Australian Mammals
Mammals of Australia are incredibly unique and many species are found nowhere else in the world. No other continent in the world has as many different types of marsupials as does Australia. Kangaroo, Tasmanian Devils, Spotted Quoll, Bandicoots and Koala and Wombats are just some examples of the varying marsupials found within the country. All of those mammals have very distinct characteristics and are very different from one another, but they all share one thing in common, at least.
Placental mammals (animals that live outside of the mother's womb after birth) are also found within Australia though some have been introduced by humans, and are not native to the country. Some native species include several different species of bats and rodents. Introduced species that are now considered feral include the Dingo; which was introduced about 5,000 years ago. Other species were introduced when Europeans first settled Australia such as the Red Fox, Brown Hare, Cat, Water buffalo, Dromedary and various species of deer. Within the coastal waters of Australia you can also find many different types of sea mammals. Forty-six species call the crisp blue waters home but can also be found in other water bodies throughout the world. The Dugong is an endangered species that is native to Australian waters where the Humpback Whale and Orca come and go depending on their migration. Seals and Sea lions also occupy some of the coastal land, feeding off various species of fish and other marine life.
|
