Australian Animal Series Part 2 - What's the difference between a Koala and the mythical Drop Bear

Introduction

Following on from my recent post introducing an interesting Australian animal,   the Cassowary Most Australian Animals Want to Kill You  -But we still need to save them and their habitat ( which allowed me to donate AU$25 to Rainforest Rescue) 

I thought I'd start a series about some interesting and in many cases endangered Native Australian animals and raise awareness and some money for their research, conservation and rescue.  

I pledge that the AU$ equivalent of the combined SBD / STEEM given as reward on this post will be donated to a wildlife charity. My series introduction Australia's Unique and Interesting Animals Are Not ALL Wanting To Kill You..BUT Some Are. had a post reward of approx. AU$10, this will be added to this posts rewards..I hope its even more.

Although there are many worthy Koala charities such as The Australian Koala Foundation, the Wildlife Charity I have chosen to support is;

Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors

Many people are familiar with Steve Irwin "The Crocodile Hunter"as well as his wife Terri and children Bindy and Robert. The Australia Zoo and Wildlife Warriors Animal Hospital is located only a 30 minute drive from my home and it was a very Sad day for myself and many people around the globe when Steve died however, his family are carrying on his passion for conservation and education. I hope to make a significant donation to this cause and support the great work they do from the post rewards from this Australian Animal Series.

Discussion

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The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is sometimes called (inaccurately) a koala bear, is an herbivorous marsupial that lives in trees on the Eastern and South-Eastern coastal areas of the Australian mainland's inhabiting Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. 

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It primarily feeds on Eucalyptus leaves although it will eat a few other species of trees leaves, they favour only a few species of Eucalyptus.

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It is easily recognisable by its stout, tailless body and large head with round, fluffy ears and large, spoon-shaped nose. 

The koala is not very large,about as big as a small-medium dog or large cat, they have a body length of 60–85 cm (24–33 in) and weigh 4–15 kg (9–33 lb). 

Its fur ranges in colour from silver grey to chocolate brown. Koalas from the northern populations ( like the area I live) are typically smaller and lighter in colour than the ones further south. 

Although the Koala is known to be quite sedate, sleeping for up to 20 hours a day. they can be quite active and move along the ground as well as tree to tree. They can be quite vocal also , check out this video of a Male Koala ( sounds a bit like a grunting pig) 

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In the late 1800-1960's Koala's were hunted for their soft fur pelts, that were used for hats , coat lining and stuffed toys. I once met an English lady that had been given a toy Koala made from Koala fur brought home to the UK from Australia in the 1950's.

The Drop Bear is a mythical Koala like creature that is Nocturnal, Carnivorous and like to attach unsuspecting hikers ( especially Backpackers) 

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Don't believe anyone that tells you 'Drop Bears are real...or are they!!!

Then there is also the Caramello Koala...

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a yummy caramel filled Milk Chocolate treat made by Cadbury Australia, which is a favorite treat for many Australian Children and perhaps a few Adults too ... (maybe even a certain Steemian)

Conclusion

The biggest threats to the long term survival of the Koala is habitat loss and urban expansion.

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 As more Koala are injured or become ill the more resources are needed to care for them.

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Once Again I pledge to donate to the  Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors. AU$ equivalent of the combined SBD / STEEM given as reward on this post.

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Sources and links

https://wildlifewarriors.org.au

https://www.ehp.qld.gov.au/wildlife/koalas/

https://www.facebook.com/AustralianKoalaFoundation

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koala

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drop_bear

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caramello_Koala