Koalas live primarily in eastern and southeastern Australia, specifically in the states of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia
. Their habitat includes tall eucalyptus forests and low eucalyptus woodlands, which provide the essential eucalyptus leaves they feed on
. They are most abundant along the central and north coast of New South Wales and the southeast corner of Queensland
. Koalas inhabit a range of environments from coastal islands and tall eucalypt forests to low inland woodlands, but they do not live in rainforests
. In semi-arid areas, they prefer riparian zones near streams and creeks for refuge during droughts and heat
. Historically, koalas had a wider range, including parts of Western Australia, but today their distribution is largely confined to the eastern and southeastern coastal regions due to habitat loss and other threats
. Habitat fragmentation and destruction, especially from urbanization and bushfires, continue to threaten koala populations
. In summary, koalas live in eucalyptus-dominated forests and woodlands across eastern and southeastern Australia, mainly in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia