koala

The koala lives in eucalyptus trees, and comes down only to pass from one tree to another. Its diet is limited to a few species of eucalyptus, of which it will eat over 1 kg/2 lb each day.

Marsupial (mammal that carries its young in a pouch) found only in eastern Australia. It feeds almost entirely on eucalyptus shoots. It is about 60 cm/2 ft long, and resembles a bear (it is often incorrectly described as a ‘koala bear’). The popularity of its greyish fur led to its almost complete extermination by hunters. Under protection since 1936, it rapidly increased in numbers, but recently numbers have fallen from 400,000 in 1985 to 40,000–80,000 in 1995. (Species Phascolarctos cinereus, family Phalangeridae.)

A three-year trial began in November 1996 in southern Australia, overpopulated by koalas, to bring their numbers under control by giving males vasectomies and females hormone implants preventing ovulation. In 1997, the programme of sterilization continued, and a relocation plan, following earlier trials, began.