7 Animals, Reptiles and Insects You’ll Encounter in Australia
7 Animals, Reptiles and Insects You’ll Encounter in Australia
Hugh McInnes
Travel Articles August 10, 2010
When you travel in Australia you will no doubt encounter some of the most amazing wildlife once you leave the cities and built up urban areas.
Doing a road trip is one of the best ways to experience the very best of Australia. Not only will you have the opportunity to take in this incredible landscape, from the beautiful oceans to the panoramic mountain ranges and the vast redness of the Australian outback, but you will no doubt encounter some of the most amazing wildlife that this country has to offer.
Some of the most unique animals that you may come across in your travels throughout Australia include:
Kangaroos: The kangaroo is perhaps the most iconic of all Australian marsupials and the most easily recognised. There are about 40 million kangaroos and around 60 different species found in most parts of Australia.
When doing a road trip around Australia it is more than likely that you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these animals and it is a real treat to watch a female kangaroo carry her joey around in her pouch. Be careful though as some of the larger species of kangaroos can have quite a kick on them.
Crocodiles: Australia is home to both the saltwater and freshwater crocodiles. Being reptiles they rely on the sun to warm their blood as they are unable to regulate their own body temperature and for this reason most species of crocodiles are predominately found in the warmer northern areas of Australia.
Because these animals prey on large mammals, including people, visitors to these regions are warned to exercise extreme caution and look into the recommended guidelines for their own safety.
Brown Snakes: There are several different species of brown snakes that live in most parts of Australia, with the exception of Tasmania. They are typically around 1.5 metres long but some in excess of 2 metres have been recorded.
The brown snake is one of the most venomous reptiles in Australia and if immediate treatment is not received a brown snake bite can prove fatal to humans. When walking through the Australia bush it is recommended that you wear long pants and protective footwear and always be vigilant about what is underfoot.
Pelicans: Pelicans are found just about everywhere in Australia. These black and white birds, at around 1.5 metres with a wing span of approximately 3 metres, are predominant features around many fresh and salt water lakes, rivers, swamps and beaches. Their large pouched bill enables them to easily scoop up fish, their main source of food.
Wombat: There are three different species of wombat but by far the most recognised of all is the common wombat. These native marsupials are found throughout south-eastern Australia. Wombats grow to about one metre in length and weigh around 30 kilograms but despite their size and cumbersome appearance they are extremely fast runners gathering speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour.
Since wombats are nocturnal animals, preferring to do their food gathering in the safety of the night, it is not often that you will encounter one, but if you are driving around Australia do watch out for these animals as they often fall victim to traffic and can cause significant damage to your vehicle.
Dingoes: The dingo, although not technically a native of Australia, is thought to have inhabited this country for around 5,000 years. Belonging to the canine family, it is believed that the dingo is a descendent of the wolf. Dingoes are more active in the early morning and late afternoon and feed on a variety of animals including wallabies and kangaroos.
Dolphins: There are around 33 different species of dolphins
, and the Australian waters are home to many of these. These mammals play a vital role in Australia’s marine ecosystem and provide people with the opportunity to view these remarkable sea creatures in their natural habitat. In fact the dolphin and whale watching industries in Australia has become a very lucrative business.
If you are lucky enough to do a road trip anywhere in Australia don’t just enjoy the scenery but be sure to experience the amazing wildlife that is so unique to this great country.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hugh McInnes is a well-seasoned traveller and loves to share his experiences of travelling and campervan hire in Australia. As a guy who’s done well with money if there’s one thing he does know a fair bit about, it’s how to travel in style in a motorhome hire.
