Australia Animal Life

Many Australians like rabbits as pets, but one would hope that the majority of Australians recognise that the wild rabbit, introduced to Australia, is a pest.

The European rabbit has caused an ecological disaster in Australia. Rabbits eat the native vegetation which is the primary food source of Australian native animals. This loss of native food sources has led to the extinction of many Australian mammal species. Rabbits breed much faster than Australia's native animals, so competition for food sources is high. The rabbit has had a large impact on the bilby for another reason as well. Rabbits dig burrows which cause problems for the bilby's habitat, as they tend to cause the bilbies to be caved in.

Further, rabbits tend to eat vegetation right down to the roots, meaning that the plant cannot regrow, and revegetation does not occur. This can certainly lead to indigenous plant species being wiped out, along with the fauna. And because rabbits eat vegetation down to the roots, this means there are fewer low-growing shrubs and grasses to prevent erosion from wind and rain. This in turn leads to increased desertification.

Rabbits have caused huge problems for Australia's agricultural industry, wiping out entire crops. They also eat the food that livestock require, so this impacts on the health of sheep and cattle, especially in more arid areas.

Wobbegong sharks, natve to Australia, have a weight of around 70 kg.

There are two species. The Estuarine, or Saltwater Crocodile which is the worlds largest living species, and the Johnstons Freshwater Crocodile.

There is also the Pygmy Freshwater Crocodile found usually in the escarpment areas of Arnhem Land, but tests indicate that it is the same species as the Freshwater Crocodile. It is believed it has much less food availability and is the reason it remains smaller.

Wobbegongs are not known to have ever attacked humans. They are small sharks and do not eat large prey. On the other hand, people frequently eat them

A kangaroo has many features that have helped it survive in its harsh Australian environment. The Kangaroo has powerful legs that allow it to travel the necessary far distances with a minimal amount of energy. The tail is used for balance while bounding the 30 plus feet each jump.

During the hot summer months the kangaroo licks its blood vessel filled forearms in order to cool its body. The forearms act a radiators for the animal and the evaporating saliva only increases this effect.

The last major adaptation that the kangaroo has acquired is its ability to abort a fetus in the presence of a predator. The predator will take the free meal and allow the kangaroo to escape.

Yes. Of the world's 20 or so species of goanna, around 15 of them are found in Australia.

The state animal of the Australian Capital Territory is the Gang Gang Cockatoo, gray and red cockatoo found in the higher altitude old growth eucalypt forests.

They are not listed as endangered, but with a status of "least concern" by the International Union of Conservation for Nature, or the IUCN Red List. They are of the Crane family, and had been called "Native Companion" at one time. The Brolga live in the north-northeastern region of Australia. They are known for their mating dance. For more details, please see the sites listed below.

According to Australia's Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (see the related link below), there are currently 828 described species of birds in Australia, with another 27 introduced species. 13 species are now extinct.

Kangaroos are native grazing animals in Australia.

In addition, Australia has grazing stock animals such as cattle and sheep.

The top native predators in Australia are the Wedge-tailed eagle, the Tasmanian devil and the various species of quolls. The dingo is a top predator also, but it is a relative newcomer, having been brought to Australia by the Aborigines several thousand years ago.

Leadbeater's possums don't glide, but they can leap from tree to tree in search of food. Like all possums, including those in the glider family, they climb trees using their sharp claws, and walk along branches.

68km

The quoll, a carnivorous marsupial of Australia, will eat cockatiels.

There are a bunch, take your pick:

Kangaroo, Koala, Kookaburra, Platypus, Echidna, Wombat, Dingos, Tasmanian Devil, Tasmanian Tiger/Wolf (extinct), Emu, Water Buffalo, etc.

The sandhill dunnart is subject to predation by introduced species such as foxes and feral cats and dogs. There is also the problem of habitat loss, and changed fire regimes since the introduction of European settlement.

In its native habitat, the sandhill dunnart is only known on the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia, in arid dune areas which are well-covered by spinifex, a low, wiry desert grass of Australia. Because of this, its habitat may be affected by bushfires.

Sharks don't actually eat humans, they'll eat anything else they'll, take a bite to see what you are then they'll go away

The rarely encountered goblin shark will eat "vertically migrating animals" so, yes, they might... however, they are lethargic & slow to attack so you could fight them off if you knew they were about to attack.

The platypus is an egg-laying mammal which swims regularly in order to hunt for food.

It should be noted that the other egg-laying mammal, the echidna, can also swim, but it does not need the water like platypuses do.