KOALA
Listed as endangered in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory
Description
The Koala is a tree-dwelling marsupial found in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and a small area in South Australia.
They have poor vision but excellent hearing and an acute sense of smell.
Koalas have a vice-like grip, sharp claws, and opposable digits on both front and hind feet which make them excellent climbers.
They are poorly adapted to walking on the ground.
Identification
The Koala is a marsupial and belongs to the family Phascolarctidae.
The scientific name for Koala is Phascolarctos cinereus.
Habitat
The Koala lives in eucalypt forests and woodlands.
Their habitat is defined by the presence of approximately 40 species of eucalypt, plus a few other related tree species, including lophostemon, melaleuca, and corymbia species.
Trees suitable for shelter are also required.
Behaviour
Koalas are mainly solitary and have overlapping home ranges that allow contact between individuals when mating.
Breeding takes place in late spring.
The sounds of the male grunting and bellowing can be confronting for anyone that has never heard these sounds before.
They can break into a bounding gallop for a very short distance if disturbed.
Distribution
The Koala is found in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and a small area in South Australia.
Once upon a time Koala’s could be found fairly easily in their known habitats, but sadly can be difficult to spot one these days due to loss of habitat.
Conservation
The koala was listed as endangered on 12 February 2022 in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory, but the Australian Koala Foundation believes that the Koala should have been listed in all states.
Research conducted by the AKF strongly suggests the Koala’s conservation status should be upgraded to “CRITICALLY ENDANGERED” in the Southeast Queensland Bioregion.
The destruction of Koalas’ forest homes is a major contributor to them being listed as Endangered on Australia’s east coast.
Tips to help Koalas
- Plant native trees.
- Keep dogs confined.
- Slow down on our roads
