Koala Sitting 12cm - Cuddly Toy

Physical Characteristics
Though often called the "koala bear," this cuddly animal is not a bear at all; it is a marsupial, or pouched mammal. Koalas are found only in Australia. In the cold Southern parts, they have long, shaggy fur; in the Northern warmer parts, the fur is shorter. The koala has large round furred ears, a large dark soft leathery nose and beady eyes. The mouth appears small but can open quite wide. Koalas have two thumbs on their front paws and sharp curved claws on all the digits, which assist them in their extraordinary climbing ability. Average lifespan in the wild: 20 years Size: 23.5 to 33.5 in (60 to 85 cm) Weight: 20 lbs (9 kg) Protection status: Threatened.

Habitat
Koalas are found only in Australia .

Behaviour
Koalas do not make a nest or seek any shelter. Koalas sleep during the day in eucalyptus trees.

Breeding
Koalas are usually solitary animals except in the breeding season. Koalas breed in summer, and the young (usually litters of just one) are born about a month after mating. The Koala offspring are known as 'joeys'. They are only 2 cm at birth and are born without fur - they can't regulate their body temperature until they grow fur - and with their eyes and ears shut. The Joey remains in its mother's pouch for at least seven months and after that rides on her back until ready to care for itself. Koalas take three or four years to mature. The Joeys are not capable of digesting Eucalyptus leaves initially and need to eat special micro-organisms found in the 'pap' or droppings from their mothers.

Diet
Koalas get the water content they need from the Eucalyptus leaves on which they feed. Aside from the Greater Glider and the Ringtail Possum, the Koala is the only other mammal with a digestive system that can feed solely on eucalyptus leaves - incidentally, these leaves are highly poisonous if eaten by humans. There are about 600 varieties of eucalyptus trees. Koalas feed on only about 120 of these. Koalas feed mainly at night and can eat about 5 kilograms of leaves at a time.

Strange and Interesting Facts
The word Koala means 'no drink', and refers to the Koala's ability to go for days without water. It is an ancient aboriginal term. The fingerprints of Koalas are amazingly like those of human beings - enough to cause confusion if compared.