Koala ( Phascolarctos cinereus )
Koala - Koala information - Koala facts, pictures, photos
The Koala can be found in the coastal regions of eastern Australia. It lives in forests as well as in woodlands. It has got a bear-like appearance, however in small size. For the koala a brown fur, big eyes, flat nose and limbs with claws are typical. Therefore it is able to climb the trees without any problems. In spite of that, it is quite hard for the koala to move on the ground. Its forelimbs are well developed and it is able to oppose the first and the second digit.
Phascolarctos cinereus is about 65-90 cm (22-35 in) long and weighs from 5 to 15 kg (10-33 lb). Its diet is pretty selective as it eats only 12 species of eucalyptus gum tree. It feeds on approximately 1.5 kg (3 lb) eucalyptus leaves every day. These leaves are quite hard for digestive system therefore its intestine is immensely long. Small koala young is usually born every 2 years in September or October. Their life expectancy is up to 20 years.
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