They have long, pointed snouts, and the hind limbs are slightly longer than the forelimbs. They are generally active, terrestrial, nocturnal animals. Various species live in the forested regions, plains, and deserts of central Australia. Some are native to the rain forests of New Guinea. They have coarse fur that ranges in color from light brown or gray to dark brown or black.
Wombats are herbivores and live in burrows.
The largest populations are found in forest habitats in the mountains of Tasmania and Australia. These tree-climbing creatures resemble small bears with thick, gray fur that is lighter on the underside of the body. Unlike most marsupials, koalas have only 30 teeth. They have cheek pouches where they temporarily store eucalyptus leaves and an unusual feature called a caecum. The koala was widespread in Australia at the beginning of the 20th century, but its population dwindled as a result of heavy hunting of the animal for its fur.