Australia is the smallest continent, but sixth largest country in the world. It lies south of the equator, between the Indian and the Pacific Oceans. Much of the land is sparse, flat, barren and hostile for human living. However, many animals have adapted to this environment and thrive in the harsh conditions. Although much of Australia's interior consists of this climate, other regions of the continent have diverse climate types. Forest, plains, desert, snowfields and coastlines all can be found in the country.

Australia is home to two famous regions that are very distinct and original. The Great Barrier Reef is the most extensive coral reef in the world and is home to countless types of marine life. The Outback is a hot dusty area that has sparse rainfall. The only animals that flourish here are very adapted to it. Humans are not included in that short list...almost none live in the Outback.

Australia as a continent has been isolated for over 55 million years, cut off from all other neighboring lands by miles and miles of ocean. Due to this, a very specific type of mammal has evolved with no competition from animals that are found throughout the rest of the world. There are many types of marsupials indeginous to Australia and nowhere else. These include the kangaroo, koala and wombat. Overall, the continent has 230 mammal, 800 bird, 300 lizard, 140 snake and 2 crocodile species that are native to the land.

Kangaroo - Born without eyes, lungs or developed hind limbs, the baby kangaroo must first make its way to its mother's pouch blind and breathing oxygen through its skin.

Koala - Settlers almost hunted them to extinction until they became protected. Now they have made a very good recovery and are not in serious danger.

Dungong - Once they could be found in herds of thousands, now it is rare to see even one. Shark Bay is one of their last strongholds.

Wombat - This burrowing marsupial has such expansive excavations that they show up on LANSAT satellite images.

Duckbilled Platypus - This unusal animal's bill actually has special nerves that guide it while swimming with its eyes closed in dark waters.

Echidna - Also known as a "spiny anteater," this mammal lays eggs rather than give live birth.

Lemuroid Possum - This creamy-furred marsupial is found only in Australia. They spend most of their lives in the trees of dense forests.

Wallaroo - This animal lives in extreme heat, but needs very little water. It digs in dry areas to find the water it drinks.

Black Swan - This bird lives in Southern Australia and has an average wingspan of about six feet.

Quoll - This marsupial cat is also known as the "native cat". When the young are too big for the pouch, they cling to their mother even while she hunts.