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Tree use by koalas in a chemically complex landscape

Author

Listed:
  • Ben D. Moore

    (Australian National University
    James Cook University)

  • William J. Foley

    (Australian National University)

Abstract

Eats oils and leaves The oils in the leaves of the eucalyptus tree are poisonous to many mammals, presumably as a defence against herbivores. Yet the koala feeds on eucalyptus and little else. The highly specialized nature of the koala's chosen niche — and its vulnerability to environmental change — are made clear by a 10-year study of koalas in the protected colony on Phillip Island. Tree size is the main influence on whether koalas visit a tree to eat the leaves, but the concentrations of specific secondary metabolites, the poisons, is also a factor. Koalas can eat leaves that their competitors steer clear of, but have a very limited choice of diet and will avoid trees that contain particularly nasty compounds.

Suggested Citation

  • Ben D. Moore & William J. Foley, 2005. "Tree use by koalas in a chemically complex landscape," Nature, Nature, vol. 435(7041), pages 488-490, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:435:y:2005:i:7041:d:10.1038_nature03551
    DOI: 10.1038/nature03551
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    Cited by:

    1. Hannah R Windley & Mandy C Barron & E Penelope Holland & Danswell Starrs & Wendy A Ruscoe & William J Foley, 2016. "Foliar Nutritional Quality Explains Patchy Browsing Damage Caused by an Invasive Mammal," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(5), pages 1-16, May.

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