these are much harder to spot in the wild than kangaroos - you have to look up!
koalas do not normally share trees, and, in prime quality habitat, have territories ranging from 1.2 to 1.7 hectares.
koalas are nocturnal animals, and are most active just after sunset, and their calls at night can be very loud and intimidating to campers, although harmless if left alone.
avoid trying to pick up injured wildlife such as koalas as you may get injured from their claws - call the experts to assist on 136 186 or phone
Wildlife Victoria's 24 hour animal rescue service on
13 000 WILDLIFE (13 000 94535).
Victoria has the highest population of koalas in the wild in Australia (and the world)
koalas need certain types of Eucalypt trees for nutrition and thus their distribution is restricted
in the 1830s, koalas were rarely encountered by European settlers. By the 1860s, koalas were increasing in population, possibly due to the decline in aboriginals who hunted them. By the early 1900s, koalas were heavily hunted by European settlers for their fur, which was exported to Europe. Consequently koala numbers crashed to very low levels.
from 1919 to 1924, eight million Koalas were killed for their furs.
koalas were almost wiped out in the 1920's but since then, sustained management programs have seen them occupy most available habitats in the state, to the extent that in some areas, there are too many placing strains on supply of suitable Eucalypt sources.
areas of over-population include Mt Eccles National Park, Snake Island, French Island, Raymond Island, and parts of the Otway forests.
of course, you can guarantee seeing one by visiting local zoos and wildlife centres such as Healesville Sanctuary or the Melbourne Zoo.
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