
%0 Journal Article
%A Smith, M 
%T Behaviour of the Koala, Phascolarctos cinereus (Goldfuss), in CAptivity V*. Sexual Behaviour
%J Wildlife Research
%D 1980/02/01
%V 7
%N 1
%P 41-51
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/WR9800041
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/WR9800041 
%X At the height of the breeding season male koalas frequently attempted copulation. These attempts were often apparently spontaneous, but many followed bellowing or agonistic interactions. Sexual behaviour began at 3 y old in males, except for penile erections, which sometimes occurred in younger males.  Males performed no courtship behaviour. Behavioural oestrus was brief, and consisted of four distinct types of activity: jerking, bellowing, mild aggression towards the male, and pseudomale behaviour. Oestrous females could become very excited by the presence of a male, and the four activities were very flexible in their expression. Copulation itself was quite brief and consisted of mounting, thrusting, convulsions, and disengagement. The pair were always in a vertical position in a tree, the male grasping the female's neck in his jaws. 
