Pear-shaped body, no tail, broad face with small eyes, large, black nose covered with dry hairs and large, rounded ears. Fur short to shaggy, color gray to brown, depending upon geographic variation. Although hunting koalas is currently outlawed, deforestation is removing habitat and food sources for this animal. Except for breeding programs, exportation of koalas is also outlawed.
Research is currently underway concerning the diseases that plague koalas in the wild.
Many reserves exist, but they are separated by large areas, so breeding programs must include managing these reserves. Niche Strictly arboreal, living in and feeding on the leaves of eucalyptus trees. Usually comes to ground only to change trees. Preyed upon at those times by foxes and dingos. Young hunted by large birds of prey.