Where koalas live
It is known scientifically as Phascolarctos cinereus and is one of 270 species belonging to the marsupial family, of which an estimated 200 live in Australia and 70 in America.
- This animal measures about 76 centimeters and males can weigh up to 14 kilograms.
- However.
- Some smaller specimens weigh between 6 and 8 kilograms.
If you want to know more about these adorable marsupials, in this article by Animal Expert we tell you where the koalas live.
With the exception of koalas living in captivity or zoos, we find that the total koala-free population of approximately 80,000 people is located in Australia, where this marsupial has become a symbol of the nation.
They are found mainly in South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, although the gradual destruction of their natural habitat has led to slight changes in their distribution, which cannot be significant because the koala does not have the ability to travel long distances.
The habitat of the koala is of great importance to this species, since the koala population can only be extended if it is in an adequate habitat, which must meet the main requirement with the presence of eucalyptus, since its leaves are the main constituent of the koala diet.
Of course, the presence of eucalyptus is conditioned by other factors such as soil substrate and precipitation frequency.
The koala is a tree animal, which means that it lives in the trees, in which it sleeps about 20 hours a day, more than the sloth, the koala will only leave the tree for small trips, since it does not feel comfortable on the ground on which it walks on all fours.
They are excellent climbers and sway to move from branch to branch.As the climate in Australia’s forests varies greatly, throughout the day the koala can occupy several places in different trees, whether in search of sun or shade, thus protecting itself from the wind and cold..
In 1994, it was determined that only the populations of New South Wales and South Australia were at serious risk of extinction in the face of rare and threatened populations.However, this situation has worsened and is now considered a threat to the people of Queensland.
Unfortunately, around 4000 koalas die at the hands of humans each year, as habitat destruction has also increased the presence of these small marsupials in urban areas.
While koala is an animal easy to keep in captivity, there is nothing more appropriate than living in its natural habitat and totally free, so it is important to be attentive to this situation to stop the destruction of this species.
If you would like to read articles similar to, we recommend that you visit our Curiosities section of the animal world.