If you’re familiar with Rachel Bright and Jim Field’s koala story book, The Koala Who Could, you’ll know how reluctant Kevin is to leave his tree and join his friends on the ground. But while Kevin’s acceptance of change is celebrated in the book, did you know that the ground is actually a dangerous place for koalas in real life? These cute marsupials spend most of their time in eucalyptus trees, getting all the food, water and shelter that they need from them. Going down to the ground presents a number of risks for koalas - let’s look at why. 

Predators

Koalas are specially adapted for life in the treetops, which means that when they come down to the ground their adaptations make them slow and vulnerable to predators. In Australia, dogs—both domestic and wild—are a threat to koalas and will attack them. It’s estimated that in Queensland, at least 75 koalas are killed by dogs each year. Foxes and wedge-tailed eagles also prey on koalas, particularly younger ones who might be unfamiliar with the dangers of being on the ground. 

Human hazards

One of the greatest dangers koalas face on the ground is the risk of being hit by cars. As urban areas continue to expand, koalas are increasingly forced to cross roads to reach food or mates. They are not always able to avoid vehicles, meaning there are frequent accidents and fatalities. What’s more, as housing, roads and other developments are built, koala habitats become fragmented, meaning they have to travel further on the ground to reach other areas of forest. As their journeys increase, they’re more likely to encounter fences, drains, and other obstacles that can trap or injure them. 

Environmental challenges

Koalas don’t just use their trees for food and shelter. Recent studies have shown that hugging trees helps koalas to regulate their body temperature, which in turn helps them to deal with the blistering Australian summers. On the ground, koalas don’t have this clever way to cool down, and the heat reflected off tarmac roads, pavements and buildings can lead to dehydration and overheating. As climate change forces temperatures up, this is becoming an increasing risk for koalas who have no choice but to navigate urban areas to find food and mates. 

Stress and Disease

Heading down to the ground isn’t just physically dangerous for koalas; it’s also stressful. Koalas are quiet, solitary animals, and encounters with humans, dogs and noisy environments can make them stressed. This results in a weaker immune system, making them more susceptible to diseases. 

Conservation efforts

As conservationists become more aware of the risks of ground travel for koalas, solutions are being found to help protect them. Wildlife corridors, for example, provide a safe way for koalas to get between areas of eucalyptus forest. Road signs, speed limits, and fencing designed to keep koalas away from busy roads are also used in some regions.

Join Kevin this Easter

Kevin the koala and his friends are at London Southbank Centre in April, delighting audiences with a stage adaptation of the koala bear story, The Koala Who Could. Perfect for kids aged three and up, this lively production features sing-along songs, dancing and stunning puppetry. Book your koala show tickets today to join the fun.