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Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are a common sight in some parts of the state and are a source of great fascination for locals and visitors alike. They are arboreal (tree-dwelling) marsupials who occasionally use the ground to access water and other trees. While koala populations are considered secure in Victoria compared to other states, they are very concentrated in small areas due to habitat destruction and urbanisation.   

Appearance

Koalas are easily identifiable by their round head, fluffy ears, and oval shaped nose. They are covered in a thick fur, usually grey-brown in colour, with white fur on the chest, inner ears and arms.  

Distribution and Habitat 

While you may see several koalas in a small area in some locations, they are actually territorial and have defined territories. Male koalas use dark-stained scent glands located on the upper part of their chest to mark their territory, which helps in establishing and maintaining their range. The tall eucalypt forests and woodlands throughout southern and central Victoria are the habitats of choice for Victorian koalas. Unfortunately, habitat fragmentation and deforestation are significant threats to preserving koala habitat. 

Diet 

Koalas primarily consume the leaves of eucalyptus trees, however they will also consume other types of leaf including acacia, melaleuca and corymbia. Typically, a koala will feed on only a couple of local species out of the more than 800 eucalyptus varieties found in Australia. This diet is characterised by its low energy and nutrient content, necessitating that koalas sleep for up to 20 hours a day to conserve energy. 

Behaviour 

The majority of a koala’s life involves eating and sleeping, but they will occasionally walk on the ground to access different trees. They usually produce only one joey every year during their mating season. After approximately six months in the pouch, the koala joey begins to wean from mum’s milk onto leaves. To be able to digest the eucalyptus, the joey must consume pap from their mother to colonise their digestive system with gut microbes required to break down the leaf. Pap is a soft liquid made up of digested eucalyptus leaves, produced from the mother's cloaca. 

Breeding season

During the mating season, which spans from August to March, Wildlife Victoria frequently receives reports of aggressive behaviour among koalas. These mating rituals can be quite intense, often resulting in loud vocalisations and potential injury or exhaustion for the female. It is advisable not to disturb these natural processes, but concerns can be directed to Wildlife Victoria’s Emergency Response Service. Following a gestation period, the joey remains in their mother’s pouch for about six months before spending additional time clinging to her back. The joey typically becomes independent at one year of age. 

General fun facts

Koalas may live for up to 18 years in the wild.
Adult koalas eat between 0.5-1 kg of leaves every night.
There are over 800 species of eucalyptus trees but koalas will only eat form a handful.

What can you do to help?

The most common koala reports made to Wildlife Victoria are for those that have been hit by a vehicle, koalas found on the ground, and those that have been displaced from their natural habitat.  

Koalas are also at risk for diseases such as oxalate nephrosis, mange, chlamydia and retrovirus.  

Diseases impacting koalas

We hope that by increasing your understanding and awareness of our beautiful wildlife, you will feel empowered to manage wildlife situations confidently and in an informed, safe and appropriate manner. For support at any time, please call our 24/7 Emergency Response Service on (03) 8400 7300.