Koalas are dietary specialists. They feed almost exclusively on eucalyptus leaves, which form their limited and highly specific diet. This specialization is supported by their physiological and microbiome adaptations to efficiently process the tough, low-nutrient, and toxic eucalyptus leaves. Koalas have a unique digestive system including a long caecum that houses bacteria to break down eucalyptus foliage, and their gastrointestinal microbiome influences their diet preferences. Thus, koalas are specialist folivores, relying heavily on eucalyptus trees for their survival.