Koalas
are found in a range of habitats, from coastal islands and tall eucalypt forests
to low woodlands inland. Today, they do not live in rainforest, although it is
thought that millions of years ago, the ancestors from which today's koalas
evolved lived in the rainforests which covered much of Australia at that time.
Research shows that socially stable koala
populations occur only when there are primary (or favourite) tree species
present. Even if a selection of tree species known to be used by koalas occurs
within an area, it will not support a koala population, or at least the koala
population will not use it, unless one or two favorite species are present.
This is one reason
why it is not a good idea to rely on a general list of preferred koala food
trees. Leaving out the key species from tree plantings to restore koala habitat,
could be a waste of time and effort.
With the latest
research, it is becoming clear that the koalas' selection of tree species
influences the social structure of populations and the maintenance of each
individual koala's home range within the population. A greater understanding of
the koala's behaviour is a very important factor when identifying suitable koala
habitat. Planning for future protection and management of koala habitat needs to
take such factors into consideration.
Koalas live in societies, just like humans, so they need to be able to come into contact with other koalas. Because of this they need to have areas of suitable eucalypt forest which are large enough to support a healthy koala population and to allow for expansion by maturing young koalas.
