Phascolarctos Skull Replica or Koala measures 6 inches. Koala Male Skull Replica is museum quality polyurethane cast. 2-part skull (separate cranium and jaw). Made in USA. Original California Academy of Sciences specimen.
Phascolarctos or 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.
Though the foliage of over 600 species of Eucalyptus are available, the Koala shows a strong preference for around 30. They prefer plant matter with higher protein over fibre and lignin.
The most favored species are Eucalyptus microcorys, E. tereticornis, and E. camaldulensis, which, on average, make up more than 20% of their diet.
Despite its reputation as a picky eater, the Koala is more generalist than some other marsupial species, such as the greater glider.
The Phascolarctos or Koala does not need to drink often as it can get enough water in the eucalypt leaves, though larger males drink water found on the ground or in tree hollows.
When feeding, a Koala reaches out to grab leaves with one forepaw while the other paws hang on to the branch. Depending on the size of the individual, a Koala can walk to the end of a branch or must stay near the base.
Each day, Koalas eat up to 14 oz. of leaves, spread over four to six feeding periods. Despite their adaptations to a low-energy lifestyle, they have meagre fat reserves and need to feed often.
Due to their low-energy diet, Koalas limit their activity and sleep 20 hours a day.They are predominantly active at night and spend most of their waking hours foraging. They typically eat and sleep in the same tree, possibly for as long as a day.
On warm days, a Koala may rest with its back against a branch or lie down with its limbs dangling. When it gets very hot, the Koala rests lower in the canopy and near the trunk, were the surface is cooler than the surrounding air.
It curls up when it gets cold and wet. A Koala will find a lower, thicker branch on which to rest when it gets windy.
The Phascolarctos or Koala usually grooms itself with its hind paws, with their double claws, but sometimes uses its forepaws or mouth.
