The Koala(Phascolarctos cinereus) is a marsupial that is found in Australia. Koalas are perhaps one of the most iconic animals found in the outback and are also always a favorite of tourists visiting the country. The Koala is classified in the order Diprotodontia and the family Phascolarctidae.
Physical Characteristics
Koalas have have gray or brown fur, fluffy ears and no tail. They have large paws which help them hold branches. The average measurements of a Koala are; 9 kilograms(20 lbs) in weight, and 73 centimeters(2 feet, 5 inches) long.
| Genus | Phascolarctos |
| Species | P. cinereus |
| Binomial Name | Phascolarctos cinereus |
| Length | 60-85 cm(1’11.6″-2’9.5”) |
| Weight | 4-15 kg(8.8-33.1 lbs) |
| Diet | Herbivore |
| IUCN Status | Vulnerable |
Range And Habitat
Koalas are an arboreal species that inhabit eucalyptus woodlands in Victoria, South Australia, Queensland, and New South Wales.
Breeding
After a male and female Koala have mated the mother will be pregnant for a gestation period of 27-36 days. She will typically give birth to one joey but occasionally twins may be born. The mother will often carry her joey on her back when it grows to large for her pouch. When the joey is old enough to stop suckling, it will begin to eat its mother’s feces. The feces contain essential bacteria which will help the joey digest eucalyptus leaves when it is old enough to begin eating them.
Diet
Koalas eat eucalyptus leaves.
Fun Facts
- The first and second digit on a Koala’s forepaws are opposable to the other three.
- Koalas can live for up to 20 years.
- Koalas are sometimes incorrectly called Koala Bears. This is incorrect because Koalas are not bears, they are marsupials.
- Koalas smell like eucalyptus leaves.
- Koalas may sleep up to 18 hours every day.
