Animals in Australia

Q: What Animals Live in Australia?

Australia has many exotic animals. Southern cassowary: This flightless bird resembles an ostrich but with a large blue head, a crest and huge claws. Cassowaries can run, swim and use their claws to fight. Laughing kookaburra: This small, pretty bird is famous for its high-pitched call that sounds like a crazy laugh. It usually makes the sound at dawn and at dusk. Pellucid hawk moth: This moth has transparent wings without scales, which makes it unique among members of the Lepidoptera family. Bats: Australia has some of the biggest bats in the world. They can have wingspans of five feet and weigh more than two pounds. They are sometimes called megabats or flying foxes.

Q: What Is the Most Dangerous Animal in Australia?

Box jellyfish ( Chironex fleckeri ): This transparent animal has no teeth or claws, but it has the strongest venom in the world. A typical box jellyfish has 15 long tentacles, and each contains enough poison to kill several grown adults.

Below you can find a complete list of Australian animals. We currently track 345 animals in Australia and are adding more every day!

Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world. It is also one of the driest continents on earth. Its huge landmass offers a varied landscape of deserts, tropical rainforests, and mountain ranges, which provide a variety of habitats for animals in Australia. It’s is famous for its Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef in the world. An island continent, it is surrounded by the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It includes the Australian mainland, the island of Tasmania, and other small islands.

Australia’s unique geographic position and centuries of isolation created ecosystems that are unique in the world. Of its flora and fauna, 84% of its mammals, 45% of its birds, 93% of its reptiles and 90% of its fish are endemic. Australia has 755 species of reptile, which is more than any country in the world. Read on to learn more about amazing Australian animals!

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Unique Australian Animals

Australia’s most famous animals are its marsupials. Koalas, kangaroos, and wombats are some of the world’s best-loved animals.

Australia is also famous for its large, scary alligators and its many deadly snake and spider species. To learn about some of the deadliest animals in Australia, read here.

Australia has some unusual members of the monotreme family, including the platypus and echidna. In fact, when biologists first saw a platypus, some of them thought it was a crazy, elaborate hoax and not a real animal in Australia.

There are large numbers of animals that were introduced as domestic pets but are now wild. These include dingoes, water buffalos, camels, donkeys, pigs, goats, and betangs, which are cows that originated in Asia.

Some animals in Australia are not native, and they have caused problems to the native ecosystems. Cane toads, for instance, were introduced to control pests, but they are highly venomous to native animals and to humans. Cane toads are now considered a dangerous, invasive pest.

Red foxes were also introduced, and they have affected some small animal populations.

What Is the National Animal of Australia?

Australia’s national animal is the red kangaroo (Macropus rufus). Also known as the red giant kangaroo, it is the biggest land mammal that’s native to Australia.

Red kangaroos are plentiful in Australia, and they are listed as “least concern” for conservation status. Like all wildlife, however, they are protected by Australian law.

Koalas are not the national animal, but they are an important cultural symbol to Australians. Conservationists warn that these beloved animals may become extinct if habitat loss continues.

Which Animals Are Extinct or Endangered in Australia?

Despite its rich, unique biodiversity, Australia is at risk of losing valuable species. According to the Australian Geographic, it has the highest mammal extinction rate of any country in the world.

Australia currently has more than 500 animals on the endangered species list.

Spotted quoll: This large carnivorous marsupial has a spotted coat and a long snout. This animal in Australia’s tendency to eat cane toads partially caused its population decline, mistaking them for native toads. Conservation efforts to establish them on toad-free islands have shown success.
Tasmanian devil: The largest carnivorous marsupial, this sharp-toothed, cute critter is extinct on the Australian mainland. Tasmanian devils only live on the island of Tasmania. Since Tasmanian devils can protect themselves from foxes and cats, conservationists are hopeful about their chances of making a comeback.
Black-flanked rock-wallaby: This kangaroo-like marsupial lives in the rocky areas of the desert. The Australian government has listed the rock wallaby as a priority for conservation efforts.
Eastern curlew: The world’s largest shorebird depends on safe, protected wetlands to survive. This bird eats crabs and mollusks, but habitat loss has led to an 80% population decline.

Native Birds

With around 850 species of birds, Australia is a birdwatcher’s paradise. One of Australia’s best locations for bird watching is Kakadu National Park. Here you’ll find over 280 different types of birds, including lorikeets, red-tailed black cockatoos, white-bellied sea eagles, and crimson finches. Another notable birding location is Daintree rainforest on the northeast coast of Queensland. Over 430 species of birds call Daintree home. You can see several species of kingfishers, cranes, pied monarchs, and lesser sooty owls.

Other well-known birds native to Australia:

Emu: The second largest bird in the world. Emus are found in a variety of habitats throughout most of Australia.
Rock Parrot: Endemic to coastal habitats of Southern Australia. These mostly terrestrial parrots can be seen foraging in pairs and small flocks in the early morning and late afternoons.
Little Penguin: The smallest species of penguin. They nest on Austalia’s southern coastline. Phillip Island has the largest colony of little penguins in Australia.
Laughing Kookaburra: Known for their laughing call. They are native to eastern Australia.
Cassowary: The heaviest bird in Australia. Cassowaries are flightless birds closely related to emus. They are found in tropical habitats of North Queensland, Australia. You can see them in Daintree rainforest.
Tawny Frogmouth: Often mistaken for owls, these birds are related to nightjars. They are found in a variety of habitats throughout the mainland. These nocturnal birds camouflage with branches during the day.

Happiest Animals: Laughing Kookaburra — Kookaburras are Australian animals native to the eastern portion. Kookaburras are famous for their call, which sounds like laughter.
©MPRshots/Shutterstock.com

National Bird of Australia

While Australia does not have an official national bird, many believe that the emu is a worthy representative. The emu is a large, flightless bird similar to an ostrich that can be found throughout Australia. This unofficial national bird of Australia is featured on the country’s coat of arms, alongside a kangaroo, symbolizing a forward-moving nation since both animals do not move backwards easily.

Australian Fish

Whether you’re looking to go sport fishing, scuba diving, or snorkeling, this island continent has something for you. It hosts over 4,000 species of fish. Because Australia is such a dry continent, there aren’t as many freshwater fish species. Most of the approximately 300 species are found in tropical and subtropical habitats. Some of the most common types of freshwater fish in Australia are galaxias, perch, and gudgeons.

Australia’s marine fish diversity is incredible. A few of the most popular game fish in the country include barramundi, swordfish, marlin, tuna, and mackerel. Peak fishing seasons vary by species, but there’s always something to catch year-round. If you’re swimming in one of Australia’s famous coral reefs you might see clownfish, angelfish, parrotfish, manta rays, or butterflyfish. The Ningaloo Reef is notorious for its large congregations of whale sharks. Visit between March and July for a chance to swim with the world’s largest fish.

Australian Snakes

Australia is known for its animals that can kill you, and its snakes don’t disappoint. 20 of the 25 most venomous snakes in the world are native to Australia. It also has more species of reptiles than any other country in the world. There are around 140 species of land snakes and 32 species of sea snakes.

Some notable types of snakes found in Australia include:

Taipans: The inland taipan is an animal in Australia known as the most venomous snake in the world. Fortunately, it’s rarely encountered in its semi-arid habitats of east central Australia. There are two other species, coastal taipans, and central ranges taipans.
Pythons: There are 15 species of pythons ranging throughout most of Australia, including carpet pythons, the children’s python, green tree python, and woma python.
Sea Snakes: All species of sea snakes are venomous, but bites are extremely rare. Species include the yellow-bellied sea snake, olive sea snake, and the banded sea krait.
Death Adders: There are around eight species of death adders in Australia. The common death adder is one of the most venomous snakes in the country.
Brown Snakes: There are nine species of venomous brown snakes ranging across the country.

The Flag of Australia

The flag of Australia features a dark blue background with the Union Jack representing Australia’s history with Great Britain. Below the Union Jack is a star with 7 points signifying unity amongst the country’s states and territories. The Southern Cross in white is a constellation of five stars visible from the night skies which also serves as a reminder of Australia’s geography.

Australian Animals

Ackie Monitor

The ackie monitor has a spiny tail which it uses as in self-defense.

Albatross

The largest wingspan of any bird in the world!

Allosaurus

Differnt Lizard” or Allosaurus weighed around two tonnes that is almost equal to a car.

Amethystine Python (Scrub Python)

Their milky-iridescent scales have a purplish hue in the light, reminiscent of the gemstone.

Angora Goat

Each adult Angora goat produces about 12 inches of mohair annually while kids have about 8 inches.

Anomalocaris

Ant

First evolved 100 million years ago!

Apple Moth

In Australia the LBAM causes $21.1 million annually in lost production and control costs

Arafura File Snake

Atlas Moth

Adult atlas moths do not eat - they live off fat they stored as larvae.

Australian Bulldog

The Aussie is a strong swimmer, a good workout in nice weather.

Australian Cattle Dog

High energy levels and active minds!

Australian Cockroach

The most common type outdoor roach in Florida

Australian Firehawk

Australian firehawks are the arsonists of the avian world!

Australian Flathead Perch

This small fish fetches a high price tag, with individuals selling from $1,000 to $5,000.

Australian Gecko

Geckos have 100 teeth and continually replace them.

Australian Kelpie Dog

Friendly, intelligent and energetic!

Australian Labradoodle

The "Australian" just refers to where the breed originated

Australian Mist

The only cat breed to originate in Australia.

Australian Shepherd

Sweet, faithful and affectionate!

Australian Terrier

Spirited, alert and courageous!

Avocet

Has a curved, upturned beak!

Banana Spider

People spin clothing and fishing nets out of these spiders’ silk.

Bandicoot

Bandicoot Many species are endangered or extinct!

Barn Owl

Found everywhere around the world!

Barn Swallow

Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.

Bass

Prized by sport fishers for their size and strength

Bat

Detects prey using echolocation!

Beaglier

These dogs have great sniffer abilities

Bearded Dragon

Can grow to up 24 inches long!

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.

Bee

Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years

Bee-Eater

They roll around in dirt to prevent external parasites

Beetle

There are more than 350,000 different species

Bichpoo

Despite its small size, the alert nature and sharp bark of this canine make it a good watch dog.

Bilby

In Australia, the chocolate bilby replaces the chocolate bunny for Easter.

Bird

Not all birds are able to fly!

Bird Of Paradise

There are around 50 different species!

Biscuit Beetle

The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast

Black-headed python

Black-headed pythons gather heat with their heads while their bodies stay hidden and safe.

Black Widow Spider

They typically prey on insects!

Blind Snake

The blind snake is often mistaken for a worm.

Boiga

Brahminy Blindsnake

Brazilian Treehopper

“Mild-Mannered Minimonsters”

Bredl’s Python

These snakes love to climb trees, and young snakes often hide high in the branches.

Brown Dog Tick

Can live its entire life indoors

Brown Snake

Causes the most snake bite deaths in Australia!

Brown Tree Snake

Because the brown tree snake's fangs are located in the back of their mouths, they can rarely bite humans and inject venom unless the snake is very large in size.

Budgerigar

Natively found in Australia!

Burrowing Frog

Found close to marshes, streams and lakes!

Butterfly

There are thought to be up 17,500 species!

Cactus Moth

Cactus moths can cause serious damage to cacti in locations where they have no predators.

Camel

Can survive without water for 10 months!

Camel Cricket

The camel crickets that are found in the USA are light brown in color. They also have dark streaks all over their body.

Cane Spider

Cane spiders don't spin webs to catch prey

Carpenter Ant

Carpenter ants can lift up to seven times their own weight with their teeth!

Carpet Python

Cashmere Goat

Cashmere goat are named after Kashmir regions of India and Pakistan

Cassowary

Can reach speeds of 30mph!

Cat

First domesticated by the Ancient Egyptians!

Caterpillar

The larvae of a moth or butterfly!

Catfish

There are nearly 3,000 different species!

Centipede

There are about 3,000 documented species!

Central Ranges Taipan

The central ranges taipan may be among the deadliest snakes in the world.

Chicken

First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!

Children’s python

These snakes come in a wide variety of patterns and colors.

Christmas Beetle

Christmas beetles got their common name because they’re most abundant around Christmas time.

Christmas Island Red Crab

During the breeding season, roads can dangerous for cars as well as the crab. Their shells are so hard they can puncture tires.

Cicada

Cicadas have one of the longest insect lifespans

Clock Spider

Males make a rhythmic thrumming like a clock

Coastal Carpet Python

This subspecies can reach 13 feet, but usually tops out at 9 or 10.

Coastal Taipan

The venom in its bite starts to have adverse effects on a human within 30 minutes

Cockatiel

They have crests that rise or fall depending on their emotions

Cockatoo

Highly social, smart, and chatty bird.

Cockroach

Dated to be around 300 million years old!

Codling Moth

Pupae are able to undergo diapause to survive poor fruit yield years and winter.

Collett’s Snake

Comb-crested Jacana

They are busy foragers, always on the move

Common Furniture Beetle

The common furniture beetle feeds exclusively on wood

Common House Spider

House spiders have the ability to eat most insects in a home.

Cone Snail

Beautiful, but deadly!

Corella

Corella birds are noisy, especially during the early morning or late evening.

Cormorant

They can fly 35 mph and dive 150 feet below water.

Cow

There are nearly 1.5 billion worldwide!

Crab

There are 93 different crab groups

Crab Spider

Crab Spiders can mimic ants or bird droppings

Crane

Many are critically endangered species!

Cricket

Male crickets can produce sounds by rubbing their wings together

Crocodile

Have changed little in 200 million years!

Crocodylomorph

Crocodylomorphs include extinct ancient species as well as 26 living species today.

Crow

A group of these birds is called a Murder.

Cuckoo

Cuscus

Has a long, strong prehensile tail!

Death Adder

The Death Adder is more closely related to the Cobra than other Australian snakes.

Diamond python

These pythons live at higher altitudes and further south than any other python species.

Diamondback Moth

Adult males make high amplitude boing noise to attract females

Dickinsonia

Dingo

Natively found on the Australian continent!

Diprotodon

Diprotodon was the largest marsupial that ever lived.

Dobsonfly

The dobsonfly spends up three years as a larva, and only a week as an adult.

Dog

First domesticated in South-East Asia!

Dog Tick

Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals

Donkey

First domesticated 5,000 years ago!

Dragonfly

It's larvae are carnivorous!

Dromornis stirtoni

Duck

Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!

Dung Beetle

The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight

Dusky Shark

The Dusky Shark sometimes eats trash discarded by humans.

Earthworm

They are hermaphrodites, which means they have male and female organs

Earwig

There are nearly 2,000 different species!

Eastern Barred Bandicoot

Digs funnel-shaped holes in search of insects

Eastern Brown Snake

Eastern Tiger Snake

More than 10 percent of eastern tiger snakes are blind in at least one eye.

Echidna

Also known as the Spiny Anteater!

Eel

Eels can be a mere few inches long to 13 feet!

Elephant Fish

Elephant fish are known as the Australian ghost shark, but they are not actually a shark species!

Emerald Tree Monitor

They lay their eggs in termite nests!

Emu

The largest bird in Australia!

English Longhorn Cattle

Although they look similar to the Texas Longhorn, they are not closely related.

European Starling

European starlings are accomplished mimics, often copying songs or sounds of other birds and animals (frog calls, goats, cats), or even mechanical sounds and human speech!

Fairy-Wren

They forage in groups

Falcon

The fastest creatures on the planet!

Fallow deer

The fallow deer has more variation in its coat colors than most other deer.

False Widow Spider

False spiders actually prey on black widow spiders and other hazardous spiders

Fiddler Crab

The fiddler crab gets its name from the motion the males make with their over-sized claw during the mating ritual.

Fierce Snake

It can kill multiple humans with the amount of venom it releases in one bite.

Firefly

The firefly produces some of the most efficient light in the world

Flea

Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air

Fly

There are more than 240,000 different species!

Flycatcher

Most of the hundreds of varieties of flycatchers belong to the Tyrannidae and Muscicapidae families!

Freshwater Crocodile

The freshwater crocodile is the fastest crocodile on land.

Frilled Lizard

Mainly lives in the trees!

Frog

There are around 7,000 different species!

Fruit Bat

Among the largest bats in the world

Fruit Fly

Fruit flies are among the most common research animals in the world

Galapagos Shark

Galapagos sharks are cannibalistic and sometimes eat their young, so the pups stay away from the adults in shallow water.

Gecko

There are thought to be over 2,000 species!

German Cockroach

The most common type of urban roach

Giant Trevally

The largest fish in its genus

Glow Worm

Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!

Gnat

Males form large mating swarms at dusk

Gouldian Finch

The male Gouldian finch bobs its head and fluffs its feathers to court a female.

Grasshopper

There are 11,000 known species!

Green Tree Frog

Green tree frogs breathe through their skin

Green Tree Python

Green tree pythons are non-venomous, so to subdue their prey, they have a couple of very unique and highly successful hunting techniques.

Gypsy Moth Caterpillar

N/A

Hamster

Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!

Hare

Can reach speeds of over 50 mph!

Hawk Moth Caterpillar

Many hawk moth caterpillars eat toxins from plants, but don’t sequester them the way milkweed butterflies do. Most toxins are excreted.

Helicoprion

Helicoprion was one of the largest cartilaginous fish of all time.

Hercules Moth

Adult Hercules moths don’t eat since they don’t have mouths.

Heron

Inhabits wetlands around the world!

Highland Cattle

Natively found in the Scottish Highlands!

Holy Cross Frog

The holy cross frog has a cross-shaped colored pattern on its back.

Honey Bee

There are only 8 recognized species!

Horse

Has evolved over 50 million years!

Horsefly

Horseflies have been seen performing Immelmann turns, much like fighter jets.

House Sparrow (English Sparrow)

The house sparrow has been introduced all over the world

Housefly

The fly has no teeth

Human

Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!

Huntsman Spider

Some huntsman spiders have an interesting way of moving around. Some cartwheel while others do handsprings or backflips.

Ibis

Found in swamps, marshes and wetlands!

Inland Taipan

A single inland taipan bite has enough venom to kill a hundred men.

Insects

There are an estimated 30 million species!

Irukandji Jellyfish

Tiny ocean killer

Jacana

The jacana has the ability to swim underwater

John Dory

The John Dory is often labeled one of the ugliest fish in the world and has no known relatives.

Jungle Carpet Python

Their stunning coloration is sometimes muddy yellow or even tan and black in the wild.

Kangaroo

Females have a deep pouch on their front!

Keagle

These adorable dogs are known for their love of children, strangers, and other animals because of their docile demeanor.

Keelback

The checkered keelback of the east Indies can detach its tail and grow it back, much like a lizard.

King Quail

Females look similar to males but don’t come in shades of blue

Kitefin Shark

Koala

Spends up to 80% of the time sleeping or resting!

Kookaburra

The laughing kookaburra is one of four kookaburra species.

Koolie

The name "koolie" comes from the German mispronunciation of "collie."

Kowari

Kowaris do not drink or take water; all they get is the water content in their diet.

Labout’s Fairy Wrasse

Females are sequential hermaphrodites, which means they can convert to males anytime during their life cycle.

Labradoodle

Friendly and energetic mix-breed!

Lace Monitor

When communicating, they make a loud, terrifying hissing sound, and they will strike any potential danger with their mighty tails.

Ladybug

There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Lawnmower Blenny

Must be in temperatures of 78 degrees Fahrenheit to breed

Leech

Has 10 pairs of eyes!

Leichhardt’s Grasshopper

Spend their lives

Little Penguin

The smallest species of penguin!

Lizard

There are around 5,000 different species!

Locust

Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day.

Lorikeet

The lorikeet has a long brush-like tongue with fine hairs on it

Lungfish

The lungfish first evolved almost 400 million years ago.

Lyrebird

Lyrebirds mimic birds of prey to deter predators such as birds of prey.

Magpie

They are found across Europe, Asia and Africa!

Mallard

With an appropriate tail wind, the mallard can travel hundreds of miles a day

Maltese Shih Tzu

Both parent breeds, the Maltese and Shih Tzu, once entertained royalty

Marine Toad

Produces a toxin used in arrow darts!

Mayfly

There are 2,500 known species worldwide!

Mealworm Beetle

In 1968, the mealworm beetle traveled to space and circled the moon on the Soviet mission Zond 5.

Mealybug

They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.

Megalania

Some people believe that Megalania still exists in remote areas, although those beliefs have never been validated with evidence.

Meiolania

The Meiolania had a massive head that it was unable to put fully inside its shell.

Millipede

Some species have a poisonous bite!

Modern Game Chicken

The Modern Game chicken is a lanky bird with legs that go for days!

Mole

Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!

Mole Crab (Sand Flea)

They eat jellyfish tentacles

Mole Cricket

Adult Mole crickets may fly as far as 5 miles during mating season and are active most of the year.

Monarch Butterfly

During migration, Monarch Butterflies may travel 250 or more miles each day.

Mongrel

Has characteristics of two or more breeds!

Monitor Lizard

Some species are thought to carry a weak venom!

Moorhen

Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!

Mosquito

Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood

Moth

There are 250,000 different species!

Mouse

Found on every continent on Earth!

Mouse Spider

The female mouse spider is rarely seen because they don't leave their burrows.

Mulga Snake

Muscovy Duck

Unlike most duck species, the Muscovy is silent and only makes noise when excited or threatened.

Muttaburrasaurus

They stood about 26 feet tall and weighed more than 3 tons, as heavy as today's African forest elephants.

Muttaburrasaurus

Muttaburrasaurus is named after the town of Muttaburra in central Queensland.

Myna Bird

For a nice price, the mynah bird makes a good pet.

Nabarlek

Nabarleks have teeth like a shark, with new molars continuously emerging from the back.

Needlefish

no stomach to digest food

Neptune Grouper

The largest recorded specimen ever caught was 17" long

Nicobar pigeon

Unlike other pigeons, Nicobar pigeons don't fly in haphazard flocks but in columns or single file.

No See Ums

There are more than 5,000 species.

Numbat

There are less than 1,000 left in the wild!

Oenpelli python

Oenpelli pythons are unusually thin for a python.

Olive python

The olive python is a gentle giant that is rarely aggressive.

Oranda Goldfish

Oranda goldfish are one of the most popular fancy goldfish breeds

Orb Weaver

Females are about four times the size of males

Oriental Cockroach

Unlike other cockroach species that live indoors living off humans, oriental cockroaches are outdoor scavengers.

Osprey

They reuse nesting sites for 70 years!

Otter

There are 13 different species worldwide

Owl

The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees

Owlfly (Ascalaphidae)

Adult owlflies can capture prey while flying in the air.

Pademelon

Inhabits the jungles of the far east!

Parakeet

Monk parakeets are the only parakeets that actually build nests. They’re also the only parakeets to nest in great colonies.

Parrot

Can live for up to 100 years!

Peacock Spider

They can jump up to 10 centimeters (40 times their body size) and see the full rainbow spectrum of light, including UV.

Perch Fish

Some of the most delicious gamefish in the world

Peregrine Falcon

Fastest animal on Earth

Pheasant

Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!

Pheasant-tailed Jacana

The pheasant-tailed jacana is the only species in its family that migrates long distances.

Pig-Nosed Turtle

Their family lineage dates back 140 million years

Pigeon

They can find their way back to their nests from up to 1300 miles away.

Platinum Arowana

The male broods the eggs and baby fish in his mouth.

Platypus

One of the only mammals to lay eggs!

Pliosaur

Pliosaurs were the short-necked version of plesiosaurs.

Poochon

The Poochon was first bred in Australia.

Possum

There are 69 species on the Australian continent!

Potoroo

They can carry items with their tail.

Praying Mantis

The mantis can turn its head 180 degrees.

Procoptodon

The largest variety of kangaroo to have ever been discovered.

Pterodactyl

Pterodactyl is not technically a dinosaur. Although they lived during the same time as dinosaurs, they are classified as winged reptiles.

Pygmy python

These snakes have been seen traveling as group of 3-5.

Quail

Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Quokka

Makes runways through the long grasses!

Quoll

Found across Australia and Papua New Guinea!

Rat

Omnivores that eat anything!

Red Ackie Monitor

The red ackie prefers burrowing to climbing.

Red-Bellied Black Snake

These snakes give birth to live, nine-inch offspring, rather than laying eggs.

Red-Eared Slider

Sliders spend lots of time basking in the sun. As cold-blooded animals, they need the sun to heat up.

Red Fox

The red fox actually has many different variations of fur, including silver and brown.

Redback Spider

The redback spiders found in New Caledonia differ from other populations in that they don’t practice sexual cannibalism and don’t bite people as much.

Ribbon Eel

Can fit its body into a tiny crevice of a reef

River Turtle

Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!

Robin

There are more than 45 species in Australia alone!

Rodents

The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, likes to be in and around bodies of water. Because of this, the Catholic Church in South America decided that it was a fish, and people were allowed to eat it during Lent and First Fridays.

Rooster

Will mate with the entire flock!

Sable Ferret

Ferrets were used during the Revolutionary War to keep down the rat population.

Sambar

Male sambars will compete for mates by clashing together with their antlers

Sand Crab

The sand crab burrows beneath the sand with its tail

Sarus Crane

Parents use low calls to tell their chicks to freeze and lie still when danger lurks.

Savanna Goat

Savanna goats have only existed since 1957.

Scarab Beetle

The ancient Egyptians worshipped scarabs.

Scorpion

There are around 2,000 known species!

Sea Dragon

Inhabits tropical coastal waters of Australia!

Sea Eagle

The sea eagle tends to mate for life with a single partner

Seahorse

Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!

Senepol Cattle

Senepol cattle have a distinctive red color and no horns.

Sequined Spider

You may even be able to see a reflection in their reflective sequins!

Sheep

Around 35 million in the English countryside!

Shrimp

There are 2,000 different species worldwide!

Silky Terrier

Silky terriers can be trained to participate in many events, including herding, agility, rally, tracking and fly ball.

Skink Lizard

Some skinks lay eggs in some habitats while giving birth to skinklets in other habitats.

Skua

Skuas will chase other birds until they give up their catch

Slug

They glide around on one foot, which is aided by the slime they produce

Smokybrown Cockroach

Has up to 45 eggs per egg case

Snail

There are nearly 1,000 different species!

Snake

There are around 4,000 known species worldwide

Sparrow

There are 140 different species!

Spider Wasp

They prey on spiders to feed their larvae or they parasitize other spider wasps.

Spotted Garden Eel

Males battle each other over females and territory

Spotted python

Their favorite food is bats and they hang from cave entrances to snatch them out of midair!

Stargazer Fish

Uses an electric shock to stun its prey!

Stick Insect

There are more than 3,000 different species!

Stork

They can’t sing like other birds.

Strawberry Hermit Crab

When strawberry hermit crabs find shells that are larger than their own, they gather in a line from biggest to smallest. Once the biggest one sheds its shell, the next one in line will claim it, which is repeated down the line.

Striped Rocket Frog

Long powerful hind legs!

Swallowtail Butterfly

N/A

Swallowtail Caterpillar

N/A

Swan

Populations have been affected by pollution!

Taipan

The Most Venomous Snakes On Earth

Tarantula Hawk

Tarantula hawks are excellent pollinators, especially for milkweed.

Tawny Frogmouth

The tawny frogmouth is a master of camouflage that can hide in plain sight!

Teacup Miniature Horse

Female teacup minis become sexually mature between 2 and 5 years old, but breeders typically wait until their horse is 3 before letting her reproduce to prevent complications.

Tenterfield Terrier

These terriers have quick minds and fast feet making them excellent for agility competitions.

Termite

Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!

Terrier

Terriers were once the greatest dogs in the world.

Theropod

Some theropods had feathers and may have been ancestors of modern birds.

Thorny Devil

Found only on mainland Australia!

Thrush

The American robin is called the robin because its red breast reminded European settlers of the robin back in the old country.

Thylacoleo

Scientists have speculated that its bite force was equivalent to that of a 551 pound lion!

Thylacoleo carnifex

Thylacoleo carnifex was the largest carnivorous mammal in Australia

Tick

They inject hosts with a chemical that stops them from feeling the pain of the bite

Tiger Beetle

The adult tiger beetle is one of the fastest land insects in the world

Tiger snake

Tiger Snakes can spend nine minutes underwater without returning to the surface to breathe

Tomato Hornworm

The tomato hornworm is a ferocious pest that can eat all parts of a plant, including the fruits.

Tree Frog

Found in warmer jungles and forests!

Tree Kangaroo

It’s the only macropod that lives in trees.

Tree Snake

Though this snake’s venomous bite isn’t harmful to adults, it can be dangerous to children

Treecreeper

Their tailfeathers help them maintain their balance on a tree trunk

Turtle Frog

A turtle frog can eat more than 400 termites in a single meal.

Turtles

Some species of aquatic turtles can get up to 70 percent of their oxygen through their butt.

Wallaby

There are roughly 30 different species!

Warbler

Warblers are so called because of the trills of their song.

Wasp

There are around 75,000 recognised species!

Water Buffalo

Has been domesticated for thousands of years!

Water Dragon

Spends most of it's time in the trees!

Wax Moth

The Wax Moth larvae are more dangerous than the adult.

Welsh Black Cattle

Welsh Black Cattle were once used as currency in Wales and referred to as “black gold”.

White Butterfly

This butterfly determines the smell and taste of a flower with its feet.

White Ferret / Albino Ferrets

There are two different types of white ferrets!

Wiwaxia

The body of Wiwaxia was covered by rows of sclerites and spines

Wolf Spider

Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.

Woma python

Woma pythons often prey on venomous snakes and are immune to some venoms.

Wombat

Spends most of the day underground!

Woodlouse

This animal can roll up into a ball

Woodlouse Spider

Unlike most spiders, woodlouse spiders don’t build a web.

Worm

Doesn’t have eyes.

Xenacanthus

Smal eel-like ancient shark

Yabby

The yabby can survive long periods of droughts by burrowing into the soil.

Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake

Sea snakes spend approximately 90% of their lives under water.

Yellow Crazy Ant

One of the top 100 worst invasive species!

Yellowhammer

It interbreeds with the pine bunting

Yokohama chicken

Yokohama chickens have snow white feathers with tails reaching up to 4 feet in length.

Zebra Finch

The male zebra finch creates a unique song by drawing inspiration from its parent or tutor

Australian Animals List

About the Author

AZ Animals Staff

AZ Animals is a growing team of animals experts, researchers, farmers, conservationists, writers, editors, and -- of course -- pet owners who have come together to help you better understand the animal kingdom and how we interact.

Animals in Australia FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What Animals Live in Australia?

Australia has many exotic animals.

Southern cassowary: This flightless bird resembles an ostrich but with a large blue head, a crest and huge claws. Cassowaries can run, swim and use their claws to fight.

Laughing kookaburra: This small, pretty bird is famous for its high-pitched call that sounds like a crazy laugh. It usually makes the sound at dawn and at dusk.

Pellucid hawk moth: This moth has transparent wings without scales, which makes it unique among members of the Lepidoptera family.

Bats: Australia has some of the biggest bats in the world. They can have wingspans of five feet and weigh more than two pounds. They are sometimes called megabats or flying foxes.

How Many Deadly Animals Are There in Australia?

Australia has many scary animals, and it’s known for its deadly snakes. It is the only continent where venomous snakes outnumber non-venomous ones. The eastern brown snake, inland taipan and eastern tiger snake are all scary. The eastern tiger snake has caused more deaths by snake bite than any other snake in Australia.

Bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas): One of the most feared predators in the water, the bull shark will eat anything it can catch.

Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus): Also known as the estuarine crocodile, this crocodile is fast, aggressive and extremely scary. This fierce hunter is the biggest reptile in the world. It can weigh up to 1000 pounds. Steve Irwin, the famous Australian “Crocodile Hunter,” was known for his work rescuing these massive beasts.

Australia also has freshwater crocodiles, but they are not dangerous to humans unless you’re crazy enough to deliberately provoke them.

The Sydney funnel-web (Atrax robustus) is one of the world’s most dangerous spiders.

What Is the Most Dangerous Animal in Australia?

Box jellyfish (Chironex fleckeri): This transparent animal has no teeth or claws, but it has the strongest venom in the world. A typical box jellyfish has 15 long tentacles, and each contains enough poison to kill several grown adults.

What Is the Most Beautiful Animal in Australia?

Australia has many animals that are utterly adorable. Most people are crazy about cuddly koalas or Tasmanian devils. It’s also impossible to resist quokkas, with their smiling faces and friendly natures. In fact, quokkas top our list of the 10 cutest animals.

Despite this stiff competition, we choose sugar gliders (Petaurus brevicep) as Australia’s loveliest creature. Native to Australia, sugar gliders are tiny, gorgeous marsupials with pink feet and enormous eyes. They get their name from their love of sap and nectar. They can also glide from one tree branch to another.

Australia has many amazing animals you won’t find anywhere else. That’s why its zoos and wildlife sanctuaries attract millions of visitors every year.

What Rivers are in Australia?

Australia is home to a number of rivers including what’s believed to be the oldest river in the world. The Finke River, located in central Australia, is believed to be about 350 million years old. Interestingly, while extremely old, the river is sporadic. It flows only a few times per year after heavy rains.

What is the largest plant in Australia?

The largest plant in Australia is actually the world’s biggest plant! Poseidon’s ribbon weed, Posidonia australis, is located in the World Heritage Listed Shark Bay Conservation Area.

Did the largest gold nugget ever found come from Australia?

The Welcome Stranger was an alluvial nugget found in Victoria, Australia in February 1869. It was the largest gold nugget ever found and weighed 3,523.5 troy ounces when it was first pulled from the ground and produced 3,123 troy ounces (ozt) of gold when it was refined.