The koala is the Australian marsupial famous for living in eucalyptus trees and sleeping for up to 22 hours a day.
Koalas spend most of their lives in eucalyptus forests and woodlands. Their specialized digestive system allows them to process eucalyptus leaves, which are fibrous and contain defensive chemicals. Because the leaves provide relatively little energy, koalas conserve energy through long periods of rest.
Koalas are not bears, although the nickname “koala bear” remains common. They are marsupials, so females raise their young in a pouch. A newborn joey develops there before later clinging to its mother’s back.
The species is native to eastern and southeastern Australia. Habitat loss, disease, bushfires and climate pressures affect different koala populations, and conservation status can vary between regions.