Where does the koala live?
The koala lives in Australia, in the coastal regions of the east and south: Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Its range covers roughly 1,000,000 km². It inhabits tropical and temperate habitats, from dense woodlands to more spaced-out forests, and mostly open eucalyptus woodland. In semi-arid climates it prefers riverside habitats, which give refuge during droughts and extreme heat.
What does the koala eat?
The koala is an arboreal herbivorous marsupial. Eucalyptus leaves make up most of its diet. This food is low in nutrients and calories, and contains toxic compounds that deter most other mammals from eating it. The koala is asocial: only mothers bond with their dependent young. Its closest living relative is the wombat. It is recognisable by its stout, tailless body and large head with round, fluffy ears.
Is the koala endangered?
Yes: the IUCN has listed it as Vulnerable since 2014 (it was first Least Concern). In February 2022, the species was listed as endangered in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales and Queensland.
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