Australia has nearly half a million species of plants and animals-one of the greatest varieties of any country in the world. While many countries have their own unique fauna, Australia is unusual in that. In includes: - 70% of the world’s marsupials - all of the world’s monotremes - only a small percentage of the world’s placentals - an enormous diversity of parrots and other birds - a fascinating range of reptiles, amphibians and fish - many unusual invertebrates

Mammals all produce milk to suckle their young. Mammals have fur or hair. There are three types of mammals and examples of each type are found in Australia.

Monotremes are mammals that lay soft-shelled eggs. They can be found in Australia and New Guinea. Two monotremes are: -Platypus - echidna (Spiny Anteater)

Marsupials are mammals that give birth to young which are in an immature state. The females often have pouches in which carry the young. The 70 % are found in Australia and New Guinea. The other 30 % are in South Africa. The main groups of the 180 species marsupials are: -K-Kangaroos -P-Possums -C-Carnivorous Marsupials (Numbats, Moles, Native Cats) -K-Koalas, Wombats

Placentals are mammals whose young born in a more development state, and produced a well developed placenta. Many species are found in other part of the world. Only a following few are found in Australia: - Whales and Dolphins - Native Rats and Mice - Bats - Dingoes - Seals

B BB BIRDS Australia has a huge number of bird species – about three times as many as Europe. Some birds are migratory (travel between Australia and other countries seasonally). Some are closely related to overseas species. Some are unique to Australia.

Reptiles More than 400 species of reptiles are known in Australia. Some are their similar to overseas species, some are unique.

 The koala is one of the best known and most loved animals in Australia. Koala live in lightly wooded areas containing suitable food.

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