Koala

Where does a koala live?

Eucalyptus woodland and open forest of eastern and…

Worth knowing

• Adaptation Koalas sleep for long periods and select eucalyptus foliage according to nutrition, toxins and season.
• Ecological role A specialised digestive system helps process fibrous eucalyptus leaves that many animals cannot eat.
• Home Eucalyptus woodland and open forest of eastern and south-eastern Australia.

How it survives

Koalas sleep for long periods and select eucalyptus foliage according to nutrition, toxins and season.

A eucalyptus specialist whose soft appearance hides a demanding relationship with Australia's trees.

Why relationships matter

A specialised digestive system helps process fibrous eucalyptus leaves that many animals cannot eat.

Where it lives

Eucalyptus woodland and open forest of eastern and south-eastern Australia.

Pressures and responses

Habitat clearing, heatwaves, wildfire, vehicle collisions and disease.

Protect habitat corridors and reduce road and dog threats; response differs among regional populations.

Sources

1. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology — Animal Diversity Web, Phascolarctos cinereus
2. GBIF — Phascolarctos cinereus accepted taxon
3. Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water — A tree-dwelling marsupial
4. New South Wales Environment and Heritage — Specialised grip
5. New South Wales Environment and Heritage — Shelter is more than food
6. Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water — Threats differ by landscape
7. Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water — Habitat connections matter

Records of where it has been seen come live from GBIF; observed interactions from GloBI. Draft — not yet reviewed by a person.