Although young male koalas may become capable of breeding as early as 18 months old, this early promise seldom translates into real mating opportunities. It is true, they will act on every perceived opportunity. But in the early years, most of this is just practice.
Mature females are unlikely to accept a small young male for a mating. The girls are surprisingly picky. Meanwhile, larger, more dominant males within the area overshadow the activities they can engage in.
As a result, juvenile and sub-adult males spend little time truly competing for females. Instead, they spend most of their time establishing a home range. This involves navigating the shifting politics of the home ranges of other males in the area.
Additionally, they are still developing their muscles and and perfecting their climbing and foraging skills. One distinctive trait that signals a male koala’s passage into maturity is the development of a prominent scent gland on the chest. This sticky, brown patch, sits in the middle of the white chest fur. It becomes more pronounced as the male ages. This gland releases an oily, musky scent. The scent marks trees leaving a calling card message. It also advertises his presence to rival males and females alike
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
You can 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.
Come and discuss Koala Gardens and all things koala on Discord where we hold lots of interesting and often in-depth discussions there. Lots of fun!
You will 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 where 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.
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