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O koala scientifically known under the name of Phascolarctos Cinereus and it is one of 270 species that belong to the marsupial family, of which 200 are estimated to live in Australia and 70 in America.
This animal is approximately 76 centimeters tall and males can weigh up to 14 kilos, however, some smaller specimens weigh between 6 and 8 kilos.
If you want to know more about these adorable little marsupials, in this PeritoAnimal article we tell you where the koalas live.
Distribution of koalas
With the exception of those koalas that live in captivity or in zoos, we find that the total and free population of koalas, which is around 80,000 specimens, is found in the Australia, where this marsupial became a symbol of the nation.
We can find them mainly in South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, although the progressive destruction of its habitat has caused slight changes in its distribution, which cannot be significant as the koala does not have the capacity to travel great distances.
Koala Habitat
The koala habitat is of great importance for this species, as the koala population can only extend if found in a koala. suitable habitat, which must meet the main requirement with the presence of eucalyptus trees, since their leaves are the main constituent of the koala's diet.
Of course, the presence of eucalyptus trees is conditioned by other factors such as the soil substrate and the frequency of rainfall.
the koala is a arboreal animal, which means it lives in trees, in which it sleeps approximately 20 hours a day, more than sloth. The koala will only leave the tree to make small movements, as it does not feel comfortable on the ground on which it walks on all fours.
Are excellent climbers and swing to pass from one branch to another. As the climate in the forests of Australia is very variable, throughout the day the koala can occupy several places in different trees, either in search of sun or shade, thus protecting itself from the wind and cold.
the endangered koala
In 1994 it was determined that only the populations that inhabited New South Wales and South Australia were in serious danger of extinction as they were both scarce and threatened populations, however, this situation has worsened and is now also considered a threat to Queensland population.
Unfortunately, every year approximately 4,000 koalas die in human hands, since the destruction of their habitat has also increased the presence of these small marsupials in urban areas.
Although the koala is an easy animal to keep in captivity, there is nothing more appropriate than that it can live in its natural habitat and completely free, so it is important to be aware of this situation to stop the destruction of this species.
