3. Some history about Koalas! Fossil remains of koala-like animals have been found dating back to 25 - 40 million years ago. John Price was the first European who described koalas 1798.In 1816, the koala was given its scientific name, phascolarctos cinereus, meaning 'ash grey pouched bear'. European settlers identified the koala as a source of fur to trade, and millions of koalas were shot for their pelts.By 1924 koalas were extinct in South Australia, severely depleted in New South Wales and estimates for Victoria go as low as 500 animals. Public forced governments in all states to declare the koala a 'Protected Species' by the late 1930's.
4. Biome and its climate Koalas are true habitat and food specialists, only ever inhabiting forests and woodlands where eucalypts (a plant and their main source of food)are present.
5. Living environment example: St. Bees Island, Australia St. Bees Island is a quiet volcanic isle fringed with reefs, rainforests, eucalypt woodlands, and dense grasslands. St. Bees forms part of the Cumberland group of islands which, with the Whitsunday Islands, are a widely scattered reflection of a mountainous landscape flooded by past sea level rises.
6. These islands and the adjacent Mackay region are a relatively wet part of the Queensland coast, supporting a diverse array of wet and dry rainforest, eucalypt and wetland environments Average temperature (May 2011): 15.4 degrees Celsius. In summer, daytime temperatures can exceed 35°C. Average monthly precipitation (May 2011): none. Annual rainfall in this area can be up to 2000 mm but is highly seasonal. Almost all rain falls during the summer wet season (January-March) under the influence of seasonal monsoonal low pressure systems and rain depressions from unpredictable, infrequent cyclones.
7. Humidity levels: Daytime temperatures and humidity can be high at any time of the year and nights can be cool. Hours of sunshine: 11-12 hrs. (average for May 2011) Average temperature (May 2011): 15.4 degrees Celsius. In summer, daytime temperatures can exceed 35°C.
8. Adaptations The dense, woolly coat: The coat efficiently protects them from hot and cold conditions. The coat is also water resistant to fend off most moisture when it rains. Koalas have very strong claws suitable for gripping trees and climbing. Between their first and second "fingers" is a large gap, which enables them to also grip tree branches comfortably, whilst their hind legs have one toe set at a wide angle. They also have toes with thick pads which enable them to sit comfortably in a tree all day. The koala has special teeth adapted for their eucalyptus diet. The majority of their front and back teeth act like scissors to chop the leaves into pieces suitable for digestion.
9. Since the Koala spends so much time in a mostly nonthreatening environment, not much brain power is required to drive/ organise it. This in turn has meant the brain has reduced in size to meet minimal duties. Because brains have extremely high energy consumption relative to most organs to diminish the unwarranted energy consumption is a survival plus.
10. Koalas + Temperature increase= ? If the average temperature of the region where the Koala lives increases the following can happen: Changes in eucalypt nutrient content may force koalas to travel in search of more nutrient-rich species. With habitats fragmented by roads and agriculture, more koalas will travel by land, which increases their risk of being hit by vehicles or eaten by predators.
11. Koalas obtain their water from Eucalyptus leaves, they will become dehydrated if they do not eat these leaves because of the changes of nutrient concentration due to a temperature increase in their habitat. Christine Adams-Hosking, a PhD student with the School of Geography, Planning and Environmental Management at the University of Queenslandsays: "In the case of the koala, dry inland habitats are likely to become climatically unsuitable, increasing the need to protect and restore coastal habitats, which are under threat from urbanisation.”
