Phascolarctos fuscus

In early depictions of Australia’s exotic zoology, it was the unique mammals such as the kangaroos and platypus that captured the artists and collectors imagination and as a consequence were more often illustrated. It is not surprising then, that the Koala was one of the least depicted of the local fauna and it wasn’t until 1798, some nine years after settlement, that it was first recorded and then formally described in 1811.

1788 First sighting (26th January). John Price, Bargo, NSW ‘There is another animal which the natives call a ‘cullawine’, which much resembles the sloths in America.

1802 First specimen (parts only) Barrallier, location unknown NSW ‘The Aboriginals brought portions of a monkey (in the native language Colo), but they had cut it into pieces… I sent these two feet to the Government preserved in a bottle of brandy.

1803 First published account (21st August) Sydney Gazette, Port Jackson, NSW An Animal whose species was never before found in the Colony, is in His excellency’s possession. 

1808 First scientific report (23rd June ) Everard Home, S.W. Of Port Jackson It is commonly about two feet long and one high, in the girth about one foot and half it is covered with the soft fur, lead coloured on the back, and white on the belly.

Common names               Koala, Koala Bear, Native Bear.

Modern binomial name   Phascolarctos cinereus

First described                 Goldfuss 1817

Reference                         The Mammals of Australia, Strahan, 2nd edition.