The koala

Taxonomic classification Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Diprotodontia Family: Phascolartidae Genre: Phascolartos Species: P.cinereus scientific name: Phascolarctos cinereus

Characteristic  The koala reaches a body length of 76 cm, the body is robust and is covered with soft hair and grayish brown. The head is large and round, and has hairy ears, large rounded.

Habitat  Can be found in many areas and habitats of this continent. The only places that are not are Tasmania and western Australia. They live in forested areas where they can find lots of food to eat. They consume mostly eucalyptus leaves.

lifestyle  Koalas live in trees and make the most of their evening activities. They are not comfortable on the floor, where they walk on all fours. To save energy, sleep 20 hours a day.

social behavior  Are distinguished by being very aggressive with each other, is very upset if others try to invade their territory. As a result, it can be very difficult for young koalas find their own space. Often they bite and fight each other.

Emigration and expansion  At some point, the young koalas are forced to leave the territory of their mothers. This usually happens when they are 18 months. Since not all females reproduce every year, are able to leave after two or three years. Koalas migrating not only looking for unoccupied habitat, but other peripheral Nearby koalas.

Comunication  Koalas have a wide variety of sounds, allowing them to communicate over long distances. Both males and females shout when they are afraid. They emit a loud noise, like a baby when he wants to eat, produced under stress and is normally accompanied by tremors.

diseases  Koalas have very weak immune systems, making them prone to all sorts of problems, including respiratory, digestive and urogenital, stomach ulcer, cancer, dehydration and muscle atrophy.

Breeding season  Koalas are sexually mature at two years. However, matings are typically begin to take one or two years later. Generally, females are ready earlier than males, as older dominant males keep away youngsters.

current Threats  Formerly the skin soft and durable koalas was very popular, so the population was greatly reduced. Meanwhile remained under protection, however almost 4,000 koalas living in urban areas are killed by man every year. So, three out of four animals who die in accidents are koalas.

Realizado por: Juan Pedro Martínez Moyano