Koalas are perhaps one of the most cuddly and cute animals native to Australia. Largely solitary, they spend the vast majority of their time in trees, munching on eucalyptus leaves and sleeping. But if you’ve read a koala story book or seen a koala show on TV, you might be wondering what a koala’s natural habitat looks like. Let’s find out. 

The bigger picture

Koalas are native to Australia, one of the driest continents in the world. They can only be found in a small part of the continent, in the states of Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria - all of which are in the east and southeast. There are an estimated 300,000 mature koalas in the wild, and their population is declining due to habitat loss, disease, climate change and conflict with humans. They were recently listed as ‘endangered’.

Koala habitats

Koalas are happiest in tropical, sub-tropical and temperate forests, as well as open woodlands, that are dominated by eucalyptus trees. They have preferred species, which must be present for koalas to live there, and they need to live in places where there is adequate rainfall. That’s because they get most of the water they need from the leaves they eat, meaning they don’t need to go down to the ground to drink. Koalas also only live in places where other koalas have a home range, so that they can breed in the spring. 

Research has shown that the social structure of koala populations is influenced by their selection of tree species. A koala’s home range can be quite large - perhaps up to 135km - so it’s important that a variety of tree species is present, so that each individual can access their favourite types of tree.

Why are koala populations declining?

Since Europeans began settling in Australia over 200 years ago, around 80% of koala habitat has been destroyed. Of the remaining 20%, none is protected and much of it is on privately owned land. Without a suitable habitat with the right kinds of trees, rich soil and plenty of rainfall, koalas struggle to survive. 

Unfortunately, because Australia is so dry, human settlement is largely in the places where koalas once thrived. When trees are cleared for houses or farms, the koalas are left disoriented and unable to find new homes. Some can be found now in suburban areas, but these face dangers such as cars, dog attacks and swimming pools, which they can fall into and be unable to escape from.

Koala conservation

Efforts are underway across eastern and southeastern Australia to help koala populations stabilise. While some organisations work to rescue and rehabilitate the animals, others focus on planting the right types and combinations of trees that make up their habitat, reconnecting fragmented populations and ensuring koalas have places to live and enough food to eat.

Meet Kevin the koala

If you are a fan of Rachel Bright’s koala reading book, The Koala Who Could, don’t miss the stage adaptation which is currently touring the UK. Ideal for kids aged three and up, it tells the story with puppetry and songs. Book tickets today at a theatre near you.