AUSTRALIAN ANIMALS

Spotted Cuscus or Phalanger


Scientific Name-Spilocusus maculatus

Description- This marsupial is 60 to 65cm long (not including its tail). The tip of its tail has no fur, but is covered with scales. The rest of the animal is covered with fur.

Habitat-Lives in rainforest areas of Northern Queensland and open woodland areas.

Geographic Distribution
-Far North Queensland, Papua New Guinea and surronding islands.

Threat-Loss of habitat through human habitation.

Researched by Doug Middleton, Year 9 Geography Student
Clontarf State High School

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Bilby or Rabbit Eared Bandicoot


Scientific Name-Macrotis lagotis

Description- This marsupial has extremely large, rabbit like ears and hind feet. It ranges in size from 290mm to 550mm.

Habitat-Lives in deserts in hummock grasslands, acacia scrublands and spinifex and tussock grasslands.

Geographic Distribution-Deserts of Central Australia, northern Western Australia and pockets in south-west Queensland.

Threat-Competition with rabbits for burrows, changes in fire Patterns and threat from foxes and cats.

Another Australian Bandicoot

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Dugong

Scientific Name-Dugong duong

Description
-Weighs up to 1.6 tonnes, 3m in length. They have a thick brown to grey coloured skin with a spindled shaped body. Eat mainly seagrasses.

Habitat-Lives entirely in the marine environment.

Geographic Distribution-Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Threat-Only have one young, hunted for meat, accidently caught in fish and shark nets.

Researched by Cassandra Ashford , Year 9 Geography Student
Clontarf State High School


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