Category:Photographs by Anil Öztas/Phascolarctos cinereus

The koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is an iconic Australian mammal known for its adorable appearance and fondness for eucalyptus leaves. Although often referred to as "koala bears", koalas are not bears but marsupials. Koalas have dense, plush fur that is mainly grey in colour, but can also have variations of brown and white. They have large round ears, a big black nose and striking round eyes. Their physique is adapted to life in the trees, with strong limbs and sharp claws for climbing. These sedate animals are mainly found in the eucalypt forests of Australia, as they feed on the leaves of these trees. Eucalyptus leaves are low in nutrients and difficult to digest, so koalas spend most of their day sleeping to conserve energy. Koalas are known for their quiet nature and slow lifestyle. They are predominantly nocturnal and spend most of the day sleeping in tree branches. They tend to be solitary animals and have their own territory which they defend. The koala has a special significance for Australian wildlife and is a symbol for the conservation of Australia's unique nature. However, koalas are at risk from habitat loss, bushfires and other threats.