Koala: Origins of an Icon
In this fascinating story of the koala, the ecology, behavior, and history of this extraordinary animal are explored, 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 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.

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Koala: Origins of an Icon
In this fascinating story of the koala, the ecology, behavior, and history of this extraordinary animal are explored, 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 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.

27.95 In Stock
Koala: Origins of an Icon

Koala: Origins of an Icon

by Stephen Jackson
Koala: Origins of an Icon

Koala: Origins of an Icon

by Stephen Jackson

Hardcover

$27.95 
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Overview

In this fascinating story of the koala, the ecology, behavior, and history of this extraordinary animal are explored, 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 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.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781741750317
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication date: 10/01/2008
Pages: 352
Product dimensions: 4.80(w) x 7.80(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Stephen Jackson has worked in the wildlife industry for 20 years as a field biologist, zoo keeper, wildlife park curator, and government zoo regulator. He has worked extensively with koalas in captivity. He is the author of Australian Mammals: Biology and Captive Management.

Table of Contents


Acknowledgements     vii
Introduction     ix
From the (under) ground up? Evolution and relationships     1
How the koala lost its tail: Aboriginal Dreamtime     20
Coolah, koala or sloth? Discovery by Europeans     47
Finicky feeders: Koala ecology     72
Time to sleep: Koala behaviour     91
Koalas as ambassadors: Zoos and tourism     111
Creation of an icon: From cartoon character to chocolate bar     142
Island dilemma: The politics and costs of managing koalas     163
Open season: The koala fur trade     196
Habitat loss chaos: Threats to the koala     219
Conservation controversy: The highs and lows     246
Conclusion     275
Notes and sources     279
Index     323
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