Australian Animals by Canning College 2012 (Computing Class)

BROLGA

DESCRIPTION

The Brolga is a large crane. The body of the Brolga is grey, although it has a red head and a black dewlap under the chin. They stand approximately 1.3 metres tall. The Brelga is also known as the Australian crane

HABITAT and LOCATION

Brolgas can be found across the tropical north, central New South Wales and Western Victoria. Spacious wetlands or expansive grassy plains are favoured habitats of the Brolga.


PLATYPUS

DESCRIPTION

The Platypus has a wooly furred coat and range from 30cm to 45cms in length and the tail about 10 to 15 cms. The wooly furred coat actually has three different layers. The first layer keeps the animal warm, by trapping air, the second layer which provides an insulating coat for the animal, and lastly the third layer of long flat hairs to detect objects close by. These creatures weight on average between 1 to 2.4 kilograms. They have an average lifespan of 12 years

TOXIC SPUR

The male platypi have a hollow spur about 15 milimetres in length on the inside of both hind legs. This in turn is connected to a venom gland, and the platypus uses this spur to defend itself against predators

HABITAT and LOCATION

The platypus is found in eastern Australia. They live aside freshwater rivers or lakes, and create burrows for shelter and protection

FEEDING

Platypuses feed on insect larvae, worms or other freshwater insects. They do so mainly at night, by the use of their bill. They turn up mud on the bottom of the lake or river, and with the help of their electroreceptors located on the bill, find many insects and freshwater insects. They store their findings in special pouches behind their bill, and are consumed upon returning to the surface.

When a young platypus is born, they feed from milk from the mother. The mother secretes this milk from large glands under the skin, the young platypus feed from this milk which ends up on the mothers fur

THORNY DEVIL
DESCRIPTION

An amazing Australian reptile, this creature is covered in thorns. Hence its name. Despite its appearance, it is totally harmless. The Thorny Devil is on average about 20 cms longThe Thorny Devil has the ability to change colour.

HABITAT and LOCATION

They are found in central and western Australia throughout deserts and light bushland.

FEEDING

Thorny Devils feed on a wide variety of ants. They catch them by using their tongue much the same as an ant-eater would do.


KOALA
DESCRIPTION

The Koala is one of Australia's best known animals. It is an icon represented when promoting Australia to the tourist industry, and in general people adore these cuddly creatures. There are two species, the Southern Koalas and the Northern Koalas. Koalas are often referred to as a Koala bear. However they are not a bear. The name Koala comes from an Aboriginal word. It means "no drink", as Koalas get enough fluids through the eucalyptis leaves they feed on.

HABITAT and LOCATION

Koalas are found all over east Australia, mainly in the south east.

FEEDING

Koalas feed on eucalyptus leaves, which they have a variety of twelve different species to choose from. This is basically the only thing they do eat, although there are a few exceptions.

ECHIDNA
DESCRIPTION

It is a solitary animal that burrows. When it is attacked, the echidna will burrow into the ground or curl itself into a ball using its spines as a method of defence against the predator. The echidna's spines cover the top of its body. Echidna's have long sharp claws on their feet, and are approximately 35-50 cms long with a 10cm long tail. Their nose is very sensitive, they use this to find food, then they use their long sticky tongue to catch ants, worms and other such insects. Echidna's weigh on average between 2 to 7 kilograms.

HABITAT and LOCATION

It lives in both Australia and New Guinea.

FEEDING

Normally the Echidna feeds at night on ants, worms and other such insects, As they have no teeth the Echidna crussshes the insects between horny pads in its mouth

Formatted by Stanley Wijaya

Canning College 2012 (Computing Class)