Males and Females |
It can be very difficult to tell if a koala, up in a tree is male or female. If you can get a good view of its head, you can tell. A male koala (above left) has a larger and broader head with a large "roman nose". A female koala (above right) has a more pointed chin and rounded profile, her ears are also smaller.   Female Female koalas are smaller than males and look fluffier. They also have a pouch to carry their young joeys until they are ready to ride on their mothers back. A baby koala is the size of a jelly bean when born and will stay in the pouch until it has a full coat of fur and is starting to nibble on leaves. Â
ÂÂ Male Male koalasÂÂ have a sternal gland on their chest. This gland becomes more visible when theyÂÂ are of breeding age at approx. 3 years old. Every male koala has a sternal gland (scent gland) on its chest. This gland produces an oily secretion with a distinctive smell that stains the surrounding fur. At the beginning of the breeding season he will advertise his presence by "scent marking" trees, by rubbing his chest against them. Â
 Males are more vocal during breeding season, typically September to March. They will make harsh open mouthed grunts - a long series of deep snoring inhalations and a belching exhalation. Dominant males use their "bellow" to warn other koalas they are in the area. The female bellow is softer and less frequent. They often make a higher pitch scream. Koala joeys will squeel when they are distressed or looking for mum, as they become older it becomes a sqwark.  |