General Description
These iconic tree-dwelling marsupials have a large round face, woolly fur, fuzzy ears, distinctive black nose, large claws and no tail.
Biology
Koalas are agile climbers with sharp claws. Their diet is almost entirely eucalypt leaves. They sleep most of the day and are active for about four hours at night. Koalas are mostly solitary but can be seen in large groups where densities are high.
Distribution
Eastern mainland Australia. Previously extinct in South Australia, but now re-introduced.
Habitat
Eucalypt woodlands and forests.
More Information
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Animal Type
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Animal SubType
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Brief Id
Body fur grey-brown. Face circular with a large black nose. Body up to 90 cm long. No tail. Males make a loud, low grunting sound.
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Colours
Grey, White, Brown
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Habitats
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Where To Look
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When Active
Nocturnal
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Diet
Herbivore
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Diet Categories
Eucalypt leaves
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Endemicity
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Commercial
No
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Conservation Statuses
CITES: Not listed, FFG Threatened List: Not listed, EPBC Act 1999: Endangered, IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
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Taxon Name
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Scientific Author
(Goldfuss, 1817)
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Common Name
Koala
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Kingdom
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Phylum
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Subphylum
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Class
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Superorder
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Order
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Suborder
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Family
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Genus
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Species Name
cinereus
