Koala
The Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is an iconic marsupial native to Australia. It is known for its fuzzy ears, round nose, and its seemingly sleepy demeanor.
The Koala has a highly specialized diet, eating almost exclusively eucalyptus leaves. These leaves are low in nutrients and high in toxins, so the Koala has a very slow metabolism and must spend most of its time sleeping (up to 20 hours a day) to conserve energy. They have sharp claws for climbing and a strong grip for holding onto branches.
The Koala is a solitary animal, spending its life high in the trees. It is a vulnerable species, facing threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change.
Koala
Classification
Mammalia > Diprotodontia > Phascolarctidae > Phascolarctos > P. cinereus
Native To
Conservation Status
Average Height
2 - 2.5 feet
(0.6 - 0.8 m)
Average Weight
10 - 30 lbs
(4.5 - 14 kg)
Average Life Span
13 - 18 years
Gestation Period
35 days
Did You Know?
The Koala is an arboreal herbivorous marsupial native to Australia.
They are known for their distinctive large head, fluffy ears, and large, spoon-shaped nose.
Koalas have a very specialized diet, eating almost exclusively eucalyptus leaves.
Despite popular belief, Koalas are not bears; they are marsupials.
They sleep for up to 18-20 hours a day!
A baby Koala is called a "joey."
Koalas have two opposable thumbs on each front paw, which helps them grip tree branches.
Photo Gallery
No images provided yet. Be the first to upload one!