Angel again, can't resist her still. Koalas need to cool down without dehydrating as they don't often drink water. So they don't pant or sweat, even from the palms. But they do lay themselves out on tree trunks which remain surprisingly cold even on very hot days.
She's also showing off her double thumbs as keeping the hands very open is another cooling strategy.
Thank you for the lovely words of support and concern as the fires continue to rage through the country. Every day I am thankful simply to still be here and have any koalas at all.
I hope that gives her some relief from the heat. Hope you have air conditioning. Since our fires are diminishing for the winter our state is sending fire fighters over. I hope it helps, but probably not nearly enough.
How lovely to have the opportunity to watch and observe the new kid on the block , and to educate us with your observations and knowledge ! Simply keep safe with all the devastation of all the fires in your country !
Their cooling down method reminds me of the squirrels around here who flatten themselves out in a similar fashion during the summer when the temps get up in the 90's (F). She's such a pretty one- no wonder why you love catching her time and time again. (But then, they all have their special place in our hearts!)
The most adorable capture of this Angel, love the details you capture on her hands and feet. Everyday I pray for you and your furry children, such a heartbreaking situation for everyone.
Every time you post a picture we learn something new. Angel is such a delight. Still praying that the fires will stop and you and your koalas will be safe.
@30pics4jackiesdiamond thanks Jackie
two really important questions - are koala functionally extinct now? This gets thrown about a lot and is not well understood. Some isolated colonies become functionally extinct because of severe fragmentation. The AKF are a useless but very visible and loud organisation that are not actually working with koalas and they keep yelling this out. They have declared koalas are extinct here in Tuckurimba (a few years ago they said this and do not reply if I contact them). Media love hyperbole and so it goes.
Koalas are the only animal I know of with 2 thumbs on each hand. There are some arboreal primates and other mammals that have opposable toes that act as thumbs on their feet as well. But no other animal has a total of 6 thumbs :) Interestingly the thumb on the koala foot has no claw at all.
great capture,
Thanks for explaining the theory that koalas are extinct.
Any news on the fire? Social media and news as you know are not always accurate
for Rains!!!
two really important questions - are koala functionally extinct now? This gets thrown about a lot and is not well understood. Some isolated colonies become functionally extinct because of severe fragmentation. The AKF are a useless but very visible and loud organisation that are not actually working with koalas and they keep yelling this out. They have declared koalas are extinct here in Tuckurimba (a few years ago they said this and do not reply if I contact them). Media love hyperbole and so it goes.
Koalas are the only animal I know of with 2 thumbs on each hand. There are some arboreal primates and other mammals that have opposable toes that act as thumbs on their feet as well. But no other animal has a total of 6 thumbs :) Interestingly the thumb on the koala foot has no claw at all.
Lovely tones.
Keep safe.
Thanks for explaining the theory that koalas are extinct.
Any news on the fire? Social media and news as you know are not always accurate