Flora and fauna

Almost 80% of Australia’s flowering plants, mammals and reptiles are found only in Australia and this is true for most of the fish that inhabit the waters surrounding the country. Likewise nearly half of the birdlife is unique to the continent.

The most widely known animals outside Australia are the kangaroo and the koala. Yet Australia is absolutely teeming with unique and fascinating creatures---wombats, bilbies (Australians often choose to give chocolate bilbies at Easter time instead of bunnies!), kookaburras, quokkas, bandicoots and the platypus.

Colourful birds, and exotic flora and fauna continue to delight both visitor and locals alike. Many overseas visitors are unaware of the rich bio-diversity existing in Australia. With a society that is becoming increasingly focused on environmental issues, more Australians are choosing to establish native gardens rather than using introduced plants as native plants are drought resistant and quite exotic. For example, the grass-tree (Xanthorrhoea spp.) and kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos sp.) are quite unusual and are becoming popular in home gardens.

Protecting our environment

Australia’s position as a country with an ‘enormous moat’ around it has provided special advantages in keeping out many of the environmental diseases that have affected other parts of the world, such as rabies. Vigilence by the Australian Quarantine and Customs Services have helped to maintain Australia’s pristine environment. When coming to Australia, it is important that you check Australia’s laws before bringing anything into the country. You can find further information on the websites of the Australian Customs Service and the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.