Do koalas need exercise

Answer 1

Koalas have a slow metabolism, so they do not require much exercise. They are agile climbers, but readily move between trees within their home range, walking on all fours.

Answer 2

Koalas take care of themselves with the help of some quite unique adaptations.

They live in eucalyptus trees and eat only a few types of gum leaves from which they get all nutrients and water requirements. Eucalyptus leaves are tough, toxic and low in nutrition, but the koala has developed a stomach which is capable of removing the toxins from where they are filtered out by the liver. The caecum completes the process by changing the eucalyptus leaves into digestible nutrients. The caecum is similar to the human appendix.

Koalas must eat over a kilogram of leaves per day to meet their energy requirements. Eucalyptus leaves contain approximately 50% water, 18% fibre, 13% tannins, 8% fat, 5% carbohydrates, 4% protein and 2% minerals. Koalas have been seen in 120 kinds of eucalypt tree including Manna Gum, Swamp Gum, Blue Gum, Forest Red Gum and Grey Gum. However, they are only able to eat from some 60 species of gum trees, and within these sixty, there are just a dozen that they actually prefer above others.

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.

Answer 3

Koalas spend an average of 17-19 hours per day sleeping. The rest of the time is spent grazing on eucalyptus leaves, or moving from tree to tree for choice leaves.

Answer 4

Koalas run on all four legs.

Answer 5

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