Fauna
Mammal

Koala

Phascolarctos cinereus

Also known as Koala Bear, Native Bear

Koalas spend up to twenty hours a day resting or sleeping in the forks of eucalyptus trees to conserve energy while digesting toxic, fibrous foliage. Specialized gut bacteria break down leaf toxins, while leathery paw pads and long, curved claws provide an unbreakable grip on smooth bark. Mothers carry a single joey in a backward-facing pouch before transferring the growing young to ride on their back.

ArborealMarsupialHerbivore
Koala reference1 / 7
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VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyEucalyptus Leaves
Predators
  • Dingoes
  • Powerful Owls
  • Wedge-tailed Eagles
ThreatsHabitat loss, bushfires, Chlamydia infection, vehicle strikes
HabitatsEucalyptus forests and open woodlands
Life span10–18 years
Classification
  1. OrderDiprotodontia
  2. FamilyPhascolarctidae
  3. GenusPhascolarctos
  4. SpeciesPhascolarctos cinereus
Range & activity
Native
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Equipped with strong jaws and sharp claws that can inflict deep scratches if handled or cornered.
Why it is dangerous
Possesses powerful jaws and long, sharp climbing claws capable of inflicting serious puncture wounds when cornered.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Identified by a stout tailless body, thick grey fur, large fluffy ears, and a leathery black nose.
What to do
Observe from the ground and never attempt to touch or rescue without professional wildlife training.
What to notice
Recognized by dense grey or brownish fur and prominent round ears high in eucalyptus crowns.
Support conservation
Keep dogs leashed in koala territory and report injured animals to local wildlife rescuers rather than handling them directly.
Responsible observation
  • Viewing Distance: Keep a distance of at least ten meters to avoid causing stress or inducing defensive behavior.
  • Scanning Strategy: Look high into tree forks and major branch crotches for motionless grey shapes during daylight hours.
  • Eucalyptus Indicators: Search mature forests with high concentrations of preferred gum tree species such as tallowwood or manna gum.
Related species
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