How Much Eucalyptus Does a Koala Eat?

Koalas are a marsupial species found only in Australia and they live almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves. This relatively limited diet can cause koalas to smell like cough drops.

Since they cannot obtain much energy from these leaves, koalas tend to live a very sedentary life, and will sleep for up to 20 hours per day. Koalas spend most of their time aloft, grazing on leaves, or sleeping in tree forks.

Koalas have an extremely efficient digestive system in order to process the poisons in eucalyptus leaves and extract as many nutrients as possible. Koalas don't need to drink water very often, as they get most of the moisture they need from their diet.

More about koalas:

• Koalas were hunted extensively for their pelts in the early 20th century. Millions of koalas were killed and populations in several areas, such as South Australia, were entirely wiped out.
• A newborn koala is only around one inch long and will spend seven to eight months without leaving its mother's pouch.
• Koalas cool themselves down in hot weather by hugging tree trunks and branches, and may travel to non-food trees specifically to do this.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much eucalyptus does a koala eat in a day?

On average, a koala consumes between 200 to 500 grams of eucalyptus leaves daily. This amount can vary depending on the koala's size, age, and reproductive status. Koalas are selective feeders and will choose species and leaves with higher nutritional content to meet their energy requirements.

Can koalas survive on any type of eucalyptus?

Koalas are quite particular about their diet, feeding on leaves from only a few of the over 700 eucalyptus species. They prefer trees that provide the highest nutritional value and moisture content, and their choices can change with the seasons and local habitat conditions. This selective diet ensures they get the necessary nutrients while minimizing toxin intake.

Why do koalas eat so much eucalyptus when it's toxic?

Koalas have evolved to process the toxins found in eucalyptus leaves. Their specialized cecum, a part of the gut, contains bacteria that break down the toxic compounds, allowing koalas to detoxify and absorb nutrients effectively. This adaptation means they can exploit a food source that is largely ignored by other animals, reducing competition.

How does a koala's diet affect its behavior?

The high-fiber, low-nutrient diet of koalas means they have little energy to spare, which is why they lead a mostly sedentary lifestyle. Koalas sleep up to 18-22 hours a day to conserve energy, and when they are active, their movements are slow and deliberate. Their diet directly influences this energy-conserving behavior.

Do koalas need water in addition to eucalyptus leaves?

Koalas obtain most of the moisture they need from eucalyptus leaves, which are about 50% water. However, during extreme heat or droughts, koalas may descend from their arboreal perches to drink from water sources. Climate change and deforestation have made such instances more common, as reported by wildlife researchers observing koala behavior.

What happens if a koala cannot find enough eucalyptus to eat?

If a koala cannot find sufficient eucalyptus leaves, it can suffer from malnutrition and dehydration, leading to a weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to diseases like chlamydia. Habitat destruction is a significant threat to koalas, as it reduces their food sources and living space, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts for their survival.