Its scientific name is Phascolarctos Cinereus. They are often incorrectly referred to as Koala Bears, as they have no relationship to bears at all.

The word Koala is an Aboriginal word for "no drink". Whilst they obtain quite a lot of moisture from the eucalypt leaves, it is a myth that they don't drink at all. They are often seen around Gunnedah drinking from puddles or even dogs bowls which quite often results in dog attacks. Cars and dog attacks are the two greatest threats to the Koala population.

Koalas sleep up to 20 hours a day and are most active after sunset. Koalas spend less than 1% of there time grooming/traveling and finding a mate.

They grow to between 50 - 80cm in length, have a pouch and a stumpy tail. Males range from 4.2- 11.5 kg and females range from 4.1 - 9.8 kg.

Females only produce one offspring each year, just five weeks after conception. The cub will spend 6 months in its mother's pouch. Koalas reach their sexual maturity in their second year. Males usually establish their territory in the third or fourth year. They do this by rubbing their chest against the trees. Females usually have one Joey every Two years. Twins are rare. Females give birth after 35 days gestation period. The life span for a wild Koala usually 10-12 years.

Koalas eat between 200 - 500grams of leaves per day. Their stomachs are very small and they take some time to digest their food. This is why they are almost always sleeping. It is a myth that koalas are "high" or "doped up" on eucalyptus leaves. They just need time to rest and digest.

The koala's favourite habitat includes Red River Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis), white box (Eucalyptus albens), bimble box (Eucalyptus populnea), cyprys pine (Callitris sp.) and other red gums although there are over 120 different species of gum which are eaten.

The earliest record of koalas in the region comes from the famous zoologist John Gould in 1863. During the 1920's Koalas were hunted for the fur.

Koalas are often spotted in and around the township of Gunnedah. Three generations of koalas have lived in just one tree located right next to the Gunnedah Visitor Information Centre.

The Koala is listed on the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act as an endangered species that is vulnerable to extinction. Land clearing, salinity and soil erosion pose the greatest long term threat to Koalas in the Gunnedah area. Measures have been put in place, however, such as tree planting, tree corridors etc. to ensure their longer-term sustainability.

Koalas prefer to stay relatively close to their home range where they feel comfortable.

The closest relative to the koala is the wombat. It is believed that the two shared the same ancestors 25 million years ago.

Northern Koalas are smaller; their fur is shorter and light grey in colour. Southern Koalas are dark grey and have shaggy fur.

The Koala has two thumb-like digits on the front feet three fingers, and one nail less thumb like digit on the back feet with three fingers.

Koalas are very good swimmers.

Koalas don't have canine teeth and only one pair of lower incisors in the lower jaw. They also have one well developed pair in the top.

Back to top