Foraging and activities

Foraging and activities

Foraging
Koalas are herbivorous, and while most of their diet consists of eucalypt leaves, they can be found in trees of other genera, such as

Acacia, Allocasuarina, Callitris, Leptospermum, and Melaleuca.[57] Though the foliage of over 600 species of Eucalyptus is available, the koala shows a strong preference for around 30.[58] They tend to choose species that have a high protein content and low proportions of fibre and lignin.[48] The most favoured species are Eucalyptus microcorys, E. tereticornis, and E

. camaldulensis, which, on average, make up more than 20% of their diet.[59] Despite its reputation as a fussy eater, the koala is more generalist than some other marsupial species, such as the greater glider. Since eucalypt leaves have a high water content, the koala does not need to drink often;[57] its daily water turnover rate ranges from 71 to 91 ml/kg of body weight.

Although females can meet their water requirements from eating leaves, larger males require additional water found on the ground or in tree hollows.[48] When feeding, a koala holds onto a branch with hindpaws and one forepaw while the other forepaw grasps foliage

. Small koalas can move close to the end of a branch, but larger ones stay near the thicker bases.[60] Koalas consume up to 400 grams (14 oz) of leaves a day, sp