![]() The study, by the Australian Koala Foundation, estimates that there are only about 50,000 koalas left. A study looking at koala numbers at 1800 sites for 20 years, shows that the number of koalas is falling. Because of this the eucalyptus trees and other animals are in danger. But there are also places, such as French Island (Victoria), with too many koalas that eat too much. In some places there are very few koalas left. One reason is the loss of habitat, which means that koalas have less space to live. The koala is not an endangered species, but it is a near vulnerable species. Sanctuaries were established, and translocation efforts moved to new regions koalas whose habitat had become fragmented or reduced. The animal was hunted heavily in the early 20th century for its fur, and large-scale cullings in Queensland resulted in a public outcry that initiated a movement to protect the species. Koalas have few natural predators and parasites, but are threatened by various pathogens, such as Chlamydiaceae bacteria and the koala retrovirus, as well as by bushfires and droughts.īecause of its distinctive appearance, the koala is recognised worldwide as a symbol of Australia. These young koalas, known as joeys, are fully weaned around a year old. Being marsupials, koalas give birth to underdeveloped young that crawl into their mothers' pouches, where they stay for the first six to seven months of their lives. Males mark their presence with secretions from scent glands located on their chests. They avoid social interaction, and bonding exists only between mothers and dependent offspring.Īdult males communicate with loud bellows that intimidate rivals and attract mates. Because this diet has limited nutritional and caloric content, koalas are largely sedentary and sleep up to 20 hours a day. Koalas typically inhabit open eucalyptus woodlands, and the leaves of these trees make up most of their diet. Koalas from the northern populations are typically smaller and lighter in colour than those further south. Colour ranges from silver grey to chocolate brown. ![]() It is easily recognisable by its stout, tailless body and large head with round, fluffy ears and large, spoon-shaped nose. The koala is found in coastal areas of the mainland's eastern and southern regions, inhabiting Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. It is the only extant representative of the family Phascolarctidae and its closest living relatives are the wombats. ![]() The koala, or, inaccurately, koala bear (a common term outside of Australia, though koalas are marsupials, not bears), is an arboreal herbivorous marsupial native to Australia.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |