Nature & Wildlife

Australia’s wildlife is completely unique, and incredibly diverse. Australia’s native animals are completely different from those of the rest of the world, because of Australia’s geographical isolation.

Australia’s wildlife is also extremely diverse because of Australia’s distinctive landscape. Australia has deserts, lakes, mountains and rainforests. Because of this, there are many different types of animals that are native to Australia.

AUSTRALIA’S DELICATE ECOSYSTEM

Australia’s ecosystem is extremely fragile and it is important to remember to look after it. The best way to make sure that you don’t damage the environment is to follow the guidelines set out by local officials – for example, parks and beaches often have signs explaining what is allowed and what is not allowed in these areas, such as littering (which is not allowed anywhere!), fishing, etc. It is important to remember to avoid disturbing animals if you see them in the wild, as many feral animals are unpredictable – bothering them could result in damage to you or to the animal. Following these rules helps to maintain the delicate balance of Australia’s ecosystem.

EXPERIENCING AUSTRALIA’S WILDLIFE

Although it can be harmful to disturb animals in the wild (see above) there are lots of ways to experience Australia’s wildlife safely. There are many zoos in Australia where you can get a closer look at endangered species, and places where you can swim with dolphins or even sharks! Some zoos and aquariums have shows involving an animal that you might not be able to see close-up in the wild – such as crocodiles.

FAMOUS ANIMALS

Koala

Contrary to popular belief, koalas are not bears, although they are bear-like in appearance. Koalas spend most of their lives asleep in Eucalyptus trees, the leaves of which form the main part of their diet. Adult koalas may be aggressive in terms of their territory or their children, but they are rarely a danger to humans.

In terms of conservation, Koalas are listed as a vulnerable species, as their numbers have significantly declined in recent years due to disease. The number of koalas in Australia is somewhere between 100 000 and 1 000 000. Koalas are not found in Tasmania or Western Australia. They can be found on the east coast of Australia, including Queensland and New South Wales, and on the south-east coast, including Victoria and South Australia.

The word ‘Koala’ comes from the Aboriginal word for ‘no drink’. Koalas are rarely seen drinking, because they get most of the water they need from the eucalyptus leaves (gum leaves) that they eat.

Koalas are part of the group of animals known as marsupials, which do not give birth to fully developed young. Instead, they give birth to underdeveloped young, who continue to grow in a pouch, usually located on the mother’s stomach. Other Australian marsupials include kangaroos, wombats and possums.

Crocodile

There are two types of crocodiles in Australia, the Freshwater and Saltwater crocodiles. The Freshwater Crocodile (‘Freshie’) is found in lakes, billabongs (which are like small lakes) and rivers in the northern regions of Australia. It can grow to a length of 2.5 meters, but unlike the Saltwater Crocodile, it does not usually attack humans.

The Saltwater Crocodile (‘Saltie’) is the largest reptile in the world, and can grow to a length of 5 meters. The Saltwater Crocodile is very aggressive and if disturbed, will attack humans.

The crocodile population dropped to dangerously low levels in the 1970s, but has recovered somewhat. The crocodile population of Australia is thought to be about 70 000.

Platypus

The platypus is one of the most interesting animals in Australia and there is nothing like it anywhere else in the world. A platypus looks a bit like a cross between a duck and a beaver, as it has a bill like a duck, a large flat tail like a beaver, and is covered in hair. It lives underwater although it can survive on land. Although it is a mammal, it lays eggs rather than giving birth to live young like other mammals. The platypus is considered sacred by Aboriginal Australians.

The platypus can no longer be found in South Australia; however, it is not endangered or extinct in any other Australian state.

Shark

There are 375 species of sharks to be found in Australia, although most of these species are not dangerous. The popularity of shark meat (known as ‘flake’) at various fish and chip shops on beaches all over Australia means that humans probably eat more sharks than the other way around!

Great White Shark: Also known as a white pointer, white death or white shark, this is the largest predatory fish in the world. It is one of the few shark species that will attack humans, although these attacks are not always fatal.

Grey Nurse: The grey nurse shark is usually not dangerous to humans, although it will react if provoked. It gives birth to live young and is listed as a protected species.

Port Jackson Shark: The Port Jackson Shark lives in the south of Australia and is aggressive towards humans. It eats only shellfish, although the sharp spines on its back make it slightly dangerous. The eggs of a Port Jackson Shark can take up to 7 months to hatch and are protected by a spiral-shaped case once they are laid. These cases occasionally wash up on beaches.

Wobbegong: Also known as a carpet shark, the Wobbegong lives on the bottom of the ocean floor. Although they can be aggressive, they are usually not dangerous to humans as they rarely stray from their habitat.

Sharks are listed as threatened species in Australia, with the Grey Nurse Shark considered to be critically endangered.

Dingo

A dingo is a type of wild dog native to Australia. Dingoes are carnivorous although they are rarely a danger to humans. Unlike dogs, dingoes do not bark, but rather howl like wolves. Dingos may be found in rural areas of the Australian mainland, but not at all in Tasmania.

Dingos are in danger of becoming extinct due to cross-breeding with domestic dog breeds.

Kangaroo

Kangaroos are found only in Australia. They have powerful hind legs that they use for jumping, and a large, heavy tail that balances them when they travel this way. An adult male kangaroo can travel at speeds of up to 70km/h (43mph). The kangaroo can be found on Australia’s coat of arms, because, like the Emu, it is unable to walk backwards.

Grey: Grey kangaroos are the most common species of kangaroo. They tend not to grow as large as the red kangaroo. The Eastern Grey kangaroo is found on the east coast of Australia, and the Western Grey kangaroo is found along the coast in West Australia, South Australia, and the Darling River basin.

Red: Red kangaroos are less common but more distinctive than grey kangaroos. They can grow to heights of up to 2 metres and may weight as much as 90kg. They live in the dry centre of Australia.

Wallaby: Wallaby is a term applied to any kangaroo-like animal that is significantly smaller than a kangaroo. They are close in appearance to kangaroos, despite being slightly smaller and stockier.

The kangaroo population, unlike that of many native Australian animals, is not in any danger of dwindling; instead, kangaroos are regarded as a pest by many farmers, because they can destroy fences and often compete for food and water with cattle and other livestock. The kangaroo population is more than 20 000 000.

Possum

Possums are tree-dwelling animals that live all around Australia, including in suburban areas. The Sugar Glider is a species of possum that can fly from tree to tree, as it has membrane between its front and back legs that acts like a parachute.

Possums are often found in residential or suburban areas, as they tend to feed on vegetables or plants in the garden. They often nest in rooftops. Although this can be a nuisance to residents, Possums are a protected species and so cannot be killed.

Wombat

Wombats are small furry animals that live in burrows in the northern, eastern and southern parts of Australia. They have short legs but an extremely solid body. There are two main species of wombat in Australia: the Common Wombat and the Hairy-nosed Wombat. Wombats are burrowing animals, and mostly nocturnal, so they are rarely seen in the wild. They are the largest herbivorous burrowing mammal in the world, and can grow to weigh 36kg. The Wombat is the closest relative of the Koala.

The Wombat population has been diminished in several areas due to human activity. They have been classified as a protected species in Australia since 1970.

Emu

Emus are Australia’s tallest birds. They often grow up to heights of 1.9 meters and weigh from 30-45kg. They are similar in appearance to ostriches, and like ostriches they are flightless. The Emu is on Australia’s coat of arms because, like the kangaroo, it cannot walk backwards. The Emu has become extinct in Tasmania because of European settlement, and they are listed as protected animals in other parts of Australia, particularly in coastal areas.

Emus are now mainly found in the drier inland areas of Australia.

Kookaburra

A kookaburra is a type of kingfisher bird. It is called ‘kookaburra’ because of the noise that it makes, which is very distinctive and similar to human laughter. There are four different types of kookaburra found in Australia: the Laughing Kookaburra (sometimes known as the Laughing Jackass), the Blue-winged Kookaburra (whose wings are a beautiful azure colour), the Rufous-bellied Kookaburra, and the Spangled Kookaburra, a rare species.

Kookaburras are not an endangered species and can be found all over Australia.

INTRODUCED SPECIES

Harmful Species

Many of the non-native animals that have been introduced to Australia have had a negative impact on native wildlife. Australia’s ecosystem was (and is) very fragile, and the introduction of foreign species has created a range of long-term problems, some of which are described below. Many of the animals that were brought to Australia have no natural predators here, and so have reproduced in large numbers and become a nuisance to both humans and other animals. Some of the most important introduced species are described below.

Cane toad

Cane toads were introduced to Australia in the 1930s from Hawaii in an effort to get rid of the cane beetle, a pest which was damaging sugar cane crops. However, the toads were not able to get rid of the cane beetles – added to which they had no natural predators in Australia, and so they continue to multiply even today. Cane toads are found mostly in Queensland (northeast Australia), although there is evidence that they are moving southward, if slowly. The main problem with the cane toad is that it is toxic and therefore fatal to any animal that tries to eat it – this means that it continues to multiply.

Rabbits

Rabbits are an extremely harmful addition to Australia’s natural landscape, and have caused the extinction of many species of native animal. More importantly, they present a great danger for Australia’s agriculture because they eat native plants, and in doing so cause erosion of the soil. Rabbits were introduced to Australia in 1859 by a farmer who imported them for hunting purposes.

Brumby

The Brumby is an Australian wild horse descendant from the horses that escaped their owners during the colonisation of Australia. Brumbies are not as harmful to the landscape as some other introduced species, but do contribute to soil erosion by trampling the ground.

Fox

The common red fox was introduced to Australia in 1755 for purposes of hunting. The fox has since multiplied and is a major problem for Australia’s wildlife. For example, the fox attacks and eats small birds, reptiles, etc., and also affects farmers by attacking newborn livestock.

Fire ant

See description under ‘Dangerous Animals’

Cats

Cats were introduced to Australia sometime during the European settlement. They are not harmful when domesticated, but unfortunately some cats have been released from the domesticated environment and have become feral (meaning wild). Feral cats are a danger to the Australian environment as they prey on native birds for food.

Beneficial Species

Some introduced species, however, have damaged the environment to an extent but have also been invaluable in creating the Australia that we have today. It was said in the early days of colonisation, and even as late as the 20th century, that Australia ‘rode on the sheep’s back’ – at least in an economic sense; so we have sheep – an introduced species – to thank for Australia’s current prosperity. Cattle, which are also an introduced species, are also crucial to the agricultural industry.

Cattle

Cattle were introduced to Australia in 1788 as a source of food (beef). They have not had a significant negative impact, but rather have been an important part of Australia’s agricultural industry and as such of our economy. Australia’s cattle herd numbers about 23.3 million, and exports of beef are worth about AU$3.9 billion annually. Over 60% of the beef raised in Australia is exported.

Sheep

Sheep came to Australia from England during the European settlement of Australia. They are well suited to the Australian environment and have since become an extremely important part of Australia’s economic development, due to the production of wool for export purposes. Live sheep are also exported around the world for their meat. In Australia, lamb is very popular at barbecues and as part of a typical roast dinner.

FISH & AMPHIBIANS

The Great Barrier Reef

Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (located off the coast of Queensland in Australia’s northeast) is the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem, and home to a huge variety of fish and sea animals such as anemones (a type of invertebrate that looks like a flower but is actually a predatory animal) and a wide range of tropical fish, including the stunning Blue Tang, an electric blue fish with a bright yellow tail. The Crown of Thorns Starfish is also found in the Great Barrier Reef; however, it is considered a danger to the reef as it feeds on the coral. Not only the Barrier Reef, but the rest of Australia, provides a home for many interesting species of fish, reptiles and amphibians.

Barramundi

Barramundi is a type of fish found only in Australia’s far north. It is very popular with fishermen and chefs alike, and can be found on the menu in many seafood cafes.

Crocodile

See description under ‘Famous Australian Animals’

Dolphin

There are 33 breeds of dolphin in Australia, but the most common is the Bottlenose dolphin, which is found in many varying climates. Dolphins are very intelligent creatures and can communicate with each other in a very sophisticated way. They are not aggressive towards humans at all.

Fairy Penguin

The Fairy Penguin is the only type of penguin found in Australia, and the smallest of all the breeds. They can be found along the southern coast of Australia. They cannot fly.

Giant Tasmanian Crab

The Giant Tasmanian Crab is one of the largest breeds of crab in the world, and is the largest in Australia. They can grow to 40cm across and may weigh up to 15kg. They live in the southern oceans of Australia.

Lungfish

Lungfish are like living fossils, as they have survived in more or less the same form for 100 million years. They can live both in water and on dry land (though only for a short time). They can be found in the rivers of northern Australia.

Platypus

See description under ‘Famous Australian Animals’.

Sharks

See description under ‘Famous Australian Animals.’

Stingray

The stingray is a large, flat sea creature that is usually not aggressive to humans. It has a large, poisonous barb that it uses to defend itself when feeling threatened, as was the case in 2006 when Australian ‘wildlife warrior’ and TV presenter Steve Irwin was killed by a stingray.

LAND ANIMALS AND REPTILES

Bandicoot

A bandicoot is like a large rat. There are several species of bandicoot which live in various parts of Australia. Bandicoots are nocturnal.

Bilby

A Bilby is a small animal found in the Northern Territory. Bilbies have rabbit-like large ears, and at Easter time in Australia it is possible to buy chocolate Bilbies instead of chocolate bunnies.

Dingo

See description under ‘Famous Australian Animals’

Echidna

Echidnas are small animals that live in the deserts and Alps of Australia. Echidnas have a distinctive appearance due to the many spines on their backs, which are a defence mechanism. Echidnas mainly eat insects such as ants and termites, and are sometimes known as Spiny Anteaters. Like the platypus, the echidna is a mammal which lays eggs (a monotreme). Once the egg is laid, the baby echidna (known as a puggle) develops in the mother’s pouch until it grows spines and becomes able to live outside the pouch.

Frill-necked Lizard

A frill-necked lizard, as the name suggests, is a lizard that has extra skin around its neck that stands out like a collar when it is scared, in order to make the lizard appear bigger to predators. Frill-necked lizards live in the northern and eastern parts of Australia.

Goanna

A goanna is another type of lizard that may be found in a number of places within Australia. They can grow up to 2 meters in length.

Kangaroo

See description under ‘Famous Australian Animals’

Koala

See description under ‘Famous Australian Animals’

Possum

See description under ‘Famous Australian Animals’

Tasmanian Devil

Tasmanian devils are small nocturnal animals that feed on small birds and insects. They live alone and come out at night to search for food. Like the koala and the wombat, the Tasmanian devil is a marsupial, but unlike them it is carnivorous. In fact, the Tasmanian devil is the worlds largest carnivorous marsupial.

Wombat

See description under ‘Famous Australian Animals’

BIRDS

Cockatoo

The two most common types of cockatoo in Australia are the Black Cockatoo and the Sulphur-Crested Cockatoo. The Black Cockatoo is, unsurprisingly, black; whereas the Sulphur–Crested Cockatoo is snowy white with yellow feathers on its head. Cockatoos can be found all over Australia.

Brolga

A Brolga is a type of wading bird, similar to a crane. They grow to about 1 meter tall and live in northern Australia, in wetlands.

Cassowary

A cassowary is a large bird found in the rainforests of Australia. Although they are not very tall, they are low and wide.

Emu

See description under ‘Famous Australian Animals’

Galah

A Galah is a type of bird, similar to a cockatoo, but with distinctive pink and grey feathers. They usually grow no larger than 35cm tall.

Kookaburra

See description under ‘Famous Australian Animals’

Lyrebird

Lyrebirds are extremely shy and can be found in the southeast of Australia. The male lyrebird has a long tail which it spreads out to attract females.

TREES, PLANTS AND FLOWERS

Acacia (Wattle)

Acacia, more commonly known as wattle, is a bright yellow flower that grows in southeast Australia. The wattle is the floral emblem of Australia.

Banksia

Banksias are a type of plant that grow in south western and also eastern Australia. They are small and characterized by spiny brown or black cones.

Boab tree

Boab trees are found only in Western Australia. They can grow up to 20 metres tall, and its roots may spread underground to a distance of 23 meters. Boab trees tend to grow best in rocky soil.

Coolabah tree

Coolabah trees are a type of Eucalypt (see below) and have a unique twisted appearance. They grow in inland areas of Australia.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus trees are sometimes referred to as Gum trees and they are very common in Australia. There are a great many different species of Eucalyptus and these species vary depending on where in Australia they grow.

Melaleuca (Paperbark)

Melaleuca trees have beautiful soft bark which peels from the tree and feels like tissue paper to the touch.

Spinifex

Spinifex is a type of grass that grows in extremely arid conditions in Australia. It can survive on very little water, and grows into a ball shape with very sharp needles.

Sturt’s Desert Pea

Sturt’s Desert Pea is a type of flower found in the drier areas of Australia. It is the floral emblem of South Australia, and has beautiful red petals which flower annually.

Waratah

The Waratah is the floral emblem of New South Wales and is a distinctive red colour.

DANGEROUS CREATURES

Although Australia has many dangerous creatures, it is very unlikely that you will be hurt by any of them, especially if you take proper precautions. Sharks, for example, do not see live humans as prey, and rarely attack humans if they are not first provoked. Australia has only had 60 shark-related deaths in the past 50 years – 1.2 deaths per year. There are many ways to avoid coming into contact with the dangerous animals listed below.

Box Jellyfish

Box Jellyfish are found in the waters off Queensland, near the Great Barrier Reef. It is extremely dangerous as the venom in its tentacles is deadly to humans. The Box Jellyfish’s tentacles may be up to 80cm long. The best way to avoid being stung by a box jellyfish is to avoid swimming in areas where they are found from November to May, as it is in these months that the box jellyfish is present.

If you think you have been stung by a box jellyfish, ALWAYS seek medical attention, immediately.

Mosquitos

Although mosquitos are usually more annoying than dangerous, they can carry a dangerous viral infection caused Ross River Virus. If camping, the best way to avoid contracting this disease is to avoid being outside at dusk and dawn in areas where mosquitos are known to carry the disease, particularly in summer and autumn, and taking measures such as applying mosquito repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants; avoid camping near stagnant water; avoid using perfume and aftershave as this may attract the mosquitos.

Snakes

In Australia there are seven different families of snakes. Not all Australian snakes are deadly but it is always better to be cautious, and to never attempt to disturb a snake – when snakes strike their success rate is nearly 100%.

Brown Snakes: Brown snakes are very common in Australia. They are usually found inland and may grow to lengths of 2 metres. They are extremely venomous.

Copperheads: Copperheads are usually found in inland Victoria and parts of New South Wales.

Death Adders: This snake is less common than the others mentioned here. It is usually found in the deserts of Australia, and along the eastern coast.

Red-bellied Black Snakes: This snake is usually found in coastal areas, in sand dunes. As the name suggests, the snake is black with a red belly. This snake grows to a length of about 1.5 metres.

Taipan Snakes: The Taipan snake is very dangerous and quite common in the dry interior of Australia. They grow to lengths of 2 metres.

Tiger Snakes: Tiger snakes generally only attack when surprised or threatened. They have distinctive stripy markings, and are usually found near rivers although they have been spotted in suburban areas.

If think you have been bitten by a snake, you should ALWAYS seek medical attention.

Spiders

There are many different types of spider in Australia but there are only two species which are considered really dangerous to humans.

Funnel-Web Spiders: Funnel web spiders are regarded by some experts as the most dangerous spiders in the world. However, their bite is not immediately fatal and anti-venom is now available. Funnel-web spiders are black, about 1-5cm long, and build thick, funnel-like webs. If bitten, medical assistance should be sought immediately.

Red-back Spiders: A bite from a red-back spider has not caused a death since anti-venom became available, but they remain one of the most poisonous spiders in Australia. Red-back spiders usually range in size from 1cm long (females) to 3-4mm long (males). Only the female’s bite is dangerous. Females can be identified by the long orangey-red stripe on their abdomens.

Spiders will rarely attack unless disturbed. The best way to avoid spiders is to be cautious when you are outside – for example, never put your hand underneath a rock or a log without first checking underneath it by lifting it up, as spiders may have their webs there. Similarly, if you are camping and have left your shoes outside the tent, check inside before putting them on to make sure nothing has crawled in during the night.

If you are bitten by a spider, you should ALWAYS seek medical attention.

Ticks

Paralysis ticks are very dangerous because, as their name suggests, their venom can cause paralysis. The paralysis tick is usually found in the south-east of Australia, so if you are in this area and are visiting a place where there are known to be ticks, it is better to wear long sleeves and long trousers. If you are bitten, it is possible to remove the tick before it causes too much damage. There are various ways of doing this but the best is to pull it out gently with a pair of fine-tipped tweezers.

If you are bitten by a tick, you should ALWAYS seek medical attention.

Fire Ants

Fire ants are a non-native species of ants which are found in Queensland (northeast Australia). They have an extremely painful sting. They are usually found in mounds which look like little domes (up to 40cm high), next to or under logs or rocks in open areas such as lawns. If you are bitten by a fire ant, you should apply a cold compress immediately and then gently wash the bite in soapy water. The best way to avoid being bitten is to avoid ants altogether – fire ants look very similar to the common brown ants found in this area, and so it may be hard to distinguish between them.

If you are bitten by a fire ant and you are allergic to insect stings, you should ALWAYS seek medical attention, immediately.