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 Koala Also the Australian bear, aboreal marsupial native to Australia. One time abundant it is now found in much reduced numbers in Queensland and Victoria. It has a thick grayish fur, a tailless body from 2 to 2-1/2 feet long a protuberant curved, black nose, and large furry ears.
The feet have five sharply clawed toes which enables it to grasp and climb. It's sleeps during the day and feeds at night on leaves and shoots of certain species of the eucalyptus. At birth the cub is about 3/4 in. long , and is carried and nursed in the mother's pouch, from which it emerges for the first time when it about six months old. Up until eight months old it continues to use the pouch, and is carried on the mother's back or in her arms until year-old.
Defenseless and harmless the koala has been ruthlessly hunted, chiefly for fur but also for food, and disease has taken a heavy toll. Protective measures have been adapted to prevent its extinction. |
