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In Australia there are over 600 types of eucalyptus trees |
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The koala rarely drinks due to the high water content in Eucalyptus
leaves |
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Koalas were once common in eastern Australia, however the koala
population has been severely reduced by hunting and loss of habitat
and they are now completely protected |
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Koalas have two thumbs on their front paws - to help them climb,
to hold onto the tree and to grip their food. |
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Koalas also communicate with each other by making a noise like a
snore and then a belch, known as a "bellow" |
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Koala fur is thick and wooly. The colour and pattern of the fur
varies between individuals and age |
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With their fluffy fur and their fluffy ears and general shape, they
resemble a cuddly toy |
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The life span of a koala is typically between 13-18 years |
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The closest relative to the koala, is the wombat - which shares
some common anatomical features. It is believed that the koala and
the wombat shared a common ancestor some 25 million years ago! |
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Koalas do not have much energy - approximately 20% of their time
is spent feeding, and the remaining 80% is spent sleeping! |
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The female usually produces one young every one to two years, twins
are rare |
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Baby koalas, joeys, are born at less than 2 cm long! They spend
their first 5 - 7 months in their mothers pouch |
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After being nurtured in the pouch, the small koala is then carried
on the mothers back for several more months |
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The joey is usually fully independent at a year old but has the
potential to stay with its mother for two to three years. They are
fully grown by their third of fourth year |
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The biggest problem for koalas is that their bushland ( or "habitat"
) is being cut down to make way for houses. Eucalypts ( gumtrees)
are both food and homes for the koalas. Although, koalas are protected
by law, their homes and food aren't |
