How Do Koalas Interact in Their Natural Habitat?

Koalas are nocturnal animals that are most often found in Australia. They don't travel much, but when they do, they move among the trees at night, according to seaworld.org. Koalas sleep for an average of 14.5 hours a day, spend 4.8 hours resting and spend the remainder of their time traveling and foraging, according to seaworld.org. Koalas can be found in large numbers in their habitat, however, they are in danger of losing their habitat.

  1. Interactions

    • Koalas interact with each other to mate and when there is a dispute over territory, but, other than that, are not have contact with one another, according to seaworld.org. Male koalas mark a territory that often consists of 15 trees by urinating on them or "rubbing a gland on his chest against a tree trunk," according to seaworld.org.

    Communities

    • Even though they are not friendly with one another, koalas live in societies, which means there must be enough trees in their habitat to support a population of koalas and allow for enough space for young koalas to grow, according to savethekoala.com. The place koalas choose to live depends on the location's ability to hold a large population of koalas.

    Setting

    • Koalas can be found in a variety of settings, including forests, inland areas and coastal islands. Ideal environments for koalas generally consist of trees, such as eucalyptus, plenty of rainfall and other koalas.

    Food

    • Koalas eat leaves, flowers and bark from eucalyptus trees, all of which are found in their natural environment, according to seaworld.com. Koalas get most of their water from the leaves they eat. They are one of the few animals that can live off of eucalyptus leaves, according to savethekoala.com. They adapt and detoxify the leaves they eat because there can be toxins in the leaves. Koalas prefer to eat leaves from trees that grow on fertile soil.

    The Future

    • Koalas need a safe, undisturbed environment where they can live and breed. Clearing out koala habitats results in fewer areas for them to repopulate in, which puts the species at risk. Koalas also face the possibility of disease if they do not have a proper habitat, according to savethekoala.com. When buildings are erected and areas that were once home to koalas become populated with humans, koalas face problems, such as feeling lost due to the unfamiliar environment and being attacked by dogs.