Koalas are iconic marsupials native to Australia, instantly recognizable by their stout bodies, large heads, and fluffy ears. Their survival is intricately linked to their specific living environment. Understanding where koalas live and the characteristics of their habitat is crucial for their conservation.
Koala Geographic Distribution
Koalas are found exclusively in the eastern and southeastern regions of Australia. Their range extends across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and a small area of South Australia. While their historical distribution was broader, fossil evidence indicates they once inhabited parts of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Today, koala populations are fragmented, meaning they are found in disconnected patches rather than a continuous range. This fragmentation is largely due to historical clearing of eucalyptus woodlands and forests. Despite some reintroductions to areas where they were previously hunted to extinction, many populations remain at risk.
Defining Koala Habitat
Koala habitat is defined by eucalyptus forests and woodlands. These marsupials rely on eucalyptus trees for diet and shelter. While there are over 700 species of eucalyptus, koalas are selective, typically feeding on only about 50 species.
Eucalyptus leaves provide their sole nutrition and moisture. Koalas have specialized digestive systems to detoxify compounds in eucalyptus leaves, which are toxic to most other animals. Beyond food, these forests offer shelter from weather extremes. Contiguous forest areas are also important, allowing koalas to move between trees within their home ranges.
Challenges Facing Koala Habitats
Koala habitats face numerous threats, primarily from human activities. Habitat loss and fragmentation are significant concerns, driven by urbanization, agriculture, and the development of infrastructure like roads and housing. Over 80% of original koala habitat has been destroyed since European settlement, reducing available living spaces. This loss forces koalas to spend more time on the ground, increasing their vulnerability to vehicle collisions and dog attacks.
Climate change also poses a threat, impacting eucalyptus forests through increased droughts, heatwaves, and bushfires. These events reduce the quality and availability of their food source, as eucalyptus leaves can lose moisture and become less nutritious. Stress from habitat degradation can make koalas more susceptible to diseases like chlamydia, which can lead to blindness, infertility, and death, impacting population numbers.