Let’s go back 250 years ago. I’m talking long before highways and cities covered the Australian landscape. In this time, dense eucalypt forests blanketed much of Australia’s east coast.
In fact, here the light filtered down through layers of leaves 30, even 40 metres above. Accordingly, the koala was king of the canopy. Picture, if you can, a time when millions upon millions of these gentle marsupials dozed and munched their way through the branches. Each one a guardian quietly tending the treetops.
Their appetites shaped the forest’s destiny. Koalas consume vast quantities of leaves. As a result koalas thinned the dense canopy. This also helped create corridors of filtered sunlight. These corridors reduce the build-up of flammable leaves. Thus, in their silent, methodical way, koalas helped lower the risk of devastating fires. They act as an unwitting force for balance in an ecosystem that had evolved over millennia.
For the original custodians of the land, First Nations peoples, these forests and their inhabitants were woven into the rhythm of daily life and story. Conversely, for early European invaders, the sight of these plush little climbers was quite different. They seemed so numerous that each forest was alive with their presence. Indeed, it must have been nothing short of astonishing.
Consequently, today it is almost impossible to imagine such abundance. Millions of koalas, their silhouettes dotting every high branch. What a sight to see their sleepy faces gazing out over a world of green. Yet, in this vision of the past, we glimpse an Australia teeming with life and ancient harmony. We thus view an amazing reminder of what once was. Importantly, remember that with care, it might be again.
Katrina says:
Join the Colony and get involved
Koalas who stay around at Koala Gardens end up in lots of photos and videos. Read more about them here
Become part of the Koala Gardens Colony by adopting any of the wild koalas here. You can also become a Patron, and one level has an adoption option.
Discuss Koala Gardens and all things koala on Discord. We hold lots of interesting and often in-depth discussions there. Lots of fun!
We would love you to become part of the family and help provide much needed koala habitat.
You can also follow Katrina and the Koalas on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
Koala Gardens publishes a small number of delightful illustrated children’s books in the The Adventures of Mist series. Check out the beautifully engaging and educational design. Our mission is to help children to “Fall in love with Nature”.
You can even find some great Koala Gardens gifts over at Redbubble. There is huge range of designs on an even bigger range of items.
Alternatively, you can find quick access links to everything Koala Gardens via Link Tree.
Take a walk on the wild side Koala Tours
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