Animal Diaries Archive

Wild Camouflage

18 July 2008

Over time camouflage has been an evolutionary adaptation of most animals. Camouflage primarily provides animals with either a first line of defence against predators, or as effective means of camouflaging themselves from prey. Nature has an amazing way of providing animals with unique and diverse camouflage, including strips, spots, irregularities in shape and different textures to their skin or coat to name just a few. Some reptiles even have the ability to change the colour of their skin to blend in with the environment they find themselves in.

Now you may not realise it, but koalas are no different. Here at the Zoo we often get asked why koalas have white colourations or spots on their back. The answer is simple – camouflage. Granted, koalas do like to sit very high in the trees, which can make them difficult to spot, but the white colourations on the bottom half of their backs increase their ability to blend into their environment.

This colour variation allows them blend into both the leaves and against the trunk of trees they inhabit. As an example, imagine looking up a very tall Eucalyptus Tree trying to spot a koala. You’re probably looking for an obvious patch of grey fur, when in actual fact these spots mimic the effect of dappled light coming through the leaves, making them extremely hard to spot! It’s pretty clever if you ask me!

Until next time, KOALAS RULE!