The claws of a large koala

Koalas have highly specialised and highly versatile claws that help them to do a lot of things e.g., climbing trees with smooth bark, gripping, walking and eating.
 
Koalas’ claws are so specialized that they specifically fit the climbing requirements of our native eucalyptus trees. Whether koalas have to stay low down, or reaching the height of the trees, Koalas’ claws are perfect for the job.

The claws also come in handy for fighting other koalas, especially in the breeding season, and in defending themselves against medium sized dogs, foxes and dingoes . The claws can inflict serious damage.

An adult male koala can weigh between 8 and 14 kilograms and it is my estimation that this one probably weighed around 13 kilos, based on size.

Both front and hind paws have long sharp claws and each paw has five digits. On the front paw, two fingers are opposed to the other three, rather like a human's thumb, so they are able to be moved in opposition to the fingers.

This allows the koala to grip more securely. On the hind paw, there is no claw on the big toe, and the second and third toes are fused together to form a 'grooming claw'.

You can see the rest of this huge koala in Paladian's image today. It is such a treat to have them visit in our own back yard.