Koala

About

The koala is an arboreal herbivorous marsupial endemic to Australia and the sole living member of the family Phascolarctidae, most closely related to wombats. It is recognisable by its stout, tailless body, large round-eared head, and dark leathery nose.

How to spot it

Look up into eucalypt canopies for a grey-to-chocolate-brown, tailless bundle wedged in a fork, often sleeping (koalas rest up to 20 hours a day). Body length 60-85 cm, males noticeably larger with a more curved nose and a visible chest gland. During breeding season males give a loud, deep snoring-and-belching bellow that carries a long way through the bush at night.

Found in

• Great Otway National Park
• Flinders Chase National Park
• Morialta Conservation Park
• New England National Park
• Border Ranges National Park