Koalas Love Fresh Eucalyptus Leaves as their Food
Koalas usually prefer fresh Eucalyptus leaves than the older leaves. In fact majority of the herbivore animals prefer fresh leaves as compared to the older ones. The reason is very simple, they are good to taste, they are easy to digest, and they are good in nutritional values. On the other hand older leaves are not good in nutritional values and may also contain diseases as well. The same phenomenon is true about Koalas as well. They prefer fresh leaves; because fresh Eucalyptus leaves are carry very good levels of nutrition. The fresh leaves allow the koalas to easily chew and also digest them easily as well.
Koalas’ water requirements are very high. In order to fulfill water requirements, Koalas do not go to the water ponds to drink water. They have to eat as much eucalyptus leaves as possible to fulfill their water needs. Since fresh Eucalyptus leaves carry more water concentration in them, therefore, this is the basic reason that Koalas prefer fresh leaves, because it allows them to extract maximum water to maintain their body temperature and water levels within their bodies. According to the findings of one study, Koalas do no prefer leaves which have water levels below than 55%. However, this preference change a little bit higher and lower, during the summers and winter seasons respectively as well.
Fresh leaves contain far more nutritional values as compared to the older leaves. Since Eucalyptus leaves offer very little nutrition, therefore, the more fresh they are, the best they are to be consumed from the nutritional perspective. Moreover, for Koalas fresh Eucalyptus leaves provide them maximum nutrition and best digestion and it is ultimately always is the top preference for the Koalas.