with their cheek teeth. These tough leaves have toxins that deter most other mammals from eating them. A koala's tummy contains up to 500 grams of leaves each day. These leaves are high in fibre and nutrient content, which means they provide plenty of protein and essential vitamins. But the leaves are low in calories, containing only about 5% sugars and starches. These leaves also provide up to 50% of a koala's water requirements, removing the need to climb down a tree for a drink, except in times of drought.
Eating Habits
During a koala's lifespan, it will consume about a dozen different eucalyptus species. They are selective eaters, eating only their favourite trees and avoiding eucalyptus leaves that aren't fresh, or have been damaged by the sun, rain or other weather conditions. They can also eat lophostemon, melaleuca and corymbia species. They prefer to eat new growth on the tips of branches, which have juicier and more soft leaves than older foliage.
Conservation Status
The koala is listed as vulnerable in Australia and is endangered throughout the country due to habitat loss from agriculture, urbanisation and climate change. These factors can reduce the range of trees that koalas depend on to survive, and if koala populations decline it could have serious implications for their health.
