Meet The Koala

Australia’s Tree-Top Snoozer

Koalas are one of Australia’s most beloved marsupials, known for their fluffy ears, spoon-shaped noses, and laid-back lifestyle. Found high up in eucalyptus trees, they spend most of their time resting to digest their nutrient-poor diet of eucalyptus leaves. Although they may look like cute teddy bears, koalas are marsupials and have a unique connection to their joeys, who live in the mother’s pouch for months after birth. Due to habitat destruction, koalas are now vulnerable, making conservation efforts more important than ever.

Habitat:

Koalas are native to eastern and southern Australia, found primarily in eucalyptus forests and woodlands. They rely heavily on eucalyptus trees for both food and shelter, spending most of their lives in the treetops.

Diet:

Koalas are herbivores with a highly specialized diet, feeding almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves. These leaves are tough and low in nutrition, which is why koalas spend up to 20 hours a day resting to conserve energy.

Size:

Height: 60–85 cm (24–33 inches) Weight: 4–15 kg (9–33 lbs), depending on sex and location.

Are koalas bears?

Despite being commonly called "koala bears," koalas are not bears. They are marsupials, meaning they carry their young in a pouch.

What does a koala sound like?

Despite their cute appearance, koalas make some surprisingly deep and unusual sounds. The most distinctive sound is a low, bellowing grunt, often compared to a snore or a rumble. Male koalas, especially during mating season, produce loud, guttural bellows to attract mates and establish dominance. These grunts can travel through the trees and are quite unexpected given their size. Koalas may also make softer clicks, growls, or squeals when communicating or if they feel threatened.

Are koalas dangerous? Koalas are generally peaceful animals, but if provoked or frightened, they can scratch or bite with their sharp claws and teeth.

Do koalas drink water? Koalas get most of their water from the eucalyptus leaves they eat, though they will drink water when necessary, especially during extreme heat or drought.

Do koalas sleep all the time?: Koalas sleep for about 18 to 20 hours a day due to the low energy content of their eucalyptus diet.

Are koalas picky eaters? They only eat specific species of eucalyptus, and even the moisture content and age of the leaves are important.

Do koalas have a pouch for Joeys? Female koalas have a backward-facing pouch where their young, called joeys, stay for the first six months of life.

Koalas are classified as vulnerable, primarily due to habitat loss, disease, and climate change. Bushfires and land clearing have significantly reduced their natural habitat, making conservation efforts critical for their survival.

Explore the fascinating world of koalas and discover how you can help protect these iconic Australian animals. For more information, visit the Australian Museum.

LEARN MORE ABOUT AUSTRALIAN ANIMALS

Explore fascinating facts about Australia’s iconic wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, and saltwater crocodiles. Discover their unique behaviors, habitats, and roles in the ecosystem. Our guide answers common questions and provides insights into these remarkable creatures, enriching your understanding of their world.

Learn more