Koala

	Koalas are only one of the threatened species found in
Ausralia. They have been identified as a disappearing species for
many reasons. There has been a massive slaughter of the koala's
fur and their natural habitats are being destroyed. Humans have
been cutting down their eucalyptus forests so people have more
room for farming and building houses. People have also been
setting the koalas' forests on fire. Since koalas are being threatened
by the loss of eucalyptus trees they are now only found in
eucalyptus forests of eastern Australia.
	Even though koalas are disappearing this very day, something
has finally been done about it. The koalas are now fully protected
by law. In Australia, hunting koalas has been forbidden. This law
has been in effect since the early 1930's. What I see in the future
for this species is that I think more laws will be passed about
hunting koalas. Soon I do not think they will be threatened any
longer.
	Koalas are found in great eucalyptus forests in Queensland
and New South Walas. Thet are also scattered in sections of  the
forests that run from north to south along the eastern side of
Australia. Koalas live in small harems led by a single male. They
are most often found in eucalyptus trees where they sleep 18-20
hours each day.
	The koala is a marsuipial with thick gray or brown fur and a
big head. They have a large black nose with a good sense of smell.
They also have large hairy ears with very good hearing. On their
paws they have five toes and two of the toes are like thumbs. Those
two toes are used to grip onto branches. Koalas claws are used to
groom their fur and also for defense. An unusual thing about koalas
is that they have no tail. Koalas grow up to 84 cm and weigh about
14 kg. Their sharp teeth are used for cutting leaves and chewing
bark. Koalas also have pouches on the side of their cheeks to store
food.
	Koalas are a threatened species but if everyone helps to
protect them maybe soon they will be free.