Koala Bears

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Koalas are probably one of the most famous of Australian mammals. This is a marsupial species that lives mainly in trees. The Koala spends most of time in trees and comes to the ground only to move from one tree to another. These slow animals have almost been exterminated by the beginning of the 20th century. They were extensively hunted for their thick fur. Happily, humans realized the threats of Koala population decline and started to take necessary measures to preserve the species. Nowadays, the Koala does not have a special status.

Koala Bears - Description

Koala Bears - Scientific Name:

Phascolarctos cinereus
Although this marsupial is called the Koala Bear, the species is not exactly a bear. It has been mistakenly called so because of its teddy-like appearance. The Koala resembles a little fur-coated bear spending its life in the branches of the eucalyptus tree. In reality, the Koala is a marsupial animal. A newborn develops in a pouch on the mother's abdomen. Females are generally smaller than males. Koalas are thickly covered with fur that protects them from any weather. The species does not have to build a nest. The length of the coat varies slightly depending on the area in which an animal lives. Usually, Koalas have gray coat with white areas on the chest and around the ears. Some Koalas are born completely white, but albino Koalas are very rare.
Height: Males stand about 29.5-32.3 inches, while females reach the height of about 26.8-28.7 inches.
Weight: males - 20.9-29.8 lb; females - 15.4-21.6 lb.

Koala Bears - Special Adaptations

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Koalas have a number of special adaptations that provide for a comfortable living in Australia climatic conditions and aid them in feeding and holding onto the trees. Besides a thick fur as a means of weather resistance, the Koala has two forepaws that end in five toes. The two of them are opposed to the others, which provides for a firm grip on the branches. The curved claws are also a great aid in climbing the trees. The Koala has a big nose with a lot of hairs in it that help to find the best leaves to feed. Koalas feed mainly on eucalyptus leaves with a high percentage of poisonous constituents. However, the digestive system of the species takes care of the hazardous nutrients. Since Koalas do not have sweat glands, they have to be equipped with a means of balancing the body temperature. How does the Koala Bear cool itself? The species licks its hands, thus lowering the body temperature.

Koala Bears - Life Span

An average life span of the Koala Bear is about 10 years. Captive Koalas can live up to 20 years. In the wild, Koalas suffer from predators, diseases, and other unfavorable factors that reduce the life span of the species.