Queensland Koala
Phascolarctos cinereusAlso known as Koala, Native Bear, Monkey Bear
Koalas spend most of their lives high in the canopy of eucalyptus forests, sleeping up to twenty hours a day to conserve energy spent digesting toxic, fibrous leaves. Mothers carry a single joey in a backward-facing pouch for six months before the young cling to their mother's back for another half-year. Their specialized paws feature two opposable thumbs on each front limb, providing an exceptionally strong grip for navigating smooth tree trunks.
- diet
- Foliivore (almost exclusively eucalyptus leaves)
- family
- Phascolarctidae
- threats
- Habitat fragmentation, bushfires, chlamydia infections, and vehicle strikes
- life Span
- 10 to 15 years in the wild
VU
Equipped with sharp claws and strong jaws; observe from a safe distance and do not handle.
Possesses powerful jaws and long, razor-sharp claws designed for climbing trees, which can inflict deep puncture wounds if the animal feels cornered.
Never attempt to touch or rescue a wild koala; contact local wildlife authorities if you find one injured or on the ground.Listed as vulnerable due to severe habitat loss, climate change, and disease outbreaks that threaten local populations.
Keep domestic dogs on a leash in koala habitat and drive slowly at dawn and dusk when they are most likely to cross roads.- Look up: Scan the forks of eucalyptus trees, especially where branches meet the main trunk, for a grey, rounded shape.
- Listen closely: Listen for the deep, guttural grunts and bellows of males during the spring breeding season.
- Keep distance: Maintain a respectful distance of at least ten meters to avoid causing stress or provoking a defensive reaction.