Koala Facts
There are a lot of myths in relation to koalas and their activities. This page separates the facts from the fiction.
Koalas are one of the worlds most unique animal icons and are considered a ‘flagship species’ in Australia. It is Queensland’s faunal emblem.
Information will be provided in relation to species type, home ranges, physiology and other interesting details.
A variety of other trees, including many non-eucalypts, are also used by koalas for feeding and shelter, or other behavioural purposes. On their own, however, these trees are not capable of sustaining koalas in the long term. They are used primarily because they are growing in association with or in close proximity to the key tree species. Differing soil landscapes, water availability, nutrient content and other variables are also considered to influence the suitability of several important browse species.
Not only are they particular about the species of eucalyptus tree leaves that they feed on, they also consume the leaves and buds only after they have reached a particular stage of maturation. It’s surprising koalas can survive on such a diet but nature has equipped them with extraordinary mechanisms that ensure their survival.
Their digestive system has specialized adaptations that detoxify the toxic oils in the eucalyptus leaves, and this detoxification process is also aided by their liver. Koalas also have an additional part in their digestive tract, known as the ‘caecum’ that breaks down the food further and aids digestion. They also have a very slow metabolic rate that allows them to retain food and energy for a longer period of time. The species of eucalyptus tree chosen by the koala for feeding also depends on the area of its habitat. Koalas residing in the southern region of Australia, feed on a species of eucalyptus trees, known as the swamp gum and manna gum, while those residing in the northern areas, feed on the species known as blue gum, gray gum and red gum. Other favorite species of eucalyptus trees include swamp mahogany, yellow box, small-leafed peppermint and tallow wood.
