Koalas
Phascolarctos cinereus
- Where
- Eastern Australia and southern Queensland
- Habitat
- Eucalyptus forests and woodlands
- Diet
- Eucalyptus leaves only - no other food needed!
- Size
- About 60-85 cm tall, weighing 6-12 kg
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years in the wild, up to 30 years captive
- Conservation
- Vulnerable species - habitat loss and climate change threaten their homes
Fun Facts
- They sleep up to 20 hours a day - that's more than half their life!
- Koalas have fingerprints just like humans (no two are alike!)
- Their favorite food is eucalyptus leaves, which taste bitter to us
Learn More
Soft, woolly fur that helps them stay warm
Strong arms for climbing and grasping branches
Specialized digestive system breaks down toxic plant compounds