New South Wales Koala
Phascolarctos cinereus cinereusAlso known as Eastern Koala, Native Bear, Monkey Bear
Koalas spend up to twenty hours a day resting or sleeping in the forks of eucalyptus trees to conserve energy while digesting their fibrous, low-nutrient diet. During the breeding season, males produce deep, resonant bellows that can be heard over long distances to assert dominance and attract mates. Mothers carry their single young, known as a joey, in a backward-facing pouch for six months before the offspring rides on the mother's back.
- diet
- Folivore (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; do not handle or corner wild individuals.
Possesses extremely sharp, curved claws designed for climbing trees and strong jaws capable of delivering a severe bite if threatened.
Never attempt to touch, hold, or rescue a koala yourself; contact local wildlife authorities if one appears injured.Listed as Vulnerable due to severe habitat loss, climate change, disease, and urban encroachment.
Keep noise levels low and maintain a respectful distance of at least ten meters to avoid disrupting their rest.- Keep your distance: Use binoculars or a zoom lens to observe koalas high in the canopy without causing them stress.
- Drive carefully: Watch for wildlife crossing signs, especially at dawn and dusk when koalas may move between trees on the ground.
- Control pets: Keep domestic dogs on a leash in koala habitat to prevent fatal attacks.