Meet the Koala
The Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is one of Australia’s most recognised and loved native animals. This tree-dwelling marsupial is found in eucalypt forests and woodlands across eastern Australia, spending most of its life high in the treetops. Koalas are built for climbing, with strong limbs, sharp claws, and two opposable digits on their front paws that help them grip branches securely.
Their dense, woolly fur varies from light grey in the north to brownish-grey in the south, with a white underside and large, rounded ears fringed with white fur. Northern Koalas are generally smaller, while southern males can grow to over 80 cm in length and weigh up to 14 kg. Each Koala has a unique nose pattern, much like a human fingerprint.
Koalas are specialist feeders, relying almost entirely on eucalyptus leaves for their diet. These leaves are low in nutrition and difficult to digest, so Koalas conserve energy by sleeping up to 20 hours a day. They play an important ecological role by influencing the growth of eucalypt forests through selective feeding.
Did you know?
- Koalas aren’t bears; they are marsupials and carry their young in a pouch.
- A Koala’s fingerprints are so similar to humans' that they can confuse forensic investigators.
- Koalas can eat over 500 grams of eucalyptus leaves each night, but only from certain species they find palatable.
Why They’re at Risk
- Habitat Loss & Fragmentation: The clearing of eucalypt forests for urban development, agriculture, and infrastructure has drastically reduced and broken up Koala habitat. Smaller, isolated patches make it harder for Koalas to find food, shelter, and mates, and force them to spend more time on the ground, where they are vulnerable to predators and vehicle strikes.
- Disease: Chlamydia is widespread in some Koala populations, causing blindness, infertility, and even death. Koala Retrovirus (KoRV) further weakens their immune system, increasing susceptibility to disease. Stressed populations in fragmented habitats are more prone to outbreaks.
- Bushfires & Climate Extremes: Events such as the 2019–2020 Black Summer bushfires destroyed vast tracts of habitat and killed or displaced thousands of Koalas. Droughts and extreme heat also reduce leaf moisture content, causing dehydration and malnutrition.
- Vehicle Collisions & Dog Attacks: As Koalas travel between fragmented habitats, they are at high risk of being hit by cars or attacked by domestic and feral dogs.
Aussie Ark’s Conservation Work
Aussie Ark is stepping up to protect one of Australia’s most iconic species, the Koala, by creating safe, thriving populations and restoring the habitats they depend on.
- Habitat Restoration & Protection: Within the Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary, Aussie Ark is protecting and restoring critical Koala habitat. We plant and maintain native eucalyptus species, ensuring a reliable food source and safe environment for Koalas free from many of the threats they face in the wild.
- Disease-Free Insurance Population: We are creating and managing a disease-free population of Koalas, providing veterinary care, and ensuring these animals have the best possible conditions to breed and thrive. This insurance population is a safeguard against the decline of wild populations.
- Long-Term Monitoring: Through tracking and health checks, we monitor Koala behaviour, movements, and wellbeing, giving us the information we need to manage populations effectively.
Through this work, Aussie Ark is giving Koalas a future where they are not only surviving, but thriving in safe havens built to last for generations.
How You Can Help
You can make a real difference! At Aussie Ark, we’re working tirelessly to protect Australia’s unique wildlife and restore their habitats. From Tasmanian Devils to Eastern Quolls, your support helps us care for endangered animals and preserve the beauty of our native bushland.
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Every dollar you give goes directly toward creating safe havens, providing medical care, and ensuring these amazing creatures have a future.
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Find out more about how we’re helping Koalas
Aussie Ark is stepping up to protect Australia’s wildlife at a time when it has never been more urgent. From building predator-proof sanctuaries and restoring vital habitats, to running world-leading breeding programs and reintroducing animals back into the wild, we are giving threatened species a fighting chance. Every action we take is about safeguarding the future of these animals and ensuring Australia’s unique wildlife can thrive for generations to come.
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