Well known to most people are the kangaroo's, koala's and emu's of Australia, but many would be surprised to find out that there are many other species that are native to this huge continent. There are numerous reptiles, including snakes, saltwater crocodiles, freshwater crocodiles etc. Many other animals such as the camels, wild-horses, donkeys and water-buffalo's were all introduced to this country. Our wild dog called the 'Dingo' is widely believed to have originated in Indonesia when we were still joined to  Asia.  Below are pictures of nursing mothers of the better known marsupials. All these animals have nursing pouches for the young, lesser known are the Wombats which grow to 1 metre long and can have been known to weigh up to 35kgs (77lbs) 

 and live up to 26 yrs in captivity. Their body is very dense and hard as many of us have found out after unfortunately hitting one in the car. These wombats are hunting for food at night. They must leave their home burrow at 18mths and fend for themselves. Their claws are big, sharp and they can dig in very hard ground.

The Ring-Tailed Possum (right), lives in the bush, he lives in tree's  but he loves to get into your roof space, where they cause real problems. Although millions were killed for their fur, there are still in very large numbers. In New Zealand where they  were introduced, there are more possums than actual human inhabitants. All above ground power poles have to have a metal sleeve 3ft long on it, to stop them from climbing up and causing power blackouts.

These nocturnal little critters are "Kowari's", they are real survivors, they live in the arid desert areas deep underground. they are the size of mice and have a brushy tail similar to a possum. 

Our wild dogs "Dingo's" have been here for many, many years and are among the smartest dogs around. Trappers who lived very lonely lives hunted these dogs which decimated sheep flocks and other farm animals. They often set off the traps after the trapper had left, so they could continue their nights work. Very clever animals! These two dingo's are in the ocean where they have got a water monitor cornered. It is now thought that they came down from Asia when we were still land locked. 

This little guy to the right is a 'Quoll' he is a forest dweller and very timid. Below is a real character, the

Please go to Fauna Page 2....