Unique Animals That Exist Only In Australia

Dec 21, 2025

Ashwini BN

Kangaroo

The kangaroo is Australia’s most iconic animal. Known for its powerful hind legs, long tail, and pouch for carrying young, several species like the Red and Grey Kangaroo are found only in Australia’s wild landscapes.

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Koala

Koalas are tree-dwelling marsupials famous for their sleepy lifestyle. Feeding almost entirely on eucalyptus leaves, they can sleep up to 20 hours a day. Their specialised diet makes them truly unique to Australia.

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Wombat

Wombats are sturdy, burrowing marsupials with strong claws and thick bodies. Their backward-facing pouch helps keep dirt out while digging. They are also known for producing cube-shaped droppings to mark territory.

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Tasmanian Devil

Native to Tasmania, the Tasmanian Devil is the world’s largest carnivorous marsupial. Despite its small size, it has a powerful bite and loud growl, making it one of Australia’s most fascinating and misunderstood animals.

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Quokka

Often called the “happiest animal,” the quokka is a small herbivorous marsupial found mainly on Rottnest Island. About the size of a cat, its friendly appearance has made it popular among wildlife enthusiasts.

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Numbat

The numbat is a striped, termite-eating marsupial active during the day. Once widespread, it is now limited to parts of Western Australia. Its sharp claws and long tongue help it feed efficiently.

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Greater Glider

The Greater Glider lives in eastern Australian forests and uses a skin membrane to glide between trees at night. With large eyes and a eucalyptus-based diet, it is perfectly adapted to a nocturnal life.

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Bilby

The bilby is a desert-dwelling marsupial with long ears and soft fur. Once widespread, it is now mostly found in protected areas. Conservation efforts aim to save this rare and gentle Australian native.

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Platypus

The platypus is one of the strangest mammals in the world. With a duck-like bill, webbed feet, and the ability to lay eggs, this semi-aquatic animal is found only in Australia and nowhere else on Earth.

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