Most Popular Australian Animals. They dwell among the trees in tropical rainforests of the mountains in Queensland, New Guinea and surrounding islands. Scientists have estimated that there are 8.7 million animal species on Earth. Some of these are fierce (lions, sharks, tigers). Kangaroo: Various types of kangaroo and wallaby bounce across the entire continent. Fun facts about the unique Australian Animals Australia's wildlife heritage represents one of Australia's most fascinating attractions. Australia is home to list of different and unique variety of animals, birds, reptiles and plants, Among Australia’s best known wild animals are the kangaroo, koala, echidna, dingo, platypus and wallaby. Saltwater Crocodile; Box Jellyfish; Blue Ring Octopus; Stone Fish; Great White Shark; Brown Snake; Tiger Snake; Taipan; Red Bellied Black Snake; Sydney Funnel-web Spider; Most Unusual Australian Animals. These vocalizations easily fool other birds, often responding to the lyrebird’s call. The biggest population of this animal is found in Australia, right from Western Australia’s Shark Bay to Queensland’s Moreton Bay. Australia's Unique Plants and Animals. There are two species of lyrebirds: the superb lyrebird and the Albert’s lyrebird, named after Prince Albert. Actually, the platypus is one of only two animals categorised as a monotreme – mammals that lay eggs. It doesn’t help that this elusive animal is hard to spot – its silvery brown fur blends within the glistening surfaces of the streams and rivers in its habitat. These nocturnal animals dwell in burrows dug with their long claws. Find out more about the unique and ingenious ways Australian birds have adapted to habitats. Australian wildlife, in all its diverse abundance, has captured many an imagination! They are more bold and agile in trees, hopping across branches with the help of their powerful hind legs and tail. With incredible agility, flexible joints, rotating wrists and fantastic jumping, digging and climbing abilities, dingoes are the ultimate escape artists. Either their faces light up at the thought of cute kangaroos and koalas, or they actually recoil in horror. And if such impressive tunes are not enough, male lyrebirds will display their gorgeous lyre-shaped plumes during courtship. It’s Australia Day, mate!We're celebrating by highlighting some of the amazing and unique animals who inhabit the Land Down Under. Molded by the horizontal ridges of its large intestine, wombat poo is notorious for its cube shape. The venom of the sea wasp is the second most powerful of any animal (the geographic sea … The tree kangaroo is very much like a shy toddler hiding behind his mother’s leg. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account. These stout marsupials look like miniature bears with chunky cheeks. Interestingly, more than 80% of Australia’s animals and plants found nowhere else in the world. As highly territorial creatures, they attack when defending their territory. Next months animal will be ????? It’s also one of the few species of venomous mammals in the world. The Echidna has sharp spine like a big porcupine and one of the surviving members of the monotreme species. Highly individualistic and naturally cautious, dingoes are very curious but are more likely to avoid unfamiliar threats and confrontation. Its average lifespan is unknown, but in captivity they can live for more than 20 years. The perentie is the largest monitor lizard, mostly found in the desert areas of Western Australia. They also have a pouch where the baby joey lives in for six months. Click on thumbnail to buy The most unique Australian animals are of course the monotremes platypus and echidna. The total number of known plant species is anticipated to climb by another 5,600, including 2,300 flowering plants. The creatures roam the land on their own or in packs of up to 10, and each one weighs just 22 to 33 pounds. Wallabies are small kangaroo found in Australia and the smallest member of kangaroo family. Our buildings, like the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, are known worldwide. Platypus is one of two mammals that lay eggs, the other being the echidna. The inland taipan is an extremely venomous snake based on its venom and has the most toxic venom of any other reptiles in the world. You’re not very likely to see them in the wild outside of dedicated nature park refuges, so your best bet is to see them in wildlife parks and zoos. Though they can measure up to 6 feet in height from head to tail, wallabies tend to be much smaller than kangaroos, which can reach up to 8 feet in height from head to tail. Holiday and Deals Australian animals facts . Other types of kangaroos include the eastern gray and Kangaroo Island kangaroos, both smaller and tamer than red kangaroos. In spite of its corpulent and heavy aspect, the pelican is a great flier. Males have a spur on their hind legs capable of delivering a venom severely painful to humans, though nothing life-threatening. Contrary to popular belief, the koala is not a bear – though it’s certainly as cute as a teddy bear. Also in the north eastern parts of the country you’ll find the spectacled flying fox (or spectacled fruit bat). There are 12 known species of tree kangaroo, all looking quite different from each other.