The name koala is derived from an Aboriginal word meaning "no water". The first recorded sighting of a koala by Europeans was near Sydney in 1798 (only ten years after the first European settlement!)
Koalas seldom drink water. They obtain the moisture they need from their diet of leaves, for they consume up to a kilogram or more of eucalyptus leaves each day! Koalas are a compact animal, and they can grow to be as tall as ninety centimeters. Unfortunately, they are quite susceptible to pneumonia, periostitus of the skull, opthalmic diseases, kidney problems, infestation by parasites, and cystic ovary disease which may cause infertility and sometimes even death. Much more research is needed to understand koala biology.
In order to protect Australian wildlife, the Australian Government prohibits the export of live specimens of Australian fauna. The only exceptions would be for scientific research at recognized institutions and for display at an approved zoo. In the case of the koala, additional requirements must be met before they can be exported from Australia.
Established under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act of
1975, the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service is responsible to the Federal
Minister for the Arts Heritage and Environment; it is the principal advisor to the
Commonwealth on Nature Conservation and Wildlife policies. It works in cooperation with
various State and Territory agencies and specifically exercises responsibility for the
import and export of flora and fauna, as well as the administration of the Whale
Protection Act. The Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service is also responsible for
the administration of National Parks and Reserves in the Northern Territory and Australian
Offshore Islands in Commonwealth Waters.
Incorporated in 1986, the Australian Wildlife Fund was formed specifically to provide funds for research projects of the Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service. It is a non-profit company limited by guarantee, and it is administered by a Board of Governors made up of distinguished Australians from business corporations, the media, and other fields. The Australian Wildlife Fund is the publisher and administrator of the KOALA RESEARCH STAMP PROGRAM.
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