What kind of animal is a koala? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. The koala, the symbol of Australia, is a very popular animal around the world, and is exhibited in many zoos. In this article, we will explain what characteristics it has, including its subspecies.
- What is a koala? About basic status
- Are koalas an endangered species?
- Is it possible to keep koalas?
What is a koala? About basic status
Koalas are classified as mammals, Diprodontidae, Koala family, Phascolarctos genus, and are endemic to Australia. Their scientific name is Phascolarctos cinereus. They are 67-85cm long and weigh 5-15kg. In the wild, males are larger than females. They have a characteristic of clinging to trees, which is probably why they are so well-known. They have a gentle face. They are known to be good at climbing trees.
| Japanese（和名） | コアラ |
| English（英名） | Koala |
| scientific name(学名) | Phascolarctos cinereus |
| classification（分類） | Mammalia、 Diprotodontia、Vombatiformes、Phascolarctos 哺乳綱、双前歯目、コアラ科、コアラ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（体長） | 67～85cm |
| Weight（体重） | 5～15kg |
About classification
The koala genus is actually not just one species. There are many subspecies, each with their own characteristics. Although there are different types, they spend more time in the trees than on the ground, and stay still most of the time to conserve energy. They do come down to the ground occasionally to eat and drink. They can now be found in large numbers in the eastern and southern parts of the country.
| Name: （名前） | Academic Name (学名) |
| Queensland koala クイーンズランドコアラ | Phascolarctos cinereus adustus |
| New South Wales koala ニューサウスウェールズコアラ | Phascolarctos cinereus cinereus |
| Victorian koala ヴィクトリアコアラ | Phascolarctos cinereus victor |
What is a Queensland koala?
The Queensland koala is a koala found in the state of Queensland. It has the characteristics of being the smallest and having the shortest body hair.
What is a New South Wales koala?
The New South Wales koala is distributed in New South Wales. The size and length of the body hair are intermediate among the subspecies.
What is the Victoria Koala?
Victoria koalas are distributed in the state of Victoria. The koala is the largest and has long and fluffy body hair.
About koala habitat
Koalas are endemic mammals of Australia. They are not found in the wild in Western Australia or Tasmania, so be careful if you encounter one. They mostly live in trees, clinging to things using the claws and fingers of their hands and feet. They often sleep for long periods of time.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
Koalas have pouches, like marsupials like kangaroos. Raise your child in a nurturing pouch. The whole body is sturdy, and the coat color is gray or dark gray on the back. The ends of the limbs are covered with hair. The ears are large, covered with thick hair, and there is no tail. Koalas rarely come down to the ground; they mostly live in trees and are solitary. They use the sharp, strong claws on their front legs to move deftly between trees.
Why do you keep clinging to trees?
Koalas cling to trees all the time. Because koalas eat eucalyptus leaves, which other animals do not eat, their arms and legs have evolved to make it easier for them to climb trees. The reason they cling is because they regulate their body temperature by eating.
What will your personality look like?
Koalas have bright and easy-going personalities, as their appearance suggests. They do not form groups and live alone. They are very territorial and will bite anyone who tries to enter their territory with their teeth exposed. Therefore, it can be said that he has a ferocious personality.
What is the ecology of koalas?
Koalas are herbivorous and eat highly toxic plants such as eucalyptus and acacia. It is said that the reason why they cling to each other and do not move is because they use their physical strength to neutralize this poison. The mode of reproduction is viviparous. They are polygamous, and females can give birth to one calf at a time from September to February. The lifespan is said to be about 15 years.
What are the koala’s natural enemies?
The natural enemies of koalas are monitor lizards, dingoes, owls, eagles, and pythons. Because they live in trees, they are rarely attacked, but the reality is that the number of carnivorous animals has increased in some areas and their population is decreasing.
Are koalas an endangered species?
Koalas were originally an endangered species and were reassessed to Vulnerable in 2014. New South Wales and Queensland list the species as endangered in 2022. According to information from the Australian Government’s Endangered Species Scientific Committee, the koala population is estimated to be 92,000 in 2021, down from 185,000 20 years ago. Causes include:
heavily hunted by European settlers
Koalas were heavily hunted by European settlers. Fur was used to make rugs, coat linings, etc., and was profitable. Nowadays, they are restricted, but in the past they were heavily overhunted, and their numbers decreased considerably.
Habitat destruction and fragmentation
Habitat destruction and fragmentation is also a major problem. The area where koalas can live is drastically decreasing due to deforestation and other factors. In rural areas, habitat is being cleared for agriculture. It is in need of protection.
Is it possible to keep koalas?
Koalas have special bodies designed to digest eucalyptus. Therefore, it can be said that it is extremely difficult for ordinary people to keep them. Moreover, it is not easily available as it is an endangered species.
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