ANIMALS OF AUSTRALIA

CASSOWARY
Cassowaries are a large flightless bird belonging
to the "Ratite" family. The family name is
derived from the Latin "Ratis" meaning "Raft"
which describes the flat breastbone or
sternum which lacks the keel that acts  as
a extra anchorage for the large flight muscles
of flying birds.
The name Cassowary is from a Malay name [kesuari]
for the birds There are 3 species of which the
"Southern Cassowary" is found in North Queensland
Australia.  Normally Cassowaries are very shy but
when cornered can lash out dangerously with
their claws

Barking Owl
 They get their name from the almost dog like quick bark and growl
Large, bright yellow eyes with no dark eye patches (i.e. no facial mask)
and usually dark feathers with some lighter patches

Fresh Water Crocodile
The Johnston or Freshwater Crocodile is generally not considered dangerous, although when defending its young could give you a nasty bite.

Goanna
The Goanna, iguana or monitor lizard, can grow to well over a metre in length and is prized as a food source among Aboriginal people.

Mountain Devil
The Mountain Devil is a harmless denizen of the desert, despite its appearance.

A group of Wallabies

Salt Water Crocodile

The Estuarine or Saltwater Crocodile can be found in both fresh- and salt water. It used to be hunted but is now fully protected, although best to be avoided!

A Pelican  in the Northern Territory.

RED KANGAROO
The red kangaroo is Australia's largest kangaroo of the nearly 60 species in the kangaroo family It is the Kangaroo which dwells in our "Red Center" the arid portion of Australia. They normally move in groups ranging from a few dozen to several hundred individuals. and are known as Mobs . The makeup of the red kangaroo Mob varies but usually consists of a dominant male, a number of adult females, and juveniles of both sexes.

 

Emu
An emu, the large flightless bird of Australia

A Brushtail possum

Many wombats are killed by cars