37 Australian Animals with Facts & Pictures
Australia’s unique wildlife attracts people worldwide. From cuddly koalas to hopping kangaroos, the continent’s animals are truly one-of-a-kind. But there’s so much more to discover beyond these famous faces.
I’ve explored Australia’s diverse ecosystems and encountered many interesting creatures. In this guide, I’ll introduce you to 37 amazing Australian animals with surprising facts and pictures.
Get ready to meet some of Earth’s most unusual and lovable creatures.
By the end, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for Australia’s incredible biodiversity.
A Journey Through the List of Australian Animal
We’ll dive into the world of marsupials, reptiles, birds, and marine life that call Australia home.
1. Kangaroo
Kangaroos are large marsupials known for their powerful hind legs and distinctive hopping movement.
They are native to Australia and are well-adapted to its diverse environments.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 3 to 8 feet (0.9 to 2.4 meters) |
| Weight | 40 to 200 pounds (18 to 90 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Australia |
| Scientific Name | Macropus |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Grunts, coughs, and clicks |
Fun Facts
- Kangaroos can leap up to 25 feet in a single bound.
- They use their tails for balance while hopping.
- A baby kangaroo, called a joey, stays in its mother’s pouch for about six months.
2. Koala
Koalas are small, tree-dwelling marsupials known for their thick, soft fur and large, round ears.
They spend most of their time in eucalyptus trees.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 24 to 33 inches (60 to 85 cm) |
| Weight | 9 to 33 pounds (4 to 15 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Eastern Australia |
| Scientific Name | Phascolarctos cinereus |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous (eucalyptus leaves) |
| What Sound They Make | Bellow, grunt, snore |
Fun Facts
- Koalas have a specialized digestive system to detoxify the poisonous compounds in eucalyptus leaves.
- They sleep up to 18 hours a day to conserve energy.
- Each koala has a unique nose pattern, similar to human fingerprints.
3. Platypus
The platypus is a unique egg-laying mammal known for its duck-bill, webbed feet, and beaver-like tail.
It is native to eastern Australia.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.3 to 1.6 feet (39 to 50 cm) (including tail) |
| Weight | 1.5 to 5.3 pounds (0.7 to 2.4 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Eastern Australia, Tasmania |
| Scientific Name | Ornithorhynchus anatinus |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous (insects, larvae, shellfish) |
| What Sound They Make | Growl, click |
Fun Facts
- Platypuses have electroreceptors in their bills to detect prey in muddy waters.
- They close their eyes, ears, and nose while underwater.
- Male platypuses have venomous spurs on their hind legs.
4. Wombat
Wombats are short-legged, burrowing marsupials with a strong, compact build.
They are native to Australia and are known for their digging abilities.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 28 to 47 inches (70 to 120 cm) |
| Weight | 44 to 77 pounds (20 to 35 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Southeastern Australia, Tasmania |
| Scientific Name | Vombatidae |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous (grasses, roots, bark) |
| What Sound They Make | Grunts, growls |
Fun Facts
- Wombats have backward-facing pouches to prevent dirt from entering while digging.
- They produce cube-shaped poop, which prevents it from rolling away and marks their territory.
- Wombats can run up to 25 miles per hour (40 km/h) when threatened.
5. Tasmanian Devil
Tasmanian devils are carnivorous marsupials known for their stocky build, black fur, and loud, disturbing screeches.
They are native to the island state of Tasmania.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 20 to 31 inches (50 to 80 cm) |
| Weight | 9 to 26 pounds (4 to 12 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Tasmania, Australia |
| Scientific Name | Sarcophilus harrisii |
| Place of Origin | Tasmania |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous (small mammals, birds, insects) |
| What Sound They Make | Screech, growl, snarl |
Fun Facts
- Tasmanian devils have one of the strongest bites relative to their size.
- They can eat up to 40% of their body weight in a single feeding.
- They are known for their loud, blood-curdling screams during feeding and mating.
6. Kookaburra
Kookaburras are large kingfishers with a distinctive call that sounds like human laughter.
They are native to Australia and New Guinea.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 15 to 18 inches (39 to 45 cm) |
| Weight | 11 to 16 ounces (310 to 455 grams) |
| Region of Habitat | Australia, New Guinea |
| Scientific Name | Dacelo |
| Place of Origin | Australia, New Guinea |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous (small animals, insects, reptiles) |
| What Sound They Make | Laughing call |
Fun Facts
- Kookaburras are often called the “bushman’s alarm clock” due to their early morning calls.
- They are territorial and use their calls to establish dominance.
- They can live up to 20 years in the wild.
7. Emu
Emus are large, flightless birds known for their long legs and ability to run at high speeds.
They are the second-largest birds in the world.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 to 6.6 feet (1.5 to 2 meters) |
| Weight | 66 to 121 pounds (30 to 55 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Australia |
| Scientific Name | Dromaius novaehollandiae |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous (plants, insects, seeds) |
| What Sound They Make | Drumming, grunting |
Fun Facts
- Emus can sprint at speeds up to 30 miles per hour (48 km/h).
- They have three toes on each foot, which helps them run efficiently.
- Emu fathers take care of the eggs and chicks after they are laid.
8. Cockatoo
Cockatoos are large, colorful parrots known for their expressive crests and social behavior.
They are native to Australia and surrounding islands.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 cm) |
| Weight | 0.6 to 2.6 pounds (0.3 to 1.2 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea |
| Scientific Name | Cacatuidae |
| Place of Origin | Australia, surrounding islands |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous (seeds, nuts, fruits, insects) |
| What Sound They Make | Screech, squawk |
Fun Facts
- Cockatoos can live up to 70 years in captivity.
- They use their strong beaks to crack open nuts and seeds.
- Cockatoos are highly intelligent and can learn to mimic human speech.
9. Lyrebird
Lyrebirds are ground-dwelling birds known for their extraordinary ability to mimic natural and artificial sounds from their environment.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 3.3 feet (1 meter) |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds (1 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Southeastern Australia |
| Scientific Name | Menura |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Insectivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Mimic various sounds |
Fun Facts
- Lyrebirds can mimic the sounds of chainsaws, car alarms, and camera shutters.
- Their tail feathers resemble a lyre, an ancient musical instrument.
- They are one of the world’s largest songbirds.
10. Rainbow Lorikeet
Rainbow lorikeets are brightly colored parrots known for their vibrant plumage and playful behavior.
They are native to Australia and nearby islands.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm) |
| Weight | 3.5 to 5.5 ounces (100 to 157 grams) |
| Region of Habitat | Eastern Australia, Indonesia, New Guinea |
| Scientific Name | Trichoglossus moluccanus |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous (nectar, fruit, seeds) |
| What Sound They Make | Chatter, squawk |
Fun Facts
- Rainbow lorikeets have a specialized brush-tipped tongue for feeding on nectar.
- They are highly social and often seen in large flocks.
- These birds are known for their acrobatic flying abilities.
11. Saltwater Crocodile
Saltwater crocodiles are the largest living reptiles, known for their powerful build and aggressive nature.
They are found in saltwater and freshwater habitats.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 23 feet (7 meters) |
| Weight | 1,000 to 2,200 pounds (450 to 1,000 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Northern Australia, Southeast Asia |
| Scientific Name | Crocodylus porosus |
| Place of Origin | Northern Australia, Southeast Asia |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous (fish, birds, mammals) |
| What Sound They Make | Growl, hiss |
Fun Facts
- Saltwater crocodiles can swim long distances in the ocean.
- They have the strongest bite of any animal in the world.
- These crocodiles can live up to 70 years.
12. Frilled-neck Lizard
Frilled-neck lizards are known for the large frill around their neck, which they display when threatened.
They are native to northern Australia and New Guinea.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 27 to 36 inches (68 to 91 cm) |
| Weight | 1.1 to 2.2 pounds (0.5 to 1 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Northern Australia, New Guinea |
| Scientific Name | Chlamydosaurus kingii |
| Place of Origin | Northern Australia, New Guinea |
| Feeding Habits | Insectivorous, small vertebrates |
| What Sound They Make | Hiss |
Fun Facts
- The frill can be up to 12 inches wide when fully extended.
- Frilled-neck lizards can run on their hind legs when fleeing danger.
- They spend most of their time in trees but come to the ground to feed.
13. Blue-tongue Skink
Blue-tongue skinks are named for their distinctive blue tongues, which they use to startle predators.
They are common in Australia.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 18 to 24 inches (45 to 61 cm) |
| Weight | 10 to 18 ounces (280 to 510 grams) |
| Region of Habitat | Australia |
| Scientific Name | Tiliqua |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous (insects, fruits, vegetables) |
| What Sound They Make | Hiss |
Fun Facts
- Blue-tongue skinks have a lifespan of up to 20 years.
- They give birth to live young, unlike many other reptiles.
- Their blue tongue is used as a defense mechanism to deter predators.
14. Thorny Devil
The thorny devil is a small, spiny lizard known for its distinctive appearance and slow movement.
It is native to the arid regions of Australia.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5.9 to 8.3 inches (15 to 21 cm) |
| Weight | 0.8 to 1.4 ounces (23 to 41 grams) |
| Region of Habitat | Central and Western Australia |
| Scientific Name | Moloch horridus |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Insectivorous (mainly ants) |
| What Sound They Make | Silent |
Fun Facts
- Thorny devils can consume thousands of ants in a single day.
- They have specialized scales that channel water to their mouths.
- Their spines deter predators and provide camouflage in their environment.
15. Eastern Brown Snake
The eastern brown snake is one of the most venomous snakes in the world, known for its aggressive behavior and potent venom.
It is native to Australia.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 6.6 feet (2 meters) |
| Weight | 3.3 to 6.6 pounds (1.5 to 3 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Eastern and Central Australia |
| Scientific Name | Pseudonaja textilis |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous (rodents, birds, reptiles) |
| What Sound They Make | Hiss |
Fun Facts
- Eastern brown snakes are responsible for more snakebite deaths in Australia than any other species.
- They can move quickly and are very alert to their surroundings.
- Their venom can cause paralysis and bleeding.
16. Great White Shark
Great white sharks are large predatory fish known for their powerful build and fearsome reputation.
They are found in coastal waters worldwide, including Australia.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters) |
| Weight | 1,500 to 2,400 pounds (680 to 1,100 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Worldwide, including Australian waters |
| Scientific Name | Carcharodon carcharias |
| Place of Origin | Worldwide |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous (fish, seals, whales) |
| What Sound They Make | Silent |
Fun Facts
- Great white sharks can detect a single drop of blood in 25 gallons (100 liters) of water.
- They can swim at speeds up to 25 miles per hour (40 km/h).
- Great white sharks have up to 300 serrated teeth arranged in several rows.
17. Blue-ringed Octopus
Blue-ringed octopuses are small but highly venomous marine animals known for the bright blue rings that appear when they are threatened.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 4 to 8 inches (10 to 20 cm) |
| Weight | 0.7 to 1 ounce (20 to 30 grams) |
| Region of Habitat | Coastal waters of Australia and Southeast Asia |
| Scientific Name | Hapalochlaena |
| Place of Origin | Australia, Southeast Asia |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous (crustaceans, small fish) |
| What Sound They Make | Silent |
Fun Facts
- The venom of a blue-ringed octopus can cause paralysis and death within minutes.
- They are generally shy and will only bite if provoked.
- Blue-ringed octopuses are one of the few marine animals that are deadly to humans.
18. Box Jellyfish
Box jellyfish are highly venomous marine creatures known for their cube-shaped bell and long, trailing tentacles.
They are found in coastal waters of northern Australia.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | Bell size up to 12 inches (30 cm) |
| Weight | Up to 4.4 pounds (2 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Northern Australian coastal waters |
| Scientific Name | Chironex fleckeri |
| Place of Origin | Northern Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous (small fish, crustaceans) |
| What Sound They Make | Silent |
Fun Facts
- Box jellyfish venom is among the most deadly in the world.
- They can swim at speeds of up to 4 knots.
- A sting from a box jellyfish can cause heart failure and death within minutes.
19. Green Sea Turtle
Green sea turtles are large marine turtles known for their herbivorous diet and long migrations between feeding and nesting grounds.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) |
| Weight | 300 to 500 pounds (136 to 227 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Tropical and subtropical seas worldwide |
| Scientific Name | Chelonia mydas |
| Place of Origin | Worldwide |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous (seagrasses, algae) |
| What Sound They Make | Silent |
Fun Facts
- Green sea turtles can live up to 80 years or more.
- They travel thousands of miles between their feeding grounds and nesting sites.
- Females return to the same beach where they were born to lay their eggs.
20. Australian Fur Seal
Australian fur seals are large marine mammals known for their thick fur and playful behavior.
They are found along the southern and southeastern coasts of Australia.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 4.9 to 7.9 feet (1.5 to 2.4 meters) |
| Weight | 220 to 880 pounds (100 to 400 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Southern and southeastern Australia |
| Scientific Name | Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous (fish, squid) |
| What Sound They Make | Bark, growl |
Fun Facts
- Australian fur seals can dive to depths of over 200 meters.
- They have a thick layer of blubber to keep them warm in cold waters.
- These seals are highly social and often seen in large colonies.
21. Giant Weta
Giant wetas are large insects native to New Zealand, known for their size and prehistoric appearance.
They belong to the cricket family.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 2.5 to 4 inches (6 to 10 cm) |
| Weight | Up to 1.2 ounces (35 grams) |
| Region of Habitat | New Zealand |
| Scientific Name | Deinacrida |
| Place of Origin | New Zealand |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous (plants, insects) |
| What Sound They Make | Chirp |
Fun Facts
- Giant wetas are among the heaviest insects in the world.
- They are nocturnal and hide during the day.
- Wetapunga is the largest species of giant weta, found on Little Barrier Island.
22. Australian Tarantula
Australian tarantulas are large, hairy spiders known for their intimidating appearance and powerful venom.
They are found in northern and eastern Australia.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | Leg span up to 8 inches (20 cm) |
| Weight | Up to 2 ounces (56 grams) |
| Region of Habitat | Northern and eastern Australia |
| Scientific Name | Selenocosmia |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous (insects, small vertebrates) |
| What Sound They Make | Hiss |
Fun Facts
- Australian tarantulas can live up to 30 years.
- Their bite is painful but not usually fatal to humans.
- They are also known as whistling or barking spiders due to the hissing noise they make.
23. Christmas Beetle
Christmas beetles are large, colorful beetles that appear around Christmas time in Australia.
They are known for their iridescent exoskeletons.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 0.8 to 1.2 inches (2 to 3 cm) |
| Weight | 0.1 to 0.3 ounces (3 to 8 grams) |
| Region of Habitat | Eastern and southern Australia |
| Scientific Name | Anoplognathus |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous (eucalyptus leaves) |
| What Sound They Make | Buzz |
Fun Facts
- Christmas beetles are attracted to lights at night.
- They can strip entire trees of leaves during heavy infestations.
- These beetles are an important part of the ecosystem, helping to break down plant material.
24. Australian Hornet
Australian hornets are large wasps known for their painful sting and aggressive behavior.
They are found throughout Australia.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.2 to 1.4 inches (3 to 3.5 cm) |
| Weight | 0.1 to 0.2 ounces (3 to 5 grams) |
| Region of Habitat | Throughout Australia |
| Scientific Name | Abispa ephippium |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous (insects, spiders) |
| What Sound They Make | Buzz |
Fun Facts
- Australian hornets build large paper nests in trees and buildings.
- Their sting is very painful and can cause allergic reactions.
- They play a role in controlling pest insect populations.
25. Australian Fire Ant
Australian fire ants are small, reddish-brown ants known for their painful sting and aggressive behavior.
They are an invasive species in Australia.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 0.08 to 0.2 inches (2 to 5 mm) |
| Weight | Less than 0.01 ounces (0.1 grams) |
| Region of Habitat | Queensland, Australia |
| Scientific Name | Solenopsis invicta |
| Place of Origin | South America |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Silent |
Fun Facts
- Fire ants can form floating rafts to survive floods.
- They have a potent sting that can cause allergic reactions in some people.
- Fire ants are known for their aggressive behavior and ability to quickly overrun areas.
26. Green Tree Frog
Green tree frogs are large, arboreal frogs known for their bright green color and loud, distinctive calls.
They are common in Australia.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) |
| Weight | 0.5 to 1.5 ounces (15 to 45 grams) |
| Region of Habitat | Northern and eastern Australia |
| Scientific Name | Litoria caerulea |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous (insects, small vertebrates) |
| What Sound They Make | Croak, bark |
Fun Facts
- Green tree frogs can live up to 20 years.
- They secrete a waxy coating to prevent water loss.
- These frogs are often kept as pets due to their calm nature.
27. Cane Toad
Cane toads are large, toxic amphibians introduced to Australia to control agricultural pests.
They are now considered an invasive species.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) |
| Weight | 2.2 to 3.3 pounds (1 to 1.5 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Northern and eastern Australia |
| Scientific Name | Rhinella marina |
| Place of Origin | Central and South America |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Croak |
Fun Facts
- Cane toads secrete a toxin that is harmful to predators.
- They have a voracious appetite and can eat almost anything.
- Cane toads are considered a major environmental threat in Australia.
28. Northern Corroboree Frog
Northern corroboree frogs are small, brightly colored frogs known for their striking black and yellow patterns.
They are critically endangered.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 1 to 1.2 inches (2.5 to 3 cm) |
| Weight | Less than 0.1 ounces (3 grams) |
| Region of Habitat | Southeastern Australia |
| Scientific Name | Pseudophryne pengilleyi |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous (insects, spiders) |
| What Sound They Make | Soft trill |
Fun Facts
- Northern corroboree frogs breed in small, shallow pools.
- They have a lifespan of up to 10 years.
- Conservation efforts are underway to protect their habitat and increase their population.
29. Spotted Marsh Frog
Spotted marsh frogs are medium-sized frogs known for their distinctive spots and loud calls.
They are common in wetlands throughout Australia.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.2 to 2.4 inches (3 to 6 cm) |
| Weight | 0.1 to 0.3 ounces (3 to 8 grams) |
| Region of Habitat | Eastern Australia |
| Scientific Name | Limnodynastes tasmaniensis |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous (insects, small invertebrates) |
| What Sound They Make | Soft trill |
Fun Facts
- Spotted marsh frogs can be identified by their loud, repetitive calls.
- They are highly adaptable and can live in various wetland habitats.
- These frogs lay their eggs in floating foam nests.
30. Striped Marsh Frog
Striped marsh frogs are small, brown frogs with distinctive dark stripes running down their backs.
They are common in eastern Australia.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.6 to 2.4 inches (4 to 6 cm) |
| Weight | 0.1 to 0.3 ounces (3 to 8 grams) |
| Region of Habitat | Eastern Australia |
| Scientific Name | Limnodynastes peronii |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous (insects, small invertebrates) |
| What Sound They Make | Soft trill |
Fun Facts
- Striped marsh frogs are nocturnal and active at night.
- They are commonly found in urban areas near water sources.
- These frogs are known for their distinctive “tok” calls.
31. Quokka
Quokkas are small, wallaby-like marsupials known for their friendly appearance and “smiling” faces.
They are found on some islands off the coast of Western Australia.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 16 to 21 inches (40 to 54 cm) |
| Weight | 5.5 to 11 pounds (2.5 to 5 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Western Australia |
| Scientific Name | Setonix brachyurus |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Silent |
Fun Facts
- Quokkas are known for their friendly behavior and curiosity towards humans.
- They are nocturnal and active at night.
- Quokkas can survive without drinking water for long periods, getting moisture from the food they eat.
32. Bilby
Bilbies are small, nocturnal marsupials with long ears and pointed noses.
They are found in arid regions of Australia.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 11 to 22 inches (28 to 55 cm) |
| Weight | 1.1 to 5.5 pounds (0.5 to 2.5 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Central and western Australia |
| Scientific Name | Macrotis lagotis |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Silent |
Fun Facts
- Bilbies have excellent hearing and sense of smell to locate food.
- They are solitary animals and live in burrows.
- Bilbies play an important role in the ecosystem by aerating the soil through their digging.
33. Numbat
Numbats are small, insectivorous marsupials with distinctive stripes on their backs.
They are found in southwestern Australia.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 7.9 to 11 inches (20 to 28 cm) |
| Weight | 0.7 to 1.3 pounds (0.3 to 0.6 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Southwestern Australia |
| Scientific Name | Myrmecobius fasciatus |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Insectivorous (termites) |
| What Sound They Make | Silent |
Fun Facts
- Numbats can eat up to 20,000 termites a day.
- They have a long, sticky tongue to capture termites.
- Numbats are active during the day, unlike most marsupials.
34. Quoll
Quolls are carnivorous marsupials with a spotted coat and a strong build.
They are found in Australia and New Guinea.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 14 to 29 inches (35 to 75 cm) |
| Weight | 2.2 to 15.4 pounds (1 to 7 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Australia, New Guinea |
| Scientific Name | Dasyurus |
| Place of Origin | Australia, New Guinea |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous (small mammals, birds) |
| What Sound They Make | Screech, growl |
Fun Facts
- Quolls are nocturnal hunters.
- They are solitary animals and highly territorial.
- Quolls can climb trees to hunt for prey.
35. Wallaby
Wallabies are small to medium-sized marsupials similar to kangaroos but generally smaller.
They are found in various habitats across Australia.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 18 to 78 inches (45 to 200 cm) |
| Weight | 4 to 53 pounds (2 to 24 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Australia |
| Scientific Name | Macropodidae |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Herbivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Cough, grunt |
Fun Facts:
- Wallabies are excellent jumpers and can leap several meters in a single bound.
- They are highly adaptable and can live in various environments.
- Wallabies have strong hind legs and a long tail for balance.
36. Bandicoot
Bandicoots are small, nocturnal marsupials with pointed noses and hunched backs.
They are found in Australia and New Guinea.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 11 to 17 inches (28 to 43 cm) |
| Weight | 0.9 to 3.3 pounds (0.4 to 1.5 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Australia, New Guinea |
| Scientific Name | Peramelemorphia |
| Place of Origin | Australia, New Guinea |
| Feeding Habits | Omnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Silent |
Fun Facts
- Bandicoots have a short gestation period of around 12 days.
- They dig for insects and grubs using their strong forelimbs.
- Bandicoots are solitary animals and only come together to mate.
37. Dingo
Dingoes are wild canines known for their distinctive yellowish coat and howling calls.
They are found in various habitats across Australia.
| Metric | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 19 to 23 inches (48 to 60 cm) |
| Weight | 29 to 44 pounds (13 to 20 kg) |
| Region of Habitat | Australia |
| Scientific Name | Canis lupus dingo |
| Place of Origin | Australia |
| Feeding Habits | Carnivorous |
| What Sound They Make | Howl, bark |
Fun Facts
- Dingoes are known for their pack behavior and complex social structure.
- They play an important role in the ecosystem as apex predators.
- Dingoes can interbreed with domestic dogs, leading to hybrids.
Conclusion
We’ve journeyed through Australia’s diverse landscapes and met some incredible animals.
Each creature, from the iconic kangaroo to the lesser-known quokka, plays a vital role in Australia’s unique ecosystems.
Australia’s wildlife faces threats from habitat loss and climate change. By learning about these animals, we become more aware of the need to protect them.
What can you do next? Consider supporting wildlife conservation efforts in Australia. You could donate to a reputable organization or plan an eco-friendly trip to see these animals in their natural habitats.
Let’s work together to ensure these amazing creatures thrive for future generations.
What’s your favorite Australian animal? Share in the comments below!
