Koala
Phascolarctos cinereus
Koalas have unique fingerprints that are almost identical to human fingerprints, even under an electron microscope.
- Scientific name
- Phascolarctos cinereus
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Mammalia › Diprotodontia › Phascolarctidae › Phascolarctos
- IUCN Red List status
- Vulnerable
- Population trend
- decreasing
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Eucalyptus woodlands and forests
- Diet
- Eucalyptus leaves
- Range
- Eastern Australia, Southeastern Australia
- Size
- 60-85 cm (24-33 in) in length, weighing 4-15 kg (9-33 lbs)
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild
- Active
- nocturnal
- Threats
- Habitat destruction and fragmentation, bushfires, Chlamydia disease epidemics, domestic dog attacks, and vehicle collisions.
- Safe to approach?
- Generally harmless and docile, but defensive if cornered or handled. Keep a safe distance of at least 5-10 meters. Do not attempt to touch, feed, or rescue a koala yourself; they possess sharp claws and strong jaws that can inflict deep bites and scratches. If you find an injured or grounded koala, contact a local wildlife rescue. If bitten or scratched, wash the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention immediately to prevent infection.
The koala ( Phascolarctos cinereus , or, inaccurately, koala bear ) is an arboreal herbivorous marsupial native to Australia. It is the only extant representative of the family Phascolarctidae and its closest living relatives are the wombats, which comprise the family Vombatidae. The koala is found in coastal areas of the mainland's eastern and southern regions, inhabiting Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. It is easily recognisable by its stout, tailless body and large head with round,...
Photo: jirau, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist
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