Where does the South Australian Koala live?

Koalas do not live all over Australia.

The koala lives mostly within the temperate zones of Australia. Its habitat is eucalypt woodland and bushland, but of the several hundred species of eucalyptus ("gum trees"), koalas prefer about 60 varieties, with their specific preferences being limited to a couple of dozen.

Koalas are particular to Eastern Australia, and can be found along the eastern and south-eastern coastal regions. They live in a range of temperatures, from cool temperate zones, right up to hot, sub-tropical zones. Koalas live primarily in native bushland habitats, as long as there are abundant eucalyptus trees of the sort they prefer. They are found on coastal islands, tall eucalypt forests, bushland and low woodlands inland. There are some remaining koala habitats in suburban fringes.

Koalas spend most of their time nestled in the branches of their favoured trees. They do not shelter in tree hollows or nests, but sit comfortably wedged in between tree branches.

Koalas are not found in rainforests, nor in grasslands or deserts. These biomes do not support the eucalyptus trees which koalas favour. They are also not found in Alpine or snowy regions.

To see a map of where koalas are found in Australia, see the related link.