Characteristics

 

Body Weight :4-15 kg (9-33 lbs), averaging 11kg for males and 8kg for females.

Head /Body Length :600-850 mm.

Tail length: hidden by fur.

General: Teddy bear like in shape,with small compact body,short limbs,and large rounded ears.

Differnce between male and female koalas:

• males: 50% heavier,wider face,smaller ears ,large sternal gland on chest.
• Females: rear-opening pouch on underside ,two teats.

Other physical characteristics:

• teeth specialized for chewing fibrous leaves-broad ,high-cusped cheek teeth.
• Cheek pouches.
• small brain:0.2% body weight ;one of the smallest ones.

BEHAVIOR

Activity Cycle

• Primarily nocturnal, although some activities may occur during the day.
• Sleep up to 20 hours/day. Less than 4 hours/day is spent foraging and resting. The remainder (<1%) is spend moving, grooming, or interacting socially.
• Low energy output is necessary for animal that specializes on such a low energy diet.
• Foraging is done in 4 - 6 sessions per day, each lasting about 20 minutes to 2 hours.