Koalas: Eucalyptus Dreamers
Leafy Naps
Koalas spend most of their lives in eucalyptus trees, where they find both their food and their sleeping quarters. These marsupials sleep for up to 18 to 22 hours a day, primarily to conserve energy, as their diet of eucalyptus leaves provides limited nutrition. Koalas often sleep in a sitting position, wedged securely between branches.
Digestive Downtime
The lengthy sleep periods also aid in the digestion of their fibrous diet. Eucalyptus leaves are tough to break down, so koalas need plenty of rest to support their slow metabolism. This combination of high sleep needs and specialized diet makes koalas fascinating examples of adaptation in the wild.
