Australia is a land
of captivating beauty. From the dry red interior, to the rich greens
of the rainforest, to the vibrant colors of the tropical reef, Australia
provides a beautiful and diverse environment for an incredible number
of wildlife. One animal in particular, Phascolarctos cinereus,
commonly known as the Koala, has emerged as an icon of the Australian
culture. However, this cute and loveable animal is currently in danger
as its habitat is slowly being destroyed. The Koala is a remarkable
animal, and is one of only a few animals, that is capable of surviving
on a naturally foliar diet of eucalyptus leaves. Over time, the Koala
has evolved several physiological adaptations that allow it to cope
with this high fibre, low protein diet. The contents of this web page
provide a broad range of information about Koalas, but there is a
particular focus on the morphological and physiological adaptations
that make Koalas unique and amazing creatures.