Koala Plantation Program

    We have an onsite plantation used to provide leaves for the Koalas.  We also have other people in the community who allow us access to the trees they grow for agroforestry.  This enables us to provide to Koalas with a varied diet.  It also provides leaves at different growth cycles.  We have found that the Koalas prefer Tasmanian Blue Gum, followed by Manna Gum and Messmate.

 Koalas eat a variety of eucalyptus species (Gum trees).  Of the known 58 species of eucalypt trees that koalas include in their diet, we have planted 15 different species of these on our property.  We have included both feed and browse species in our plantations.  Some species are included as a trail.  The feed trees make up the majority of the species planted.  Throughout their range, Koalas eat a small majority of the species listed, as the trees are found along the whole eastern coast of Australia.  Many species are very restricted in their ranges.

     Koalas are known to eat other species of trees like acacias, bottlebrush, pine needles and even grass.  These species are not included in the list as these are very isolated incidents and Koalas could not survive on this diet.  

Koala Feed Tree Species List

 Feed ( Main tree species frequently eaten)  

Browse ( occasionally eaten)

The trees planted help feed our koalas and also help offset our carbon emissions and the emission of our guests.  

In the future we hope excess foliage can be used for koalas in rehabilitation programs.

© Fauna Australia Wildlife Retreat 2009