Anatomy
Koalas are marsupials, not bears.
Despite the nickname 'koala bear,' koalas belong to the group of pouched mammals that includes kangaroos, wombats, and possums.
Phascolarctos cinereus
Koala Facts
Koalas are tree-dwelling Australian marsupials that spend much of their lives in eucalyptus forests. Their low-energy leaf diet, strong grip, and pouch-raised young are central to how they live.
Scientific name
Phascolarctos cinereus
Animal group
Mammal and marsupial
Diet
Eucalyptus leaves
Habitat
Eucalyptus forests
Range
Eastern and southeastern Australia
Activity
Mostly active at night
Explained facts
6 Interesting Koala Facts
Adaptation
Koalas can sleep for as much as 20 hours a day.
Eucalyptus leaves provide relatively little energy, so a koala conserves energy by resting for long periods and moving only when needed.
Diet
Koalas specialize in eating eucalyptus leaves.
They can tolerate certain eucalyptus compounds that many herbivores cannot, and they select preferred tree varieties from the hundreds of eucalyptus species.
Adaptation
Koala hands have two opposing thumbs.
Two opposable digits and sharp claws help koalas grip branches securely as they climb and rest high in trees.
Reproduction
A koala's pouch opens toward its hind legs.
Like its close wombat relatives, a koala has a rear-facing pouch. A newborn joey climbs into it and attaches to a teat while it develops.
Behavior
Koalas are most active at night.
They spend daytime resting and become more active after dark, when they forage and move among eucalyptus trees.
What is a koala?
A koala is a marsupial native to eastern and southeastern Australia. It is adapted to a life spent high in eucalyptus trees.
Koalas are not bears, although their rounded ears and compact appearance led to the familiar but inaccurate nickname.
Eucalyptus diet
Koalas eat eucalyptus leaves, which are difficult to digest and provide limited energy. Their behavior reflects that demanding diet.
They prefer certain kinds of eucalyptus and may avoid leaves with unusually high levels of plant toxins.
Life in the trees
Strong limbs, rough pads, sharp claws, and gripping digits help koalas climb and hold onto branches. Their body shape also helps them rest in branch forks.
On hot days, koalas choose cooler positions in trees, often near trunks or low shaded branches.
Joeys and pouches
A newborn joey is tiny and not fully developed. It crawls into the pouch soon after birth and continues growing there for months.
Later, the joey may ride on its mother's body before becoming independent in the trees.
Koala FAQ
Are koalas bears?
No. Koalas are marsupials, a group of pouched mammals that includes kangaroos and wombats.
Why do koalas sleep so much?
Their eucalyptus-leaf diet provides little energy, so they conserve energy by resting for long periods.
What do koalas eat?
Koalas eat eucalyptus leaves and select preferred varieties from the many kinds of eucalyptus trees in their habitat.
Sources
- Koala - San Diego Zoo Animals & Plants. Accessed 2026-07-17.