Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Koala bear look like?
Koalas have soft, wool-like fur that is gray above and white below. Their ears have long white hairs on the tips. Though they resemble bears, koalas are marsupials that carry their young in a pouch.
What do Koalas eat?
Koalas consume eucalyptus leaves and bark from 12 tree species, as well as mistletoe and box leaves.
What is the endangered status of the Koalas?
Koala bears are classified as vulnerable to endangered.
How large can Koalas get?
Koalas weigh about 30 pounds and grow to be around 2 feet tall.
What is the population of Koalas?
There are fewer than 100,000 koalas.
What is the average lifespan of a koala?
Koalas can live up to 17 years, though males often live only 2 to 10 years due to high mortality rates.
Where do Koalas live?
Historically across Australia, now found mainly in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.
What type of environment do Koalas like?
Koalas prefer eucalyptus forests, coastal islands, and low woodlands.
How do Koalas behave?
Koalas are nocturnal and sleep up to 16 hours a day. They are solitary and live in trees.
How do Koalas populate?
Koalas breed annually. After a 35-day gestation, the baby lives in the mother's pouch for 5–7 months before becoming independent.
What are some major threats to Koalas?
Koalas face habitat destruction, traffic deaths, and dog attacks, with an estimated 4,000 deaths annually.
How can we protect Koalas?
Koalas are protected by national laws, but conservation is managed by individual states.