Danielle Clode on the history and science behind a slow-moving Australian icon in 'Koala: A Life in Trees'

Despite their iconic status in Australia koalas remain a mystery. As a species they are threatened in some states but dying from overpopulation in others. Koala A Life in Trees shines new light on the life and challenges facing this fascinating marsupial. Fuelled by her background in biology, Danielle Clode delves into the world of koalas to discover what's behind that sweet face. From their megafauna ancestors to the disastrous effects of colonisation, this is the story of their complex relationship with humans and what the future holds for this extraordinary animal.In this episode Gregory Dobbs chats to Danielle Clode about the ancient ancestors of the koala, why fossils are so rare and the wealth of information a single fossil jaw can tell us, the intricate relationship between our own Eucalypt forests and this icon of Australian fauna, and why the loss of habitat is the koalas' greatest threat.