There are millions of incredible animal species all over the world, but most of us will agree that some of the cutest, scariest, and deadliest can all be found in one country in particular. This list reveals 17 amazing animals that can only be found in Australia.
Koala
Koalas are adorable little marsupials known for their distinctive appearance, funny vocalizations, and eucalyptus diet. These little guys are native to Australia and can typically be found in eucalypt forests and woodlands along the eastern coast of the country. Sadly, they’re now considered vulnerable because of their habitat loss, climate change, and disease.
Kangaroo
Kangaroos are known for being one of Australia’s most iconic animals. They’re large marsupials with powerful legs and furry little pouches they use to carry their young. Kangaroos are fairly hardy creatures, which is why they can be found in several different habitats, from grasslands to forests.
Thorny Devil
Thorny devils are tiny lizards known for their unique camouflage abilities and spiky appearance. Despite their devilish names, Bush Heritage Australia states that thorny devils are actually harmless creatures who primarily feed on ants and other insects. They’re perfectly adapted to the arid desert regions of central and western Australia.
Platypus
The platypus is another distinctive Australian animal famous for its strange combination of webbed feet, furry coats, duck-like bills, and ability to lay eggs. You can usually find them in freshwater habitats along the eastern coast of Australia, especially in streams and rivers.
Tasmanian Devil
Unlike most of the other marsupials on this list, Tasmanian devils are carnivorous and known for their aggressive tendencies and powerful jaws. As their name suggests, they only live in Tasmania, one of Australia’s island states. Sadly, they face several threats from habitat loss, human attacks, and disease.
Quokka
Quokkas are little marsupials with famously friendly and smiley faces. These cheerful creatures are most common on Rottnest Island, which lies just off the coast of western Australia. Because they struggle with habitat loss and predation by introduced species, they’re now considered vulnerable.
Wombat
Ready to meet yet another Australian marsupial? Wombats are herbivorous animals with stocky builds and an impressive skill for burrowing. Their burrowing not only helps them take shelter and protect themselves, but it also plays an important role in the ecosystems around them.
Emu
Did you know that emus are the second largest flightless birds in the world? These big birds are native to mainland Australia and can be found in forests, grasslands, and savannas. They’re considered to be an iconic national symbol of the country, and visitors are frequently impressed by their powerful legs and high running speeds.
Tasmanian Tiger (Thylacine)
Like the Tasmanian devil, the Tasmanian tiger was a carnivorous marsupial that was native to Tasmania. Unfortunately, because of hunting and other issues, they were eventually driven to extinction around the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Tasmanian tiger was also famous for being the largest carnivorous marsupial.
Numbat
Numbat may sound like a strange insult, but it’s actually yet another small marsupial from Australia. These little guys are known for their unique striped coats and love for eating termites. They’re usually found in the eucalypt woodlands of southwestern Australia.
Bilby
Bilbies are little marsupials with long ears, pointed snouts, and furry coats. They live in arid and semi-arid parts of central and western Australia and mostly come out at night. Sadly, they’re considered vulnerable because of their habitat loss and competition with introduced species.
Frilled Lizard
Frilled lizards are named after the unique frill around their neck, which they mostly use for defense. According to the Northern Territory Government, this frill helps it appear larger and more intimidating, scaring predators away. These charming reptiles are often found basking in trees in northern Australia.
Quoll
Quolls are carnivorous marsupials with spotted coats and a pretty adorable appearance. They typically come out to hunt at night and can be found in many different habitats across Australia, including grasslands and forests. Unfortunately, like other animals on this list, they’re now considered threatened.
Echidna
Echidnas are monotremes famous for their spiky coats. As insectivores, they play an important role in managing insect populations and keeping the ecosystem in balance. They can be found throughout Australia, but mostly in habitats such as forests and deserts.
Sugar Glider
Sugar gliders are incredible little creatures who use their membrane wings to glide between trees. They’re mostly found in woodlands and forests throughout northern and eastern Australia. While these adorable creatures make popular pets, they’re protected in the wild because of habitat loss and illegal trade.
Rainbow Lorikeet
Rainbow lorikeets are vibrantly colored parrots with beautiful plumage and playful personalities. These friendly birds are found in various habitats throughout northern and eastern Australia, including urban regions and forests. They also make popular pets, so they can sometimes be seen in gardens and parks.
Cassowary
According to Bush Heritage Australia, the cassowary is the heaviest bird in Australia, weighing up to an incredible 167 pounds (76 kilograms). These big, flightless birds are famous for their powerful legs and striking appearance. They can typically be found in rainforests in northeastern Australia, especially Queensland.
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