Koala (Phascolarctus cinereus), a marsipial, restricted to eastern Australia, of the family Phalangeridae, and pretty nearly resembling the Phalangers in dentition, but having the molar teeth much larger. The toes of the fore-feet are in two opposable groups, of two or three, a character not found in any other quadruped, but well adapted to grasping the branches of trees, on which the koala often hangs with its back undermost, like the sloth. There is scarcely any rudiment of a tail. The general form is not unlike that of a young bear, whence the name of 'Native Bear.' The female carries her young on her back for a long time after it is capable of leaving her pouch.