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© 2016 Raymond Island Net
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Low energy diet
Koalas survive on about 20 species of eucalyptus, of which the Coastal Manna gum (Eucalyptus pryoriana) is a favourite. Many trees on the Island have abundant with new growth but a lot of it is toxic to koalas. Unlike other Eucalyptus varieties, manna gums are koala 'super food' and are palatable all year round. Koalas eat between 200-500 grams of leaves per day.
Mums and babies
Mums and babies

Koalas give birth to one ‘joey’, which stays in the pouch with mum for 5 - 7 months.

Life in the trees
Life in the trees

Koalas are largely nocturnal and sedentary tree dwellers, seldom coming to ground except when moving to another tree.

Natural air conditioning coats
Natural air conditioning coats

Thick woolly fur protects koalas from the high and low temperatures and also acts like a raincoat.

Living solo
Living solo

Once grown, koalas live at relatively large distances apart,

Sense of smell
Sense of smell

Koala noses are unusually large and their highly developed sense of smell can differentiate between types of leaves and detect toxin levels in eucalyptus leaves.

Life in the trees
Life in the trees

Dense rump fur provides an inbuilt 'cushion' for the hard branches where the koala sits.

Life in the trees
Life in the trees

Koalas have great climbing strength and paws that are specially adapted for gripping and climbing.

Life in the trees
Life in the trees

Despite having no tail, koalas have excellent balance and can sleep in the most extraordinary positions.

White patches
White patches

Koalas have patches of white fur inside the ears, on their chin, chest and neck, inside the front limbs and usually on their rump.

Hearing for survival
Hearing for survival

A koala's keen sense of hearing is very important to their socialisation with other koalas.

Breeding season
Breeding season

Koalas breed in June and females raise their young in a pouch.

How much can koalas bear?
Early Europeans thought koalas looked cuddly like bears - but they are marsupials and are not related. Their closest relative is the common wombat. To keep the Raymond island population healthy and maintain its environmental sustainability, a koala management program is in place. Find out more...
Male or female?
Male or female?

Mature males have a dark brown scent gland in the centre of their white chest.

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