Queensland`s Animals

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CRICOS Provider Number 00608A
Australia has a huge variety of unique animals; mammals, reptiles,
fish and insects. Here are some of the more famous ones:
Kangaroo
Emu
The kangaroo is an Australian
icon. It is featured on the
Australian coat of arms, on
some of its currency and
is used by many Australian
organisations, including the
airline Qantas. Kangaroos are
marsupials, from the family of
macropods, meaning ‘large foot’.
Kangaroos have large, powerful
hind legs, large feet good for
leaping, a long muscular tail for balance, and a small head.
Like all marsupials, female kangaroos have a pouch in which joeys
complete postnatal development. All kangaroos are herbivores.
The emu is the largest bird native to Australia. It is also
the second-largest existing bird in the world by height,
after the ostrich. The soft-feathered, brown, flightless
birds reach up to 2 metres (6.5 ft) in height. The emu
is common over most of mainland Australia, although
it avoids heavily populated areas, dense forest and arid
areas. Emus can travel great distances at a fast trot and if
necessary, can sprint at 50 km/h (30 mph) for some distance.
They are nomadic and may travel long distances
to find food; they feed on a variety of plants and
insects.
Koala
The koala is found in coastal regions of eastern and southern
Australia. Populations also extend for considerable distances
inland in regions with enough moisture to support suitable
woodlands. The koala has large, sharp claws to assist with
climbing tree trunks. The koala’s five fingers are arranged with
opposable thumbs, providing better gripping ability.
The koala is one of
the few mammals that
have fingerprints. Koala
fingerprints are similar
to human fingerprints;
even with an electron
microscope, it can be quite
difficult to distinguish
between the two.
Wombat
Wombats are Australian marsupials; they have
four legs that are short and muscular. They are
approximately 1 metre (39 inches) in length and have a
very short tail. They are found in forested, mountainous,
and heathland areas of south-eastern Australia and
Tasmania. Wombats dig extensive burrow systems with
rodent-like front teeth and powerful claws.
Although mainly nocturnal, wombats will also venture out to feed
on cool or overcast days.
Bearded Dragon
Bearded Dragon is the common name for any agamid lizard.
They are native to Australia. Bearded dragons are popular exotic
pets in many places. They are a popular species among children
because of their friendly and calm nature, along with the relative
ease of caring for them. Bearded dragons have broad triangular
heads and flattened bodies, with adults reaching approximately
45-60 cm (18 to 24 inches) head to tail. Typically, they live between
three and ten years. When threatened, they will expand a spiny
pouch under their jaw, as well as inhale air and puff up to make
them appear larger. The pouch resembles a beard, lending the
animal their name.