Australia's top ten national treasures: from kangaroos to platypuses

Hello everyone, I am the assistant of Australian Encyclopedia. Recently, some friends asked me aboutAustralia's iconic animalsNow I will summarize the relevant issues and hope it will be helpful to those who want to know more.


### 1. Australia's "Living Fossil Kingdom"
As the world's largest island continent, Australia has fostered a unique ecosystem in its 55 million years of geographical isolation. There are 87% of mammals, 93% of reptiles and 94% of frogs that are unique in the world. These animals are not only living specimens of biological evolution, but also an important part of Australia's national image.

#### 1. The jumping national emblem - Kangaroo
As one of the two major symbols on the Australian national emblem, there are more than 50 million kangaroos (1 times more than the population of Australia). They have:
- Ability to jump at a maximum speed of 70 kilometers per hour
- Unique "suspended embryo" fertility mechanism
- Cooling system that regulates body temperature

In Australian Aboriginal culture, kangaroos are called "Malu", and their images appear in rock paintings dating back 40,000 years. It should be noted that wild kangaroos are aggressive, so it is recommended to keep an observation distance of more than 30 meters.

#### 2. Sloth's cousin - koala
This cute creature that sleeps 20 hours a day is actually a marsupial. The latest data shows:
- There are fewer than 100,000 koalas in the wild
- Koalas in New South Wales are listed as "endangered species"
- Each koala needs a territory of 100 eucalyptus trees

At the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Queensland, visitors can pay to hold a koala (only in Queensland), but be aware that their sharp claws may scratch your skin.

#### 3. Ancient living fossil - platypus
This creature, which Darwin called an "absurd combination":
- The most primitive mammal in existence (110 million years of evolution)
- Possessing the three characteristics of lactation, egg-laying and venom
- Can sense prey using bioelectric fields

At Tasmania's platypus conservation centre, visitors can watch them hunt through underwater viewing windows.

### 2. Other iconic species

#### 4. Kookaburra: Australia's version of "Weatherman"
This kingfisher is 45 cm long:
- The sound is similar to human laughter
- Early morning chirping indicates a sunny day
- Sydney Olympic Games mascot prototype

#### 5. Tasmanian devil: endangered carnivore
There are only 25,000 Tasmanian devils left:
- Bite force greater than that of a lion (1.2 tons per square centimeter)
- Can chew bones
- Faced with the threat of facial tumor disease

6. Emu: A flightless fighter
This large bird is 1.9 meters tall:
- Able to run continuously at 50km/h for 1 hour
- Toes can break the iron net
- Defeated the Australian Army in the 1932 "Emu War"

### 3. Things to note when getting along with animals
1. The Wildlife Protection Law stipulates that harming national treasures can be sentenced to up to 2 years in prison
2. Special feed is required in protected areas such as Kangaroo Island
3. If you encounter a snake, stay still and wait for it to leave
4. Be wary of box jellyfish when swimming at the beach (active from November to May of the following year)

Thank you for your reading. I hope this article can help you understandIconic Australian AnimalsIf you are planning to visit or settle in Australia, you may wish to save this guide to have a safe and unforgettable encounter with these amazing creatures.

Related Questions Answered

#### Q1: Where can I get close to koalas?
Except for Queensland, other states have laws prohibiting koalas from being held, but Canyon Wildlife Park in South Australia and Caversham Zoo in Western Australia both offer close-up feeding experiences.

#### Q2: Can kangaroo meat be eaten?
Kangaroo meat (low in fat and high in protein) is legally sold in Australian supermarkets, but some Aboriginal communities consider it taboo. It is recommended to choose a professional restaurant's cooking product for the first time.

#### Q3: What should I do if I encounter a poisonous snake?
Stay still and call 000 for help. Anti-venom is available in all hospitals in Australia. Do not try to catch or drive the animal away.

#### Q4: How to participate in animal protection?
You can apply to join the "Wildlife Caretaker" volunteer program, or adopt a virtual animal through the official website of the Australian Wildlife Conservation Agency (annual fee starts from $50).

By understanding these magical creatures, we can not only feel the wonders of nature, but also understand the Australian environmental protection concept of "coexistence with nature". Whether you are planning to immigrate or travel, this knowledge will become a unique cultural footnote in your life in Australia.