The continent of Australia is located entirely within the Southern and Eastern Hemispheres. Because it is located entirely in the Southern Hemisphere, it is often called "The Land Down Under".
There is often confusion between the continent of Australia and the country of Australia. The country is actually located within the continent, but the continent includes two other countries - New Zealand and Papau New Guinea.
Although Australia is the smallest of all the continents, it hosts a variety of terrains and biomes. There are a number of rainforests close to the coastal regions. The interior of the country of Australia is a harsh, dry environment known as the Outback. Animals that live in the Outback have special adaptations that allow them to survive there.
There are a number of deadly animals and species that reside in and near Australia. Great white sharks, crocodiles, the Sydney Funnel-Web spider and brown snakes are just a few. In fact, it is believed that 21 of the world's 25 most deadly snakes live here. Yikes!
However, we at The Animal Spot don't believe this is a reason to not visit - with the appropriate amount of safety and caution of course. After all, they have cuddly Koalas!
Emus - Emus are large, strange looking birds with orange eyes and a mangly appearance. They are similar to ostriches as they do not fly, but run fast using their long legs. They live in various habitats in Australia, including forests and deserts.
Koalas - Koalas are adored for their cuddly appearance. They eat the leaves of the eucalyptus tree found in Australian forests. The leaves provide the koala with most of its food and water needs, so it rarely has to go to the forest floor.
Red Kangaroo - Red Kangaroos are the largest and most populous of all kangaroos. They have powerful legs which they use to hop at speeds over 30 miles per hour, and to defend against predators. Females are famous for their pouches which hold their young.
Southern Cassowary - Southern Cassowaries are large, unique birds that can be identified by the crown-like structures called "casques" on their heads. They help cultivate the rainforest by eating fruit and dispersing seeds in their stool
Sugar Glider - Sugar Gliders are small mammals that bear a resemblance to rodents, but they are not closely related. Sugar gliders eat the sap of the Eucalyptus Tree, and other fruits and vegetation. They also have membranes that allow them to glide through the forests where they live.
Tasmanian Devil - Tasmanian Devils are unique creatures. They look somewhat like large rats, but are unrelated to them. They can only be found on the island of Tasmania, on the southern coast of Australia. They are endangered, primarily due to a disease called Devil Facial Tumour Disease.