Australia is home to some of the most beautiful and unique wildlife in the world. The great barrier reef, deserts, forests and many other habitats make it difficult to find a common theme among all of Australia’s ecosystems, but luckily we don’t have to. 

If you explore the country in depth, from the very beautiful Toorongo Falls to the stark open spaces of the Pilbara, from beaches to deserts, there will be countless examples of Australia’s diverse flora and fauna. 

From kangaroos to koalas, from echidna to platypus – this article will give you an idea of what you can expect in general terms when visiting the wild. Check out these amazing examples of Australian wildlife if you want to go on that next adventure!

Echidnas

Echidnas are an Australian native mammal, also known as spiny anteaters. They are one of only two mammals to have no external ears and a venomous bite, the other being the platypus. The term echidna refers to any member of the monotreme order and about ten species in total. 

There is some dispute over how many species there are, but most agree that there are between three and six living members of the group. These little guys can be found all over Australia and make for great photo opportunities if you’re lucky enough to stumble across one!

Koalas

Koalas are the most well-known Australian wildlife and they’re even sometimes called our national symbol. Koalas are found in Australia’s east coast and can be found throughout Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. These marsupials make their homes in trees, making them some of the only mammals that live exclusively in trees. 

They eat leaves and fruit which they get from the tree branches. The koala is one of the few mammals that have adapted to a nocturnal lifestyle with a diet consisting primarily of eucalyptus leaves!

Koalas are adorable and endangered

Koalas are not just adorable, they’re also endangered. In Australia, the koala is at risk because of habitat loss and the spread of the chlamydia infection, which is a sexually transmitted disease that can lead to blindness. Koalas are also subject to a range of other threats including trampling by humans and dogs. Fortunately, koalas have been receiving more attention as awareness has been growing. There’s no denying that these little guys are one of the cutest animals out there!

Emus

Emus are Australia’s national bird, but they are also a common sight in and around the country. They can be found in every state of the country and their range has expanded in recent years thanks to their ability to breed year-round.

Dingos

Dingos are the most widely known Australian wild animal. They live in Australia’s wild and isolated deserts. Dingoes are a type of canine, but they have a unique ability to stand on their hind legs and walk bipedally. Dingoes can be recognized by their black-tipped tail, which they use as a handle when walking on two feet. 

Found in drier areas, such as the Pilbara in Western Australia, Dingo pups are born with a white coat, which gradually turns brown over time as they grow older and adapt to the desert environment. 

Interestingly, dingoes have been found to sleep for up to 16 hours a day! Dingoes usually hunt in packs of four or five members. They will stalk the prey from a distance until it is close enough for them to attack. Once an animal is down, the pack will surround it before killing it by biting or slashing. 

Not all dingoes are naturally predators – some are scavengers that feed on leftover food from larger animals such as wallabies and kangaroos, while others adopt more omnivorous lifestyles like eating honey bees and ants when available

Dusky Jays

These birds are found throughout Australia and live in the south-eastern part of the country. They spend much of their time foraging for food, but also like to roost high up in trees. Their nests are often made from sticks and leaves and can be found above ground or in trees. 

The Dusky Jay is a small bird with a grey-brown body and head, and a dark grey tail. It has short wings, but it is capable of rapid wing-assisted flight and will often fly to get away from predators. These birds typically have black and white plumage, with the exception of their heads which are all brown. 

The irises on their eyes are yellowish, while their beaks are black or dark blue-grey, depending on whether they’re male or female.

Possums

Possums are found throughout Australia, and they have evolved to become one of the most successful species in the country. They can be seen sharing their habitat with humans, as well as numerous other animal species.

Platypus

The common platypus is a semi-aquatic mammal that is native to eastern Australia. Often mistaken for a duck, the platypus has venomous spurs on its hind legs that are sharp enough to penetrate human skin. The platypus’ body can be made to resemble either a duck or an otter, depending on its habitat and the species of predator it encounters. 

The male platypus is known for being rather aggressive, with some scientists believing it is an early example of an evolutionary arms race between predators and prey. The female platypuses lay eggs in burrows in the banks of streams. On average, males have a lifespan of around 5 years whereas females live up to 20 years old. The average life span of the platypus is around 13 years.

Wallabies

The most famous Australian animal is the kangaroo, but there are many other animals that you might not know about! One of the more interesting animals is the wallaby. With a long tail and big ears, they look like a cross between a kangaroo and a rat. They have also been known to carry their young in a pouch until they are old enough to use their hands for carrying their young as well. 

Conclusion

Australia’s wildlife is diverse and abundant. Whether it’s a bird, a kangaroo, a koala, an echidna, or anything else in between, there’s something for everyone. They represent the best of what Australia can offer!