The Koala, or Native Bear. 
(PHASCOLARCTOS CINEREUS.) 
The animal figured in the accompanying plate, in the position of carrying a young one upon its back, is so well known 
to Australians that a short description will suffice. The total length is about two feet ; the fur short and woolly, of an 
ashy-grey colour, more or less spotted with white near the haunches. The taxi is so very small as to appear altogether 
absent, but in the skeleton ten flatfish caudal vertebras are observed. 
The Koala, often misnamed “ Native Bear,” has no relation whatever with the Bear tribe, but belongs to the 
marsupial or pouched section of the animal kingdom, and is closely related to the common Phalangers. 
Comparing the general form of this animal with other members of the same group, we experience at first some 
difficulty' in its proper classification ; but having examined the hind feet, we notice a powerful prehensile inner toe 
or thumb, and observe that the next pair of toes, which are smaller than the others, are to a certain extent joined 
together by- the skin. This construction of the hind feet determines the question, for it is peculiar to members of the 
Phalanger family- — the Monkeys of the Marsupial Order, as they are often termed. 
It must be remembered that the Phalanger tribe comprises all the animals which we usually designate 
“ Opossums” ; but as the true Opossum, of the family Didelphidw , is peculiar to the Ameiican Continent, the term 
“Phalanger,” sometimes applied to these animals, should always be used when speaking of “Australian Opossums.” It 
is necessary for the purpose of classification to examine the teeth carefully, and not to trust to the colour, texture, or 
length of fur only'. Some authors lay great stress on difference in colour ; but this is not a good characteristic, 
because animals vary constantly in consequence of climate, food, or locality. We all know, for instance, that the fur 
of the Native Bear, or Koala, is a light ashy-grey, in most parts of New South Wales; but those from colder regions, 
such as the south-eastern portion of Victoria, have a much darker fur. The result is that such .specimens are often 
described as new, while in reality they are only local varieties. The fur changes in length, thickness, or colour, 
under certain conditions ; but the structure of the skeleton is so little affected by local or climatic influences that, 
for our part, we can only- accept a decided difference in the bony frame or the teeth as decisive. 
We noticed that • the Koala belongs to the Phalanger tribe, on account of the structure of the hind feet. 
Let us now examine skull and teeth. In the upper jaw there are six front teeth, termed incisors ; next to these is 
a slightly curved one — the canine ; then comes a somewhat compressed and rather elongate premolar ; and after that 
four teeth all equal in size, with their crowns divided into four parts — these are the molars or grinders.* The form 
of the molars indicates that the animal is herbivorous, though the presence of canines shows that its food may be 
varied by insects, eggs, or even flesh. As far as our experience goes, the Koala will not touch meat in captivity : 
and if its proper food — fresh young gum-leaves- — is not provided, the creature soon pines away and dies. The Koala 
is nocturnal, and arboreal (or tree-living), and passes the day either sitting down with the head in its lap, or lying 
flat upon a branch, which is embraced by the powerful anus, or in some other easy position, dozing away till the 
approach of darkness calls it to fresh activity. The difficulty- of discerning the grey- animal on a similar-coloured limb 
up a high tree is great indeed; and were it not for the protection thus given to if by the all-wise Creator, tins harmless 
creature would soon be exterminated by its numerous enemies. The eye of the Koala is very small, of a light amber 
colour, and provided with a vertical pupil, which dilates after dark ; the ears are large, anil covered with bushy hair : 
the tail, as before stated, is apparently absent. The Koala is a powerful climber, and seldom comes to the ground. 
* 'We would add, that the small 2nd and 3rd upper incisors are frequently lost, so that students might think the dentition given to be incorrect. If they should find 
skulls with only two or four incisor teeth above, they may rest assured that they have to do with those of aged specimens, as the proper number of cutting teeth is six 
in the upper and two in the lower jaw. 
