Australia offers a captivating range of wildlife, whether you’re exploring the vast expanse of the Outback or immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Sydney. From dingoes casually strolling along the coastline to foot-long spiders seeking shelter under fridges, the country is home to an extraordinary array of creatures, which never fails to fascinate. Below, we will discuss the top animals in the wildlife of Australia.
1. Echidna
2. Emu
3. Huntsman Spider
4. Kangaroo
5. Koala
6. Kookaburra
7. Platypus
8. Tasmanian Devil
1. Echidna
Only two species of monotremes, which are egg-laying mammals, exist in the world. The more famous one is the platypus, while the other equally adorable species is the spiny echidna. What adds to their charm is the fact that echidnas have no teeth, and their offspring are called puggles! Resembling tiny porcupines, they usually measure about one to one and a half feet in length. Echidnas use their long, sticky tongues to effortlessly consume ants and termites, relying on their strong sense of smell to find their insect-filled meals. As a defense mechanism against threats from feral cats, foxes, or dingoes, they curl up into a ball, exposing their spines and making it challenging for predators to attack them. These captivating creatures are found throughout Australia and have remained virtually unchanged since prehistoric times.
2. Emu
The emu, standing at an impressive height of six feet, holds the distinction of being the second tallest bird worldwide, surpassed only by the ostrich. Within Australia, it ranks as the third largest bird, following the southern cassowary and ostrich. During the breeding season, an intriguing behavior emerges: it is the male emus that undertake the responsibility of incubating the striking blue-green eggs for a period of eight weeks, while the females distance themselves. These remarkable birds showcase their agility by sprinting at up to 35 mph speeds. Their diet encompasses various items, including plants, bugs, small lizards, and rodents. The emus gained notoriety for their involvement in the Great Emu War, where they managed to outmaneuver ex-soldiers from Australia and British veterans armed with Lewis guns, which were the leading automatic rifles of that era.
3. Huntsman Spider
The huntsman spider is known for its inclination to hide in various locations that may startle you, such as behind curtains, under refrigerators, under toilet seats, and behind dressers. However, despite their hiding tendencies, huntsman spiders are completely harmless. In fact, they are known to be rather timid creatures. While their leg span can reach up to 13 inches, their body size typically measures around 4 inches. Instead of resorting to biting, huntsman spiders are more likely to retreat from potential threats. Although they are capable of biting humans, their bites are generally considered non-harmful.
4. Kangaroo
The kangaroo holds an undisputed position as Australia’s most iconic animal. Despite their adorable appearance, it’s important to remember that we’re talking about Australia here. A collective of kangaroos is referred to as a mob, and Red Kangaroos can reach heights slightly exceeding 5 feet, equipped with sharp claws on their feet and hands. One of their remarkable abilities is the capacity to lean back on their robust tail and engage in “boxing” using their powerful hind legs, delivering formidable kicks that prove essential in warding off dingos. With their long and robust hind legs, kangaroos can achieve speeds of up to 38 mph and cover distances of up to 24 feet in a single leap. While the Red Kangaroo enjoys the highest recognition, there are also gray kangaroos, which are notably smaller and display slate gray fur with a subtle hint of blue, distinguishing them from their tawny red counterparts. While Red Kangaroos predominantly inhabit grasslands, gray kangaroos are typically found in forested environments.
5. Koala
In the Land Down Under, you’ll encounter another fascinating marsupial known as the Koala. While they may bear a resemblance to the perfect cuddly teddy bear, it’s important to clarify that they are not actually bears. These charming gray fuzzballs often exhibit a grumpy demeanor and are unmistakably lazy. They dedicate a considerable portion of their day to sleep, approximately 17 to 19 hours, and spend their waking moments indulging in a constant feast of eucalyptus leaves, striving to meet their daily intake of around 3 pounds. Koalas typically weigh about 33 pounds and reach a length slightly exceeding two feet. Their sturdy limbs are ideally suited for a life spent dwelling in trees, and their coat is dense and woolen, featuring either the classic gray or reddish-brown hue. Koalas possess a highly developed sense of smell, which allows them to discern between the 750 different types of eucalyptus they have a fondness for consuming.
6. Kookaburra
The kookaburra’s distinctive laughter is unmistakable, especially when it roams the eucalypt forests of eastern Australia. Female kookaburras can grow up to 18 inches in length, weigh up to 1 pound, and have bills reaching sizes of up to 4 inches. While their diet mainly consists of insects and small vertebrates, kookaburras occasionally exhibit a taste for fowl, much to the frustration of Australian poultry farmers. Not only is the kookaburra’s laughter easily recognizable, but its appearance is also striking. With its stunning white plumage, contrasting black and brown back, and reddish tail, spotting a kookaburra is a sight that’s difficult to miss.
