Koalas

Port Stephens area has many suitable koala habitats, including this reserve on the Tilligerry Peninsula.

A 1986-87 survey of koalas within New South Wales identified the Port Stephens area as one of the richest koala sites in the state, and the Tilligerry Peninsula contains prime habitat which supports one of the state's last viable populations. Visitors browsing along the waterfront reserves on the peninsula may spot them in the wild, and local guides also take tours which explain the unique biology of these popular animals. Of the many eucalypt trees that grow in Australia, only a few will be suitable for koalas who will be poisoned if they eat from the wrong tree. Their favourite food trees are the Swamp Mahogany and Forest Red Gum, and they absorb most of the moisture that they need in the leaves, rarely coming down from the trees to drink. Koalas are classified as "vulnerable and rare" species, and local authorities have developed a Koala Management Plan to address some of the dangers which face the koala. Being slow movers, some of the most pressing dangers to koalas include domestic dogs and speeding cars.