Long-Tail Dunnart

by Robert

The long-tail dunnart has a tail about twice as long as its head and body put together to help it keep its balance in the rocky desert habitat.  The tail is 8 inches long. (That is slightly longer than a pencil.) Scientist had found only the remains of just four of these until 1981.  Then they found 9 of them that were alive.  Now they can collect and study them to help them survive.

Saltwater Crocodile

by Robert

The saltwater crocodile is found all over South East Asia and the northern coast of Australia.  It is called the saltwater crocodile because it can swim in the sea.   It is the largest species of crocodile on earth as well as the largest living reptile.  It is known as being a man-eater, however, it is a protected species.   Most of them were killed by being hunted in the past.  They were killed for their skin.

Koala

by Robert

At night the koala feeds on the young shoots of eucalyptus branches, and sleeps during Th day in the fork of a tree.  The koala has developed special cheek pouches that store food and a digestive system to handle a diet of eucalyptus leaves.  Of over a hundred eucalyptus trees that live in Australia the koala feeds on only 12.  Koalas may eat between one the two pounds of leaves per day and can easily eat all of the food supply in the area. Much of the koalas habitat has been deliberately set on fire to clear the land, and the kolas have been hunted for their fur.

Back