From the indigenous Aborigines to European explorers and settlers from South East Asia, the diversity of Australian culture is one of the main reasons that make the country so unique. But that is not the only reason. The fascinating plants, animals and topography have made the country a tourist attraction and a magnet for immigration applicants. In fact, certain flora and fauna are only found in Australia. The koala is one of the most recognisable of Australia’s wildlife species.
The Koala is indigenous to Australia. It is a bear like animal even though it is in actual sense a marsupial just like the kangaroo. It is herbivorous, mostly non aggressive and mainly lives on trees. The koala weighs approximately 9kgs, has thick fur that’s ash grey in colour and has a cute, chummy appearance that makes it a favourite with kids.
It is the indigenous Aborigines in Australia that named it the Koala which means ‘No Drink’ since it gets most of its water from Eucalyptus leaves and will only drink water during the dry season when the leaves do not have enough moisture. This makes it the only mammal apart from the Ringtail Possum and greater Glider that survives solely on eucalyptus leaves.
Just like humans, koalas prefer to live in societies. Social interaction is key to their survival. They are highly territorial animals that require a relatively large habitat range with specific species of eucalyptus. Koalas eat from about 40 to 50 varieties out of the over 600 types of eucalyptus trees found in Australia. Of the 40 to 50, 10 of these are the ones they most prefer. Due to such specific feeding habits, the Australian government has taken deliberate steps to preserve the eucalyptus trees.
But Koalas have not always been protected. Increased immigration to Australia after the Second World War resulted in the destruction of close to 80% of the eucalyptus forests on the continent. European settlers favoured the lush and fertile lands on the eastern seaboard for their farms and development. Unfortunately, this was also a popular koala habitat and saw a decline in koala numbers. The government had to establish deliberate policies that were geared towards actively protecting the remaining 20%.
Another risk to koala populations is disease. Although diseases are a natural form of controlling animal populations, an increase in reproductive and urinary tract infections as well as pneumonia among the koalas is attributed by many to the increased immigration and settlement in forest lands over the years. The pressure from the human population has strained the limited natural resources as well as destroyed Eucalyptus forests. The shock on the koala’s diet and environment is what has made them more susceptible to deadly diseases.
As a marsupial, the koala’s young are born at a somewhat immature state. They then must live in their mother’s pouch until they mature or the next young is born at which point they are left to fend for themselves. This is a characteristic that is shared by the kangaroo.
Back to the Australian animals overview
References:
http://www.thekoala.com/koala/
