Koalas driven to drink by climate change
Eating leaves were thought to be all koalas needed for their liquids, but now koalas are very thirsty. The dry Australian climate was once ideal for the native tree-borne animal – believed only to need eucalyptus “gum” leaves for its nourishment and seldom drink – but University of Sydney researchers are concerned climate change is driving koalas to change their behaviour, as shown by new video surveillance. The national icons drank from the “Blinky Drinkers” night and day, averaging more than 10 minutes per drinking session. It is believed koalas are particularly vulnerable to climate change because they rely exclusively on trees – not only to sleep on but also for eating, which together comprise of the bulk of their activities. Koalas are listed as vulnerable in both national and state legislations because of drastic population declines and local extinctions. Read the full story: sydney.edu.au/news-opinion/news/2017/03/03/koalas-driven-to-drink-by-climate-change.html Subscribe to our channel: bit.ly/2czTNH3 Connect with us: Facebook: www.facebook.com/sydneyuni Twitter: twitter.com/sydney_uni Instagram: instagram.com/sydney_uni
