Koala

Description:

Herbivorous marsupial found in varied regions throughout Australia. Grey and cream grizzled fur, no tail visible, large flattish black nose, small brown eyes, large fluffy ears, strong black claws on all four limbs, feeds on about 40 varieties of Eucalyptus tree leaves, known to 'taste' other leaf varieties, mostly tree dwelling but does travel along the ground, uses bounding movement to climb but also 'walks', call is a loud bellowing grunting sound in males similar to excited wild pigs! Females less so preferring squeaks & softer calls between themselves & their babies. Koalas emit a heart rending cry like a baby when they are under stress or being attacked or may be lost. This one was a small koala, young adult.

Habitat:

Found in Eucalypt forests in many areas throughout NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia. This one in dry woodland forest in north east NSW in Spotted Gum, Ironbark, Grey Gum vegetation alliance.

Notes:

After weeks of searching and hearing these Koalas at night, finally this one was seen on the ground as we walked along a track on this property. It made its way quickly up the tree and started feeding. This was following a savage storm just a few hours earlier. More photos coming soon.