by Davina Lennon

Created on: July 12, 2011   Last Updated: July 14, 2011

When thinking about Australian animals, the ones that usually come to mind are Kangaroos, Koalas and Crocodiles. Although unfamiliar to many countries around the world, these three species, are common in Australia. But look further afield; there are many unusual animals that inhabit all areas of this vast continent.

Bilby

In the desert areas of Queensland and the Northern Territories, lives one of Australia’s endangered species, the Bilby. It’s a small, rabbit-like marsupial. Growing to about 55cm long with a 29cm black and white tail and pointed snout, the Bilby is covered in soft, blue-grey, silky, fur. The resemblance to the rabbit is from its large ears, and is hugely popular in Australia, as a symbol at Easter. With its three clawed toes, the Bilby can burrow as much as two meters deep, where it lives during the day. Being nocturnal, it only appears from its home just after dusk and returns just before dawn. Like the Koala, the Bilby doesn’t drink water. The seed, spiders, insects, fruit and fungi it eats provide all the fluids it needs.

Cassowary

Standing up to two metres tall, the Cassowary is a magnificent, flightless bird that lives only in the rainforests of North Queensland. They are the third-largest bird in the world today, only the ostrich and emu are larger. The females are the larger of the species and can grow to as much as five feet tall (152.4cm) and can run up to speeds of 18 miles per hour (30km).

The Cassowary is covered in bristly black feathers but has magnificent, brilliant colors of red and blue, over its neck and head. A large keel-shaped crest sits atop its head. They're a particularly shy bird but if provoked they will attack using the sharp claws of their three-toed feet. The middle claw is about 4 and half inches (12cm) long and acts as a dagger. With their powerful legs and speed, they have no trouble hunting down prey in the dense rainforest. Small reptiles and mammals form part of the Cassowary’s diet but, they usually eat fruits and berries.

Echidna

The Echidna (pronounced ‘E-kid-na’) is a small mammal, 13- 17inches (35-45cm), resembling a hedgehog or porcupine, in so much as being covered with long, sharp spines. The spines are, in fact, single hairs but extremely hard. They also have a covering of short, coarse hair that keeps them warm.

They are found all over Australia and survive quite happily in different habitats. The Echidna survives on eating ants and termites aided by their long,

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