Koalas are known for their sedate, unadventurous lives high up in the eucalyptus trees of eastern and southeastern Australia. These solitary creatures mostly face threats from human activity; habitat loss and the wildfires that are increasing due to climate change pose perhaps the biggest challenge to their survival. But these fluffy marsupials also have natural predators to worry about. Let’s take a look at them. 

Dingoes

Dingoes are one of the top natural predators of koalas. It is estimated that over 1,000 koalas are hunted each year by dingoes, which amounts to around 82-85% of all koala predation. Koalas are most vulnerable to a dingo attack when they climb down to the ground to find water or move between trees in their search for fresh foliage to nibble on. 

Carpet pythons

Carpet pythons are considered the biggest predator of koalas after dingoes, being responsible for an estimated 11.6% of predation deaths. They can reach the marsupials in their treetop homes, making the snakes more of a threat than some other animals. However, a 2020 study suggested that often the carpet pythons realise they’ve bitten off more than they can chew: koalas are large prey, and in many cases the snake has to abandon its attempt to eat the koala.

Goannas

Also known as monitor lizards, goannas typically hunt joeys that have been separated from their mothers and find themselves on the ground. Only the larger species of goanna are thought to attack koalas, and their impact on koala populations is thought to be minimal compared to other factors such as habitat loss, disease and bush fires.

Powerful owls

Powerful owls are another animal that can reach koalas in their homes. These skilled predators glide between the branches of eucalyptus trees seeking out young koalas and swooping in to catch them. Powerful owls rarely hunt adults, focusing instead on vulnerable joeys.

Quolls

Quolls are Australia’s largest meat-eating marsupial and while they don’t usually make a meal of koalas, they are capable of hunting them when the need arises. Fast, agile tree-climbers, quolls are able to catch joeys or injured juveniles, but tend to stay clear of healthy adult koalas, which are too strong for them to overpower. 

Wedge-tailed eagles

Wedge-tailed eagles are scavengers and opportunistic predators, meaning they will hunt a vulnerable animal under favourable circumstances. They usually eat rabbits, possums and other birds, but will prey on baby koalas if they present an easy target. Since they can fly, they can pick up a joey from its spot in a tree and as such are a threat until the little koalas reach adulthood.

Discover The Koala Who Could on stage

If you’re searching for ‘family days out near me’, don’t miss the chance to see The Koala Who Could live on stage. Touring the UK in July and August, the show is based on Rachel Bright and Jim Field’s book on koalas of the same name, using puppetry and songs to retell the story. Search ‘family things to do near me’ and book tickets at your local venue today.