In General

The koala is one of the most well known Australian natives. It is a marsupial, lives primarily in trees and as such is termed arboreal.

It is often said that koalas don't drink water, however this is incorrect and koalas do drink water, albeit rarely, getting most of their water needs from Eucalyptus leaves.

Diet

Eucalyptus leaves from Red gums, Tallowwood, Forest Red gums, Manna gums, River Red gums and Ribbon gums. Digestion is achieved by the koala's large caecum. A koala will consume 300 to 500grams of eucalypt leaves per day.

Habitat

Eucalypy forest and woodlands. Not rainforest.

Breeding

The breeding season covers August to February, the male will be heard bellowing at this time. Sexual maturity is reached in about 3 years. The gestation period is 35 days after which a very underdeveloped joey is born which makes its way to the mother's pouch where it latches onto a teat to feed. A female koala may only have 6 young in her lifetime.

Conservation status

Vulnerable