Waquar Habib
Australia is home to diverse wildlife species, including famous ones such as kangaroos, koalas, and emus. Visitors to Australia can enjoy a variety of wildlife encounters, such as cuddling koalas or, spotting the elusive platypus in its natural habitat and more.
Kangaroos are marsupials recognised by their powerful tails, large hind legs, and pouches for carrying their young, called joeys. They can jump up to 30 feet and graze at night, early morning, or late evening.
Koalas are marsupials with fluffy ears and large noses. They eat almost exclusively eucalyptus leaves, which are toxic to other animals. Their specialised digestive system processes these tough leaves, making them their primary food source.
Emus are flightless birds from Australia. They have long necks and legs and are the world's second-largest bird by height. They can run up to 50 km/h and cover long distances in search of food and water.
The platypus is a unique mammal that lays eggs. It has a duck-bill and webbed feet and feeds on insects, crustaceans, and small fish. Platypuses are semi-aquatic and use their sensitive bills to detect prey underwater.
Wombats are burrowing marsupials from Australia with strong claws, stocky builds, and cube-shaped faeces. They create elaborate burrow systems for shelter and protection and can run up to 40 km/h in short bursts.
The Tasmanian devil is a carnivorous marsupial with black fur and strong jaws. It is endemic to Tasmania and known for its loud vocalisations. They have a powerful bite and can consume small animals completely, including bones and fur.
Echidnas, or spiny anteaters, are small egg-laying mammals covered in spines. They feed on ants and termites using their sticky tongues. They are one of two types of monotremes, along with the platypus, and have a unique reproductive system with males having a four-headed penis.
Dingoes are wild dogs from Australia with sandy to reddish fur, erect ears, and bushy tails. They arrived in Australia with human migrants around 4,000 years ago and can survive in different habitats. As apex predators, they play a vital role in the ecosystem.
The cassowary is a flightless bird with a casque on its head. It's found in New Guinea and Australia and is known for its powerful legs and claws. It's also an important seed disperser, as it eats fruits and excretes the seeds.
Sugar gliders are small, nocturnal marsupials with a gliding membrane. They are social and communicate through vocalisations and scent marking. They are known for their acrobatic abilities in the forest canopy.