koala
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classification
Mammals, Marsupials, Diprotodontia, Phascolarctidae, Genus Phascolarctos (Phascolarctos cinereus for Koalas)
habitat
Koalas primarily inhabit eucalyptus forests and woodlands along the eastern and southeastern coast of Australia. They prefer areas with a high density of eucalyptus trees, which are their primary food source.
body length
Adult koalas typically range from 60 to 85 centimeters (24 to 33 inches) in body length, with males generally being larger than females.
body weight
Adult koalas weigh between 4 to 14 kilograms (9 to 31 pounds), with males being heavier than females. Weight can vary based on age, habitat quality, and food availability.
lifespan
In the wild, koalas have a lifespan of about 10 to 12 years, while those in captivity can live up to 18 years or more due to better care and absence of predators.
food habit
Koalas are herbivorous and primarily eat eucalyptus leaves. They are very selective feeders, choosing only certain species of eucalyptus trees, and they consume a small amount of leaves each day, around 200 to 500 grams.
habit
Koalas are mostly nocturnal, spending most of the day resting in trees to conserve energy. They are solitary animals and have a home range that they mark and defend from other koalas.
natural enemy
Koalas have few natural enemies, but they can be threatened by predators such as wild dogs and foxes, particularly in urban areas. Human activities, including habitat destruction and vehicle strikes, pose significant risks to their populations.
bits of knowledge
Koalas have a specialized digestive system that allows them to detoxify the chemicals found in eucalyptus leaves. They have a unique vocalization, with males producing loud bellows during the breeding season. Koalas are often mistaken for bears, but they are marsupials, not bears.