9/18/2023 0 Comments Koala bear predators![]() ![]() They have two “false thumbs”, (or, digits on their hand that resemble human thumbs), which allow koalas to grip leaves and branches. ![]() Koalas are uniquely specialized for the forests and savannas of Eastern Australia.With adaptations like these, koalas have evolved to a life of hanging out, and almost never have to leave their trees! What’s more, the water in eucalyptus leaves provides sufficient hydration for koalas, so they don’t have to travel to water source to hydrate. The koala is the only mammal in the world with a digestive system capable of breaking down the strong poisons in eucalyptus leaves.Humans have been watching, protecting, learning from, and teaching about koalas for thousands of years - by providing care for these two koalas, we are continuing this ancient conservation tradition! Koalas aren’t just cute they are culturally important.These native groups have worked with the Australian government to help save declining koala populations in the wake of the 2020 wildfires that destroyed much of the koala’s native habitat in Eastern Australia. Totem animals are protected from hunting and other threats. For many native communities in Australia, the koala is an important figure in mythology, and some tribes even recognize the koala as a “totem,” or symbol, of the tribe.The name Koala comes from an Aboriginal language called Dharug, in which the word “gula” means “no water.” The koala does not drink water, getting all the hydration it needs through eucalyptus leaves and, every now and then, by licking trees after rain.Female koalas emit more vocalizations when communicating with their young. Koalas bark! They are known to produce a range of unusual calls, sometimes called a bark, snore, bellow, or scream. Koalas are known to produce a range of unusual calls, sometimes called a bark, snore, bellow, or scream. Koalas use these vocalizations to communicate with each other and, when distressed, to try to scare off would-be predators.Male koalas “bellow” at the females during mating season.It turns out, hugging trees during hot periods can help koalas cool off and regulate their temperatures. Contrary to popular belief, koalas don’t cling to tree trunks like that because they are the world’s best huggers. Koalas like to hang out in trees, sometimes sleeping for up to 19 hours a day.Koala populations are in sharp decline because of disease, encounters with dogs and vehicles, wildfires, and human destruction of their habitat. By living so high above the ground, koalas can avoid predators, and are surrounded by their favorite food: eucalyptus leaves. Koalas have a lifespan of around 13-17 years. As solitary, arboreal animals, they spend most of their lives in trees. ![]()
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