Platypus

The Bilby

The Platypus

The Bilby is nocturnal and lives in deep spiral burrows by day, venturing out at night to dig for seeds, bulbs, fruit , fungi and some insects. It is one of Australia's quaintest creatures. Unfortunately the Bilby has now joined most of Australia's wildlife on the very edge of extinction itself.  Presently over half the world's endangered mammals are Australian.

The Platypus is odd for a few reasons. It's a mammal, it lays eggs, and it's amphibious. They were not seen or observed until 1797. Surprisingly Platypus are capable of many vocalisations, including a soft growling sound when disturbed. Wholly protected throughout Australia. The male has poisonous spurs on the inner side of each hind limb.


Tasmanian Devil

Taipan Snake

Tasmanian Devil

Taipan Snake

The Tasmanian Devil cannot be mistaken for any other marsupial. Its spine-chilling screeches, black colour, and reputed bad temper, led the early European settlers to call it The Devil. Although only the size of a small dog, it can sound and look incredibly fierce. Tasmanian Devils are totally protected.

Up to 11 feet long. If bitten, rapid paralysis sets in, with severe breathing difficulties. Mortality nears 100% without antivenom. We have more species of poisonous snakes than any other continent (5 of the top 10 deadliest snakes in the world), and our spiders are also among the world's most poisonous.


Crocodile

Frill Neck Lizard

Australian Saltwater Crocodile

Frill Neck Lizard

The largest living reptile in the world, adult males can reach up to 20-23 feet in length! Females are smaller and seldom exceed 10 feet. Fear of this species is not unfounded, with a number of people injured or killed each year, although in most cases these tragedies can be avoided with increased awareness. As its name implies, this species has a high tolerance for salinity, being found in water around coastal areas and in rivers, and It is also present in freshwater rivers, billabongs and swamps.

These impressive lizards have large umbrella-like frills that fold around the length of its semi-long neck. This frill can be extended outwards to make the lizard appear much larger when confronted by a predator, or another agamid. The frill has a great variety of colour that can range from yellow, orange, or to a jet black. The lizard is marginally large, reaching a snout-to-tail length of 30 inches. They love to climb, and are highly active.


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