Fauna
Mammal

Victorian Koala

Phascolarctos cinereus victor

Also known as Southern Koala

Victorian koalas are the largest and heaviest of their kind, sporting thick, fluffy, chocolate-brown fur adapted for chilly southern winters. They spend up to twenty hours a day resting or sleeping in the forks of eucalyptus trees to conserve energy while digesting tough, fibrous leaves. Mothers carry a single joey in their backward-facing pouch, later transferring the young to their back as they navigate the canopy.

ArborealMarsupialHerbivorous
Victorian Koala reference
Diliff / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyManna gum leaves, Blue gum leaves, Swamp gum leaves
Predators
  • Dingoes
  • Domestic dogs
  • Wedge-tailed eagles
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, bushfires, chlamydia infections, and vehicle collisions
HabitatsEucalyptus forests, woodlands, and coastal shrublands
Life span10 to 15 years in the wild
Classification
  1. FamilyPhascolarctidae
  2. SpeciesPhascolarctos cinereus victor
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Equipped with sharp claws and strong jaws; observe quietly from a safe distance and never attempt to touch.
Why it is dangerous
Possesses extremely sharp, curved claws designed for climbing trees and a powerful bite that can cause deep puncture wounds.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a stout, tailless body with thick chocolate-brown fur, large fluffy ears, and a prominent black nose.
What to do
Never approach a koala on the ground or attempt to handle one; call local wildlife rescue if an animal appears injured.
What to notice
Identifiable by its large size, dense dark fur, and frequent presence in Victorian eucalyptus woodlands.
Support conservation
Avoid shining bright torches directly into their eyes at night and keep domestic dogs on leashes in koala habitat.
Responsible observation
  • Look up: Scan the forks of mature eucalyptus trees, especially manna gums, where they often tuck themselves to sleep.
  • Listen closely: Listen for the deep, guttural grunts and bellows of males during the spring breeding season.
  • Give space: Keep a respectful distance of at least ten meters to avoid causing stress or defensive behavior.
Related species
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