Koalas are native to Australia and are spelt koala bears because they were mistakenly thought of as bears for their physical resemblance by Europeans when they first settled in Australia. This animal is a arboreal marsupial. Koalas can be identified by their thick fur ashy-grey coat, large fluffy ears and black, spoon-shaped nose. It is the only extant representative of the family Phascolarctidae. Koalas live in eucalyptus trees and can be found in coastal eucalyptus forests of eastern and southern Australia. Aside from the Greater Glider and Ringtail Possum, they are the only mammals that feed on eucalyptus leaves. Koalas can eat up to 1/3 of their body weight in eucalyptus leaves daily. They are also one of the few mammals that can digest eucalyptus leaves, the high concentrations of tannins in these leaves make them toxic to most other animals. Koalas have a very low metabolic rate and sleep on trees for up to 18 to 20 hrs per day. They have several adaptions that allow them to thrive in their arboreal habitat, including rough pads under their feet and palms with two thumbs on each hand that help them grip tree branches and climb trees. Koalas also have long, sharp claws on each finger and toes that they use to tear leaves from trees. They are shy and nocturnal animals. Koalas have an extraordinary place in Australian culture and are often considered to be a national symbol. Koala Clancy is the most famous wild koala in the world. He can be visited on a tour near Melbourne.
The koala is a tree-dwelling marsupial native to Australia. They are the only extant representative of the family Phascolarctidae and the genus Phascolarctos. Koala's closest living relatives are the wombats. The scientific name of the animal is "Phascolarctos cinereus", which comes from the Greek words 'phaskolos' meaning "pouched" and 'arktos' meaning "bear" and the Latin word 'cinereus' meaning "ashy-grey coloured". The koala was given its scientific name by German naturalist Johann Blumenbach in 1792. The name "koala bear" was given by the Europeans who first saw it because it resembled a small bear.
Koalas are one of the most interesting animals in the world. Here are some more interesting facts and features about koalas:
Koalas are arboreal marsupials and are well known for their distinct teddy bear-like appearance. They have very soft, fur-covered skin and have a light brown or grey coat but their nose, palms and soles have no fur. Koalas also have a stout build, rounded bodies, large rounded heads, large forward-facing eyes, spoon-shaped big black noses, big furry-rounded ears, short muzzles and short legs. They have white markings on their chest, inner arms, ears, belly and bottom, while black markings around their eyes and ears. Koalas are tailless meaning they don't have an external tail. They have rough pads on their palms and soles with two opposable thumbs on each hand. Both front and hind paws also have sharp-pointed claws which are 2 to 3 cm long. Female koalas have a pouch on their body to develop their young. Koalas are mostly nocturnal, so they sleep during the day and are active at night. They eat eucalyptus leaves and can be found in the forests of Eastern Australia. The koala has a shoulder height of about 1.3 to 1.11 feet, a body length of about 2 to 3 feet and weighs 5 to 14 kg. There is sexual dimorphism such that males are usually 50% larger than females. Males also have more curved noses and hairless patches on their chests indicating the location of the chest glands.
Koalas have several features that distinguish them from other animals. For one, They have a very slow basal metabolic rate which allows them to keep food in their digestive system for a long time, maximising the amount of energy they get from their food. So they do not need to eat or drink as often as other animals. Koala's digestive systems are adapted to detoxify the poisonous chemicals in the leaves they eat. They also have a very slow heart rate and low blood pressure, both of which contribute to their long lifespan. Female koalas have a special pouch for rearing their infant that faces straight outwards but it can appear to face backwards when the joey is older and puts its head out. The rough pads of their palms and soles with two opposing thumbs on each strong limb help them grip tree trunks and branches. Koalas' long, sharp-pointed claws on each finger and toes are also used to tear leaves from trees, grab onto branches and climb trees. Their teeth affect their ability to chew eucalypt leaves. Koalas have specially adapted leathery curved noses that have an excellent sense of smell to make better food choices, allowing them to eat leaves from certain types of eucalyptus trees and detect other koalas' scent markings on trees. The male and female koalas have several scent glands on their body that release a strong odour to help them identify each other. Another distinguishing feature of koalas is their namesake thick, woolly fur which helps them to stay warm and protects them from the elements. Their eyes are adapted for tree tops with highly developed short-range vision that allows them to find food in the dark and helps them with depth perception, which is useful for jumping between branches. Koala's large, mobile ears help them hear a variety of sounds including low-pitched bellows of other koalas, footsteps and twigs snapping. They can filter out the sounds and detect threats or predators. Koalas have curved spines with a cartilaginous pad for sitting on branches.
Koalas are tree-dwelling marsupials endemic to Australia. They live on one of the driest continents in the World. Koalas inhabit a unique ecological niche within the eucalypt forests of the Eastern and Southeastern parts of the country, thriving in regions characterized by a diverse array of eucalyptus species. They prefer to live in coastal eucalyptus forests and woodlands, high up in the trees usually perched between the forks of the branches. Koalas can also live in other types of habitats such as rainforests and coastal scrubs. They need a lot of space and trees, about 100 each. These iconic marsupials are not merely passive residents; they play an essential role in their ecosystem, contributing to seed dispersal and promoting healthy forest regeneration. Interestingly, their selective eating habits shape the very landscape they call home, as their foraging influences which eucalyptus trees flourish or dwindle.
The distribution of koalas covers much of the subtropical coastal areas of the Eastern states of Queensland, New South Wales, down to temperate zones in Victoria and a small area in South Australia. Within this range, people will find variations in skull morphology among populations—an adaptation that highlights their resilience against different environmental pressures. Koalas were once distributed throughout the entire Australian mainland but their range has been reduced to the eastern third of the country. They are most common in Queensland and New South Wales now. The geographical distribution of koalas is a reflection of both historical climate changes and current environmental challenges.
There is one species of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Still, three historically described sub-species exist:
Currently, the main two sub-species of koala are Adustus (Phascolarctos cinereus adustus), or Queensland koala from northern Queensland and Victor (Phascolarctos cinereus victor), or Victorian koala from southern Victoria. The New South Wales sub-species are the most debated.
Adult Queensland female koalas on average weigh between 5 and 6 kg and adult males weigh between 6 and 8 kg, compared to Victoria's adult female koalas with an average weight of 8.5 kg and adult males 12 kg, while South Australian adult female koalas can weigh between 7 and 11 kg and adult males weigh between 9.5 and 14 kg.
Koalas are well-known for their bear-like appearance with a stout build, rounded bodies, large round heads, big furry ears, front-faced eyes, spoon-shaped black leathery noses and short legs. Their fur colour varies from pale grey in the north to grey-brown in the south. Koalas have white fur on their chest, belly, inner arms, ears and bottom. They have no fur on their nose, palms and soles. Koalas have close-range vision but their eyesight is not very good over long distances and rely heavily on their other senses. They have excellent hearing which helps them detect predators or threats and other koalas. Koalas have an acute sense of smell which also helps them to choose their favourite food trees and detect other koalas. They have rough pads on their palms and soles with two opposing thumbs on each strong hand that help them grip tree branches. Koalas also have long, sharp-pointed claws on each finger and toes which are also used to tear leaves from trees and climb trees. They are marsupials which means these mammal's young raising in their pouch. Koalas primarily inhabit the eucalyptus forests and woodlands of eastern Australia, where their unique dietary preferences shape their habitat. They are herbivores and live in eucalyptus trees where they eat up to 400 grams of eucalyptus leaves each day and sleep about 18 to 20 hours a day. Unlike many other mammals, koalas have evolved to thrive on a diet consisting almost exclusively of eucalyptus leaves, which are toxic to most animals. This specialization not only confines them to areas rich in these trees but also influences the structure and health of their habitats. They are territorial and attempt to establish the area where they eat and live.
The koala or inaccurately, koala bear is an arboreal marsupial native to Australia. They are endemic to Australia, where they can be commonly found in the southeast and eastern parts of the country. Koalas occupy regions ranging from subtropical coastal areas in Queensland and New South Wales down to temperate zones in Victoria and South Australia. They live in forests and open woodlands, typically dominated by eucalyptus tree species. The loss of mature eucalyptus trees due to urban development, logging, and wildfires has become a pressing concern for preserving these iconic marsupials.
Koalas are herbivores and typically feed on eucalyptus leaves. They are also one of the few mammals that can digest eucalyptus leaves which are low in nutrition, the high concentrations of tannins in these leaves make them toxic to most other animals. In the wild, they eat leaves from over 600 species of eucalyptus trees and can typically eat around 400 grams of leaves per day which is up to 1/3 of their body weight, spread out over 4 to 6 feeding periods. However, they will also consume other vegetation types if necessary, including acacia and mistletoe. Koalas mainly eat young leaves which are higher in nutrients like protein than fiber and lignin. They also feed young shoots of eucalyptus trees, grasses and roots. Their most favored species are Eucalyptus microcorys, Eucalyptus tereticornis and Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Koalas get most of the water they need from the leaves they eat. In the zoo, they are typically fed a diet of gum leaves, fresh fruits, vegetables and water.
Koalas rely heavily on their sense of smell to make better food choices. They are notoriously selective feeders, using their prominent, leathery noses to differentiate toxin levels in eucalyptus leaves and choose the juiciest, most nutrient-rich ones—wild koalas have been observed to sniff leaves before tasting them. Koalas have long, sharp-pointed claws on each finger to tear off leaves from trees and sharp incisors that they use to chew eucalypt leaves. They also have a long, sticky tongue that they use to eat the leaves. Koalas have a very low metabolism rate and can sleep for up to 18-20 hrs each day to conserve energy. They have a slow digestive system which allows them to keep food for long periods to spread lactation and helps them conserve energy, allowing them to maximise the amount of energy (the most nutritional value) they extract from their food. At the same time, this slow metabolic rate minimises energy requirements. Koalas are more than just adorable icons of Australia, they play a crucial role in their ecosystems. As herbivores, while they primarily feed on eucalyptus leaves, this not only shapes their health but also influences the integrity of eucalyptus forests.
Koalas are known for their unusual behaviour and lifestyle. They are shy and nocturnal animals. Koalas depend on trees for food and shelter. They eat up to 1/3 of their body weight in eucalyptus leaves daily. While they feast on leaves rich in fibre but low in nutrients, koalas have adapted an efficient digestive system equipped with a lengthy cecum and colon, allowing them to extract maximum nourishment from their leafy meals. Koalas have a slow-paced life means they can sleep or rest on trees for up to 18 to 20 hrs per day, leaving only a precious few hours for feeding and socializing. This is mostly due to their low-energy diet of eucalyptus leaves. These arboreal marsupials are not aggressive animals and generally avoid confrontation. When confronted, they will usually flee to the safety of a tree. Koalas hug trees to avoid being attacked by predators and they can swim.
Koalas are solitary animals and only come together to mate. They are very territorial and will fight other koalas over territory. They spend most of their time in trees where they eat leaves, sleep and mate. They can eat up to 400 grams of leaves each day, spread out over 4 to 6 feeding periods. Koalas are also one of the few mammals that can digest eucalyptus leaves, the high concentrations of tannins in these leaves make them toxic to most other animals. Their slow metabolic rate increases their lifespan. They have a good sense of hearing and can see well in bright and dark light. Koalas are excellent climbers and can swim if necessary. During mating season, male koalas mark their territory with urine and the females will choose a mate based on his scent. However, these creatures possess intricate vocalizations that facilitate communication during mating seasons. The deep bellows and grunts resonate through eucalyptus forests not just as romantic calls but also as territorial displays. After being born, female koalas carry their young in a pouch and nurture their young by providing them with "pap", a form of nutrient-rich faeces packed with necessary gut bacteria essential for digesting eucalyptus. This bond underscores an intricate balance between parental investment and adaptability within a constantly changing environment fueled by habitat loss due to urban development and climate change.
Despite being solitary animals by nature, some studies suggest that koalas develop enduring relationships with particular neighbours—an unexpected twist in their social behaviour showcasing an affinity for companionship in specific contexts. The unique blend of seclusion and community challenges common perceptions about these iconic marsupials while highlighting the delicate balance they maintain within their arboreal habitats. They have an extraordinary place in Australian culture and are often considered to be a national symbol.
Koalas exhibit a fascinating reproductive strategy that reflects their unique evolution as arboreal herbivores. Their mating season occurs between September and March, coinciding with the warmer months when eucalyptus leaves are abundant which are not only their primary food source but also crucial for nurturing the young. Male koalas reach sexual maturity at 3 years old while female koalas reach sexual maturity at 2 years old but do not reproduce until they are 3 years. They enter into a 17 to 18-day oestrous cycle in which they are only receptive to mating for a few hours. If they do not mate, the cycle will restart. A male koala is called a buck, boomer or jack and a female is called a doe, flyer or nanny. During mating seasons female koalas emit a range of vocalizations including deep bellows and grunts to attract males that resonate through eucalyptus forests as romantic calls, signalling their readiness to mate with potential partners. Male koalas also engage in a mesmerizing courtship display, characterized by deep booming calls that echo through the eucalyptus forests, showcasing an intricate communication system that underscores their social dynamics. This vocalization not only invites females but also establishes territorial boundaries against rival males—it's nature's version of a romantic serenade intertwined with primal competition. Male koalas mark their territory with urine and the females will choose a mate based on his scent. The males compete with females by singing and fighting. Once mating occurs, gestation lasts about 35 days, after which the tiny koala is born—they typically have 1 baby at a time but can have up to 4 babies in a litter.
The babies are called joey and after birth, they climb up their mother's fur to her four teats where they attach themselves. The tiny koala is born blind, hairless and weighing 1 gram—instinctively crawls into its mother's pouch for protection and nourishment where it stays for about 6 months. This intimate bond between mother and baby is crucial; mother koalas nurture their young by providing them with "pap", a form of nutrient-rich faeces packed with necessary gut bacteria essential for digesting eucalyptus. Once it begins to emerge at around six months old, it's often spotted clinging onto its mother's back and remains attached to the teat for another 6 months as she navigates through treetops in search of fresh eucalyptus leaves. This pivotal stage not only allows the young ones to gain vital nutrients from the rich foliage but also offers a unique bonding experience between mother and offspring amidst Australia's stunning landscapes. When juvenile koalas begin to wean at around 12 months of age, they start to explore outside the pouch but still return to it for shelter and safety until they reach sexual maturity around two to three years old—a remarkable journey illustrating both survival and connection within these iconic marsupials. The babies are fully weaned at around 18 months old.
In terms of lifespan, wild koalas typically live between 10 to 12 years; although females can continue to breed into their 'teens' and may live as long as 18 years, males are thought to have a slightly shorter lifespan. However, those in captivity can thrive significantly longer due to reduced stressors such as predators and disease exposure. Despite these advantages, conservationists are increasingly concerned about declining habitats and health issues impacting their populations—suggesting that understanding these remarkable creatures' early life stages is critical not just for their survival but also for maintaining Australia's ecological balance.
Koalas are threatened species due to predators and other threats. The biggest predator of the koala is the red fox which has been introduced to Australia from Europe. They prey on young koalas and can kill an adult koala too. Another major threat comes from the soaring populations of dingoes and wedge-tailed eagles, owls which have been known to attack koalas in their natural habitat. These dogs actively hunt and can cause heightened stress among koala populations, further exacerbating their already precarious situation due to habitat destruction. Other predators of the koala include the goannas and feral dogs. These animals can kill a young or vulnerable koala.
Moreover, invasive species add another layer of threat to koala survival. Feral cats have become widespread in many parts of Australia and are known for preying on small marsupials including juvenile koalas. This shift in predator dynamics exacerbates existing vulnerabilities within koala populations—especially those already weakened by disease or environmental stressors. Interestingly, scientists have noted that increased competition for resources due to habitat loss leads to greater susceptibility among individual koalas when under threat from these predators. In addition to predation, koalas have also threatened species posed by human activities.
Despite being synonymous with Australia's outback charm, koalas face mounting pressure from habitat loss, diseases, poaching and climate change. Due to urban expansion by clearing forests, agricultural development and mining reduce the amount of suitable land for koalas. These threats have severely fragmented their populations, leading to isolated communities that struggle to interbreed. Moreover, diseases like chlamydia pose an equally grim challenge for koalas. This infection is prevalent in certain populations, leading to significant reproductive issues, blindness and increased mortality rates. Efforts to combat this problem have given rise to innovative approaches such as vaccination programs aimed at boosting genetic diversity among koala populations. They were once hunted for their fur but now they are protected by law. As temperatures rise and drought becomes more frequent in Australia, food sources dwindle, pushing koalas closer to human settlements for sustenance. This encroachment increases their risk of vehicle collisions—an unfortunate yet common fate for many urban wildlife. One way to help protect koalas is to keep them away from roads and suburbs. Recent conservation efforts emphasize creating wildlife corridors—traversable green spaces connecting patches of koala habitats—to mitigate these challenges. In doing so, they not only safeguard the future of koalas but also foster biodiversity in increasingly urbanized regions. With each successful relocation or rewilding effort, there’s renewed hope that the resilient spirit of these lovable creatures will continue to thrive amidst shifting landscapes.
In February 2022, the koala (combined populations of Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory) was announced that it would be listed as an endangered species for the first time in eastern Australia. As of March 2024, the estimated koala population in Queensland, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory is between 95,000 and 238,000. The IUCN estimated that the koala population is between 100,000 and 500,000 left in the wild. The Australian Government's Threatened Species Scientific Committee estimated that the 2021 koala population was 92,000, down from 185,000 two decades prior. The Australian Koala Foundation estimates that there are less than 57,920 Koalas left in the wild, possibly as few as 32,065.
Koalas are not just Australia’s iconic marsupials; they embody the intricate web of ecosystems that rely heavily on their presence. These gentle creatures play a crucial role in maintaining the health of eucalyptus forests.
In essence, protecting koalas is synonymous with preserving the intricate balance of life within their unique ecosystems, demonstrating how one species can signify the well-being of many others sharing its environment.
Koalas are one of the most beloved animals in the world. They are known for their cute, fluffy appearance and gentle nature. For many people, seeing a koala up close and personal at a zoo is a dream come true. Much more than just cuddly icons of Australia, koalas possess fascinating social dynamics. In a zoo setting, they can be seen engaging with one another through subtle vocalizations and body movements, showcasing their complex communication skills. This interaction provides valuable insights into their instincts, such as signifying territory or attracting potential mates.
Moreover, zoos play a crucial role in conservation efforts for these vulnerable creatures. By educating visitors about the threats facing koalas—such as habitat loss and climate change—zoo programs inspire proactive measures to protect them in their native habitats. Engaging animal care specialists can share compelling stories about individual koalas’ journeys and rehabilitation efforts that highlight not only the resilience of these animals but also our shared responsibility to safeguard their future. Each encounter becomes an invitation for visitors to connect with nature on a deeper level and reflect on how we can contribute positively to wildlife conservation efforts beyond the zoo gates.
However, there are some important things to keep in mind when visiting these amazing creatures. First and foremost, it's essential to remember that koalas are wild animals. Even though they may look cuddly and harmless, they can be dangerous if provoked or threatened in any way. Visitors should always respect their space and avoid getting too close or attempting to touch them. It's also important to note that koalas sleep for up to 20 hours per day, so visitors may not always see them awake. When the temperature is between 65 and 80 degrees, the koalas may be seen munching eucalyptus leaves and snoozing in the outdoor enclosure. On chilly days, the koalas keep warm in an indoor exhibit, but you can see them through their window habitats.
Another key consideration is the habitat of the koalas within the zoo environment. Today the zoo is the proud home of an entire koala colony. In addition, San Diego Zoo has the most successful koala breeding program outside of Australia. This zoo has its own Koala Conservation and Education Loan Program. Koalas are only included in 10 U.S. zoos. Most of these zoos are in tropical climates (3 in Florida, 3 in California). Two Ohio zoos are the only ones in the Midwest (Columbus and Cleveland). Leading the way in the care of koalas is the San Diego Zoo.
The koala or inaccurately, koala bear, is an arboreal marsupial native to Australia and it is classified scientifically as "Phascolarctos cinereus". They are the only extant surviving members of the family Phascolarctidae (order Marsupialia) and the genus Phascolarctos. Recent genetic evidence suggests that, unlike true bears, these unique creatures are more closely related to wombats and kangaroos, though there are six known fossil species. There are 4 extant species of the koala and all are found in coastal eucalyptus forests in Eastern Australia and coastal islands in Southern Queensland. The koala is not a bear but it has many physical and behavioural similarities to bears. Native Australians called them "boodie", "boo" or "bear". Their evolutionary journey dates back over 25 million years when they diverged from common ancestors shared with other diprotodonts. Fossil evidence suggests that koalas once occupied a much broader range across Australia, thriving in a variety of habitats before adapting to the specialized eucalyptus forests.
The evolution of koalas has led them to develop distinct adaptations for their arboreal lifestyle. With two opposing thumbs on their strong limbs and sharp claws designed for climbing, they expertly navigate treetops in search of their favourite food source, eucalyptus leaves. Interestingly, their digestive systems have evolved alongside their diet; despite the toxic compounds found in eucalypts, koalas possess specialized gut bacteria that break down these toxins and extract essential nutrients. This specialization highlights how adaptability can shape not just anatomy but also dietary preferences—making koalas a fascinating case study in evolutionary biology that prompts us to consider the impacts of environmental changes on such finely-tuned species.
The relationship between koalas and humans has evolved dramatically over the years, shaped by a complex interplay of admiration, conservation efforts, empathy, shared spaces and environmental challenges. As iconic symbols of Australian wildlife, koalas have become ambassadors for environmental campaigns aimed at preserving their increasingly threatened habitats. For many Australians and international visitors alike, encountering these endearing creatures in the wild ignites a sense of responsibility to protect not just the species but also the fragile ecosystems they inhabit.
For centuries, they have been living in Australia near human settlements and they have learned to trust people. Koalas will often approach people for food and they will even let people pet them. Some koalas have become so comfortable around people that they will sleep in trees for hours or even inside people’s yards. This close relationship has helped to make koalas one of the most beloved animals on the planet. They are known for their cuddly appearance and sweet nature. Koalas are often referred to as "a teddy bear with a trunk". They are found in many Australian zoos and are a popular tourist attraction.
Humans also influence koalas through our cultural lens—through art, storytelling, and even social media campaigns that elevate the plight of these animals to global recognition. The emergence of wildlife documentaries showcases the delicate intricacies of koala life while stirring empathy among viewers. However, this attention can have dual implications: as awareness grows about what is at stake for koalas, it heightens tourist demands on their habitats and underscores the need for sustainable practices.
However, this bond is fraught with challenges. As Australia’s iconic marsupials face threats from habitat destruction, hunting, climate change and bushfires, our role transforms from mere spectators to active stewards of their future. Urban expansion and climate change have critically impacted koala populations, leading to calls for more sustainable land-use practices. Engaging local communities in conservation efforts has unveiled a different kind of bond; initiatives such as "adopt-a-koala" programs allow everyday individuals to forge personal connections with these creatures, deepening public awareness and responsibility toward environmental stewardship. Innovative approaches are also emerging from local communities that seek to harmonize human development with wildlife needs—like creating "koala corridors" that connect fragmented habitats. This proactive stance highlights an evolving perspective; rather than viewing nature as something separate from ourselves, more people are recognizing its intrinsic value and our role as stewards in a shared environment.
In Australia, koalas have been around for millions of years but the conservation status of the koala has reached alarmingly critical levels in recent years, with these iconic marsupials now classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. There are several reasons why koalas are at risk, including habitat loss, climate change, disease and predation. They were once hunted for their fur but now they are protected by law. Koalas need large areas of forests to live in and deforestation has caused their numbers to decline.
Habitat loss due to urban development and climate change continues to threaten their already diminished populations. What many might not realize is that koalas are highly specialized feeders, relying almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves for sustenance. This dietary limitation means that when forests are cleared or degraded, they face not just habitat loss but also a scarcity of food sources, amplifying their plight.
Furthermore, the impacts of diseases like chlamydia have exacerbated their challenges, leading to increased mortality rates, blindness and reproductive failures. Notably, a study highlighted how individual genetic diversity plays a crucial role in resilience; isolated populations are becoming more susceptible to disease due to a lack of genetic variation. Conservation efforts must therefore not only focus on habitat preservation but also recognize the need for genetic diversity within these populations if we hope to see sustainable recovery strategies take effect.
Community involvement has proven essential in aiding koala conservation initiatives—local volunteers often play pivotal roles in monitoring populations and restoring habitats through tree planting and land care programs. Engaging citizens can create stronger awareness about the significance of protecting these unique animals while fostering an emotional connection that drives advocacy for broader environmental policies. In essence, conserving the koala isn't merely about saving one species; it's integral to maintaining Australia's rich biodiversity and ecological health for future generations.
While koalas and wombats both hail from Australia, their lifestyles and adaptations present fascinating contrasts.