One thing we all know about Koalas is that their most common habitat is in Australia. In addition, there is some information or truth in them that you may not know. In this article, I will share them with you.
1. Koala bears are not bears
In the list of bear species in the world, the Koala bear can be said to be the gentlest bear species. Here are their distinctive features:
- They are not placental or 'eutherian' mammals. It's that their young are born immature and they grow in the safety of a pouch. Calling them 'koala bears' is incorrect – their correct name is simply 'Koalas'.
- Koalas in the southern regions of Australia are considerably larger and have thicker fur than those in the north. This is thought to be an adaptation to keep them warm during colder southern winters.
- Baby koalas are called 'Joeys'. Scientists often refer to them by terms like 'juveniles', 'pouch young' and 'back young'.
- Younger breeding females typically give birth to one Joey per year, depending on many factors. However, not all females in the wild population will breed each year. Some, especially older females, will produce offspring only after two or three years.
- When Joey was born, it was only about 2cm long, blind and hairless and its ears undeveloped. In its exciting journey to the bag, it relies on a well-developed sense of smell and touch. The powerful forelimbs and claws also have an innate ability to navigate.
- Once in the pouch, it attaches itself to one of the two bulging nipples in its mouth, preventing it from being separated from the food source.
2. Habitat loss is the biggest threat to Koalas
- The main causes of this are soil erosion, forest fires and eucalyptus diseases, which are like 'backwards' that cause trees to die. The AKF wants the Koala Protection Act, which means not touching Koala trees.
- The AKF estimates that there are likely to be fewer than 80,000 koalas left in Australia today, and the number could be as low as 43,000. Much of their habitat has been lost. This makes it extremely important to protect the remaining ones.
- Koalas have 5 toes on each front paw, two of which are in contrast to the others, just as our thumb can move differently from the rest. This has helped them cling firmly to the branches and to the food. The 2nd and 3rd toes on their hind feet are fused together to form a grooming claw.
3. Koala bears are mainly nocturnal
- Nocturnal animals are usually awake at night and sleep during the day. However, Koalas sleep part of the night and sometimes move during the day. They usually sleep up to 18-20 hours a day.
An adult koala eats about 1/2 – 1 kg of leaves per night. - There is a myth that koalas sleep a lot because they are 'intoxicated' with gum. Fortunately, this is not correct. Most of their time is spent sleeping because it takes a lot of energy to digest.
- Because the diet is lacking in nutrients, low in nutrients, and sleeping is the best way to save energy.
4. Each Koala bear's 'house' is made up of a number of trees called 'HOME PLANTS'.
- They frequently visit these trees as an area covered with trees known as the "Home Range" Koala. Each Koala has its own home range, which overlaps with other Koalas. Unless spawning, they usually do not visit other Koalas houseplants.
- The size of each home range depends on a variety of factors. Includes habitat quality and gender, age, and social position in koala populations.
- Adult males have a dark odor gland in the center of the white chest that exudes a sticky black substance. They rub it on their trees to show other koalas that this is their territory.
- Koala bears also communicate with each other by making a series of noises. The most surprising and unexpected thing about this animal is its gentleness. But they do have a loud snoring sound followed by a burp, known as a 'roar'.
In addition, the Australian Koala Foundation, estimates that due to habitat loss, about 4,000 koalas are killed by dogs and cars each year. Because Australia has one of the highest rates of land clearing in the world. As a result, more than 80% of the koala's habitat has disappeared. Hopefully this article has given you the most useful information about this marsupial.
