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Koala: Origins of an Icon

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A detailed and fascinating examination of the history and unique ecology of an animal that is adored for its large fluffy ears, spoon-shaped nose, and bright button eyes



This fascinating story of the koala explores the ecology, behavior, and history of an extraordinary animal, as well as ongoing threats to its existence such as disease and habitat loss, and the controversial debate about how to best manage the populations of Australia's favorite marsupial. Tracing its origins from a peaceful relationship with Aborigines to Europeans valuing only its fur to its rightful place as an Australian icon, this investigation shows the resilient and adaptive nature of the koala—described by many as a triumph of evolution. Today its homeland is compromised and the creature is endangered, and this remarkable recollection of its life stands as a testament to its necessary survival.

338 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2008

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Stephen Jackson

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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Profile Image for Steve Jones.
153 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2018
An OK read. I probably wanted to know more about the animal itself and not why it is an icon or how it is used in TV and advertising. Guess I will have to get a more technical book OR is it that I am not that big a koala fan? I love seeing them in the wild but I reckon it is their sleepy nature that drives me more towards carnivorous marsupials. Sorry, not really a review now so, if you want a basic, layman read about a koala, this is the book for you.
51 reviews
March 5, 2016
Non-fiction. Good overview of human-koala interaction and the koalas story and basic anatomy, physiology and behaviour.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews