Koalas are tree-dwelling marsupials and the only surviving members of the Phascolarctidae (Greek for ‘pouched bear’) family.
they are the closest living relatives are the wombats.
Koalas need a lot of space and a lot of trees – about 100 each.
Koala’s also vary in size and colour depending on their location.
Those in southern NSW and Victoria are often larger and slightly darker, with thicker fur than northern populations. This is probably an adaptation to keep them warmer in cooler climates. Light Grey Koala’s are generally found in Queensland.
There are more than 700 species of eucalypts and Koalas and only around 50 of these species are suitable for Koalas. About one dozen species of Eucalypt make up their staple diet.
Threats
Koalas are protected by law and most of their suitable habitat remaining occurs on private land, which is largely unprotected.
Woodlands, that make up their habitat, continue to be cleared for agricultural and urban development.
When their homes are cleared, individual koala’s are vulnerable to be killed by cars or dogs as urban areas that encroach on small amounts of habitat.
Climate change is expected to further shrink the suitable habitat available.
Koala’s are generally slow movers too, so they are very susceptible to bush fires and can be affected by dehydration during heat waves.
Chlamydia is also a significant threat and is more prevalent in stressed populations.
Size:
Tiny Toy 15cm
Small Puppet 26cm
Large Puppet 39cm
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