Koala
Scientific Name: Phascolarctos cinereus
Category: mammal
Brief Description
An arboreal herbivorous marsupial native to Australia, easily recognized by its stout, tailless body, large furry ears, and spoon-shaped nose.
Characteristics
Thick grey to brownish-grey fur, white underparts, large round fluffy ears, prominent leathery black nose, sharp claws adapted for climbing, and no visible tail.
Habitat
Eucalyptus forests and woodlands in eastern and southeastern Australia.
When to Find It
Active year-round, spending most of the daylight hours sleeping high in eucalyptus forks.
Conservation Status
Vulnerable
Ecological Role
Acts as an arboreal browser helping shape eucalyptus forest ecosystems.
Easily Confused With
None closely related in Australia; sometimes confused with possums in silhouette, but koalas are much larger and stouter.
Observation Tips
Look high up in the forks of eucalyptus trees during the daytime. Listen for deep, booming mating calls during the breeding season.
Interesting Facts
Koalas sleep up to 18 to 20 hours a day to conserve energy due to their low-nutrient, high-fiber eucalyptus diet.