Koala, known as “考拉” in Chinese, is a unique and beloved animal native to Australia. It is one of the most recognizable creatures in the world, often associated with the country’s wildlife. This article provides an English introduction to the koala, followed by its Chinese version, offering a comprehensive understanding of this fascinating animal.

English Introduction:

The koala, scientifically named Phascolarctos cinereus, is a marsupial that lives primarily in the eucalyptus forests of eastern Australia. Despite its name, it is not a bear but a member of the family Phascolarctidae. Koalas are known for their soft, gray fur, large ears, and distinctive facial features that give them a calm and friendly appearance.

One of the most notable characteristics of the koala is its diet. It mainly feeds on the leaves of eucalyptus trees, which are toxic to most other animals. However, koalas have a special digestive system that allows them to process these leaves efficiently. Due to the low nutritional value of eucalyptus leaves, koalas spend up to 20 hours a day sleeping or resting.

Koalas are also known for their slow movement and quiet nature. They rarely move quickly and prefer to stay in one place, usually in the branches of trees. Male koalas mark their territory with scent glands, while females raise their young alone. Baby koalas, called joeys, are born very small and develop inside their mother’s pouch for about six months before they begin to explore the outside world.

Although koalas are not considered endangered, they face threats from habitat loss, climate change, and disease. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these gentle animals and ensure their survival for future generations.

中文版：

考拉，中文名为“考拉”，是一种原产于澳大利亚的动物。它是世界上最著名的动物之一，常被看作是澳大利亚野生动物的象征。本文提供一篇关于考拉的英文介绍，并附上对应的中文翻译，帮助读者全面了解这种迷人的生物。

英文介绍：

考拉（学名：Phascolarctos cinereus）是一种有袋类动物，主要生活在澳大利亚东部的桉树林中。尽管名字中有“熊”字，但它并不是熊，而是属于袋熊科。考拉以其柔软的灰色毛发、大耳朵和独特的面部特征而闻名，看起来总是平静而友善。

考拉最显著的特点之一是它的饮食。它们主要以桉树叶为食，而这些叶子对大多数其他动物来说是有毒的。然而，考拉拥有特殊的消化系统，可以高效地处理这些叶子。由于桉树叶营养含量低，考拉每天要睡上多达20个小时，或在树上休息。

考拉行动缓慢，性格安静。它们很少快速移动，通常喜欢停留在一个地方，一般是在树的枝条上。雄性考拉会用气味腺标记领地，而雌性则独自抚养幼崽。小考拉被称为“幼崽”，出生时非常小，会在母亲的育儿袋中发育约六个月，之后才开始探索外面的世界。

虽然考拉目前并未被列为濒危物种，但它们正面临栖息地丧失、气候变化和疾病等威胁。保护工作正在持续进行，以确保这些温顺的动物能够继续生存下去，为后代所见。