Koalas
By: M.R.
DESCRIPTION
- Koalas are nocturnal mammals.
- They eat eucalyptus leaves, which are found on eucalyptus trees.
- Koalas don't drink much water since eucalyptus leaves store so much water.
- Koala means "No drink" in latin.
- They are marsupials.
- Koalas grow to be only 2 feet tall and weigh from about 10-30 pounds.
- There are three species of koalas: Victoria, New South, and Queensland.
- Their bodies are covered in fur, but underneath they are very lean and muscular.
- Koalas communicate by barking to warn their mate of predators.
Koalas are extremely friendly. Especially with amazing 21 year old heartthrob pop sensations.
Koalas are very protective of their species. But Twilight is still amazing.
Koalas only eat eucalyptus leaves and water on some occasions.
FOOD CHAIN AND HABITAT
- Koalas eat leaves, so they're considered as herbivores.
- They aren't predators, but they are prey to eagles and dingoes (an Australian dog).
- They can live through practically any weather, because of their thick fur coat.
- Victoria and New South Wales koalas like to live in cooler regions, where as Queensland koalas like to live in warmer regions.
- Koalas don't have any type of nest or cave to live in; they just live amongst the branches of eucalyptus trees.
Paula the Koala. CAN YOU KEEP UP??
ADAPTIONS
- Koalas use their extremely sharp teeth to protect them from predators.
- They have very jagged teeth, so shredding leaves is easy for them.
- They may use their talon-like claws to climb up the trunks of trees, but they also use them to lash out at predators.
- Although they have a warning call, they don't use it very often. They usually stay quiet and hide in the branches of trees.
- Koala's fur helps them blend in with the bark of eucalyptus trees, and since they go so high up into the trees, it's hard for predators to spot them.
REASONS FOR ENDANGERMENT+CRITICAL INFORMATION
- In the 1800's, koalas were popular for their fur, so hunters started killing them to sell their fur.
- In some cases, when they move around from tree to tree, they get hit by cars or eaten by predators.
- They are a very threatened species.
- As surburbias extend, we are forced to cut down eucalyptus trees, which cause koalas that were in those trees to die.
- Koalas should live in their natural habitat; not out on the streets or even in a zoo. Us humans need to respect other species like these so they do't go into endangerment because of us.
Koala tickle