While these iconic marsupials are known for their quiet and solitary nature, their vocalizations play a crucial role in communication, especially during the mating season.
Grumbling and Growling: Koalas are generally solitary creatures, and their grumbling and growling sounds often serve as a way to establish territory and communicate with neighboring koalas. These low-frequency sounds are produced in the throat and are more commonly heard during the breeding season when competition for mates intensifies.
Bellowing Mates: During the breeding season, which typically occurs from September to March, male koalas engage in a unique vocal behavior known as bellows. These loud and resonant calls serve the purpose of attracting females and asserting dominance over rival males. The bellowing sounds are often likened to a series of snores or roars and can carry over long distances through the eucalyptus-laden landscapes.
Screams of the Young: While adult koalas may seem serene, the young, known as joeys, can be quite vocal. Koala joeys emit high-pitched distress calls, resembling a loud, rapid, and sharp "squeak" when separated from their mothers or feeling threatened. These calls are crucial for mother-infant communication and serve to reunite the pair when they are separated.
Social Grunts and Hiccups: In addition to their more distinctive vocalizations, koalas also produce a range of softer sounds such as grunts, hiccups, and squeaks. These sounds are often observed during social interactions or while the animals are resting. While not as attention-grabbing as their bellows, these softer vocalizations play an essential role in maintaining social bonds among koalas.
IMAGES BY:
1. Lukas Tennie
2. Jordan Whitt
3. Photoholgic
4. David Clode