Top 10 Animals in the Australian Outback: The Amazing and Adaptable Creatures of the Desert 

The Australian Outback is an extraordinary region covered by deserts, canyons, and grasslands. The term “outback” suggests a place removed from civilization, where animals and plants live in unique harmony. 

It is not only the awe-inspiring landscapes that draw attention to this region but also the diverse wildlife that lives within it. The Australian Outback is home to a plethora of animals, from massive saltwater crocodiles to small and adorable marsupials. Each of these animals has its own story and importance within the ecosystem. 

Throughout this blog, you’ll discover the top 10 animals that thrive in the harsh conditions of the Australian Outback. These creatures are not only fascinating but also essential for the survival of the varied habitats that make this land so unique.

Australian Outback

The Australian Outback is an awe-inspiring region that encompasses vast desolate areas, often remote and away from large populations. The scale of the area is staggering, covering a total of 8057453 sq km which equates to almost half of Australia’s continent and 49% of its total zone. The Australian Outback is home to a variety of animals, each one uniquely adapted to the harsh conditions they find themselves in. Of course, some of these amazing creatures stand out above the rest, and it is these top 10 animals that we will discuss in detail in this article.  

Top 10 Animals in the Australian Outback: 

In this article, we’ll be discussing the top 10 animals that make this region so special and exploring what makes them so unique and beloved.

1. Sand Goanna

One of the notable lizard species found in the Australian Outback is the Sand Goanna, which also goes by various other names such as Australian monitor, Gould’s monitor, racehorse Goanna, and sand monitor.

Habitat: Sand Goannas primarily inhabit mainland Australia, particularly the woodlands and grasslands of the eastern and northern regions. They are not commonly found in the south and southeast areas. These lizards often seek shelter in caves to protect themselves from predators and to better cope with the climate.

Food: Sand Goannas are known to be voracious eaters and prey on insects, birds, and carrion, making them an important part of the ecosystem in the Australian Outback.

Size: Sand Goannas can grow up to approximately 160cm in length and typically weigh around 6kg.

Facts:

• Sand Goannas are the second most prominent monitor species in Australia.
• They are diurnal creatures, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night.
• Their sense of smell is well-developed, aiding them in locating food and sensing their environment.
• Sand Goannas use their tongue to explore their surroundings, similar to how snakes do.
• Crocodile eggs are a favorite food source for Sand Goannas in the northern regions of Australia.

As Pets:

Sand Goannas can be kept as pets, but it is crucial to learn about their specific care requirements to ensure their happiness and well-being. However, it’s important to note that wild animals cannot be kept as pets without proper permits and adherence to regulations. Before considering a Sand Goanna as a pet, one should obtain the necessary permits and understand the legalities surrounding pet ownership.

Sand Goannas have distinct patterns on their skin, with a greenish-grey coloration and yellow-ringed spots. Their heads resemble those of snakes, and their tails are often yellow, white, or cream in color.

Remember to always respect wildlife and their natural habitats, and seek appropriate guidance and permits if considering a Sand Goanna as a pet.

2. Kangaroos

Kangaroos are the most frequently encountered marsupials in the Australian Outback and throughout Australia. The term “kangaroo” encompasses all members of the Macropods family.

Other Names: Kangaroos are commonly referred to as “roos” in everyday language. There are specific names for male and female kangaroos. Males are known as “old men,” “boomers,” “bucks,” or “jacks,” while females are casually called “jills,” “does,” or “flyers.” The newborn kangaroos are referred to as “joeys.”

Habitat: Kangaroos are not limited to the Australian Outback but can be found hopping across various regions of Australia.

Food: Kangaroos are herbivores and primarily feed on plants found in the bush. Some kangaroo species are also known to be grazers.

Size: There are various species of macropods found in the Australian Outback, each with different sizes, habitats, and appearances. The red kangaroo, for example, can weigh up to 200 pounds and grow to approximately 2 meters in height. The western grey kangaroo typically weighs around 110 pounds, while the eastern grey kangaroo weighs about 130 pounds and can grow up to 1.5 meters in height.

Speed: Kangaroos are known for their hopping and jumping abilities, which are both captivating and remarkable. Large red kangaroos and eastern grey kangaroos can jump up to 29 feet in a single bound and reach speeds of 50 kilometers per hour. Red kangaroos can reach speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour and can leap up to 10 feet high and 25 feet far.

Facts:

• Kangaroos are nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active during the night.
• Six species of macropods are extinct, and many have been endangered since the arrival of Europeans in Australia.
• Kangaroos live in social groups called “mobs,” consisting of about 10 individuals.
• Female kangaroos have a pouch where their young, called joeys, reside and develop.
• White kangaroos, also known as “rare roos,” can be occasionally spotted in the Australian Outback.
• The long tail of kangaroos assists in their movement along with their powerful hind legs.

Most Common Kangaroo Species in the Australian Outback:

The Australian Outback is home to various kangaroo species. The most commonly occurring ones include:

• Rock wallabies
• Tree kangaroo
• Red kangaroo
• Wallaroos
• Eastern and western gray kangaroo

3. Snakes 

Snakes indeed inhabit the Australian backcountry, and while not all snakes are dangerous to humans, it’s important to note that some are venomous, while others are non-venomous.

Other Names: Snakes are known by various names such as serpents, reptilian residents, adders, garter snakes, and many more.

Habitat: Snakes can be found in a wide range of habitats within the Australian outback, including rocky areas, desert shrubs, forests, and grasslands.

Food: Snakes in the Australian outback have diverse diets, feeding on insects, birds, other reptiles, small mammals, mice, rabbits, eggs, and gerbils.

Snake Species in the Australian Outback: The Australian Outback is home to a variety of snake species, including the curled snake, mulga snake, red-naped adder, death adder, orange-naped snake, speckled brown snake, and various pythons.

Australian Outback Snake Facts: The taipan, a snake species found in the Australian backcountry, is known to be one of the deadliest snakes in the world. A single bite from a taipan can potentially kill multiple humans at once. However, it’s worth mentioning that not all snake species in the Australian Outback are equally dangerous. Desert snakes, for instance, are generally less dangerous.

It’s crucial to exercise caution and respect when encountering snakes in the wild, as some can pose a threat to human safety.

4. Thorny Devil Lizards

Thorny devils, also known as thorny lizards, molochs, thorny dragons, or horny devils, are famous lizard inhabitants of the Australian backcountry. They belong to the dragon lizard family.

Feeding Habits: Thorny devils are endemic to Australia and have a specialized diet consisting primarily of ants. They consume thousands of ants every day.

Natural Habitat: These lizards predominantly inhabit deserts and arid shrublands. They can be found in the southern and western regions of Australia, as well as in central areas.

Physical Characteristics: One distinctive feature of thorny devils is the presence of spikes or thorns covering the dorsal surface of their bodies.

Interesting Facts:

• The spikes on their body serve as a form of protection against predators.
• Thorny devils have a unique adaptation to survive in the desert environment. They can cool themselves by collecting and condensing dew on their body, which helps to regulate their body temperature.

Thorny devils are fascinating reptiles that have adapted to their arid habitat in remarkable ways. 

Their thorny exterior provides defense, and their ability to collect dew helps them combat the harsh desert conditions.

5. Saltwater Crocodiles

The saltwater crocodile is indeed considered the most dangerous animal in the Australian Outback. While human deaths due to saltwater crocodile attacks in Australia are relatively rare, they can be highly dangerous and should be approached with caution. Saltwater crocodiles belong to the Crocodylidae family.

Other Names: Saltwater crocodiles are known by various names, including saltie, Indo-Pacific crocodile, sea crocodile, estuarine crocodile, and marine crocodile.

Feeding Habits: Saltwater crocodiles have a diverse diet, which includes turtles, wild pigs, fish, wading birds, cattle, buffaloes, and more.

Natural Habitat: In the Australian Outback, saltwater crocodiles can be found in the coastal waters along the coastline. However, they are not limited to the backcountry alone and can also inhabit billabongs, freshwater rivers, and swamps.

Interesting Facts:

• The saltwater crocodile holds the distinction of being the largest crocodile species in the world.
• These crocodiles have an impressive lifespan and can live up to 70 years.
• Saltwater crocodiles are the largest living reptiles on Earth.
• They have the ability to move between brackish (salty) and freshwater bodies, allowing them to adapt to different environments.

Saltwater crocodiles are formidable creatures and should be treated with respect and caution when encountered in their natural habitat. It is essential to adhere to safety guidelines and avoid potential conflicts with these powerful reptiles.

6. Dingo Dogs

The dingo is an ancient lineage of dogs that has been established in Australia for a long time. They are considered one of the top 10 animals found in the Australian backcountry. However, their population is decreasing worldwide, and they are currently considered endangered. As a result, sightings of dingoes are becoming less common in many areas.

Other Names: The dingo is commonly known as the warrigal, and its scientific name is Canis dingo.

Feeding Habits: In the Australian Outback, dingoes have a varied diet that includes birds, reptiles, red kangaroos, insects, lizards, frogs, fish, and other organisms. While they are carnivores by nature, they sometimes also consume nuts, grains, and fruits.

Natural Habitat: Dingoes are highly adaptable and can be found throughout the Australian Outback. They inhabit a range of environments, from lush rainforests to harsh desert conditions. Dingoes often seek shelter in forest margins adjacent to grasslands. In desert regions, they adapt themselves to areas close to water sources. If you come across water in the Australian backcountry desert, there is a good chance that dingoes may be present. However, they are primarily absent or less frequently spotted on the eastern coast and southwest regions.

Dingoes are fascinating animals that have become an integral part of the Australian ecosystem. While their population is declining, they continue to occupy various habitats in the Australian Outback, showcasing their adaptability and resilience.

7. Frilled-Necked Lizard

The frilled-necked lizard is the sole member of the Chlamydosaurus genus. It is known by various names, including frilled dragon, frill lizard, or frilled agama, owing to the distinctive ruffs around its throat.

Feeding Habits: Frilled-necked lizards are carnivores, primarily consuming small vertebrates and insects such as cicadas, beetles, ants, spiders, mice, and rats. While they occasionally consume plant matter, it is not a common part of their diet. Their favorite food includes larvae, moths, and butterflies.

Natural Habitat: Endemic to the northern region of Australia, frilled-necked lizards can be found in savannah woodlands and warm, tropical temperate forests. They spend most of their time in trees, utilizing their arboreal habitat.

Size: Frilled-necked lizards typically measure around 2.79 feet in length, including their tail.

Exotic Pet: Some individuals keep frilled-necked lizards as pets, although it is considered rare to do so. These lizards are considered exotic animals due to their unique characteristics and the less common practice of keeping them as domestic pets.

Interesting Facts:

• Frilled-necked lizards are the largest species of lizard in the dragon family found in Australia.
• Their frills are extensive and thin, capable of expanding dramatically when the lizard feels threatened or wants to display aggression.
• The frilled-necked lizard is sometimes referred to as the bicycle lizard, possibly due to its ability to stand upright on its hind legs and run on its two hind limbs while displaying its frill.
• The frilled-necked lizard is a captivating creature with its distinctive appearance and behavior. Its impressive frill serves multiple purposes, including defense and courtship displays, making it a fascinating species found in the Australian backcountry.

8. Australian Feral Camels 

Indeed, there is a significant population of feral camels in the Australian Outback and other regions of the country, estimated to be over 1 million in number. These camels were originally imported to Australia from Afghanistan and British India during the 19th century for construction and transportation purposes during the colonization of western and central Australia. However, they were later released into the wild, leading to a substantial increase in their population and causing environmental damage.

Other Names: Feral camels are also commonly known as Australian wild camels and dromedary camels.

Feeding Habits: Feral camels are herbivores and rely on a diet of juicy herbage, often with high salt content. They consume grasses, fruits, saltbush, and various shrubs’ stems and leaves. Feral camels have a wide-ranging appetite and will consume nearly any plant that grows in the desert environment.

Natural Habitat: Feral camels primarily inhabit dry desert conditions and thrive in extreme heat. They are frequently found in arid regions.

Physical Appearance: Feral camels are characterized by a deep-narrow chest, a long-curved neck, and a single hump.

Interesting Facts:

• Feral camels have caused significant damage to native trees, such as the Native Peach, also known as Quandong.
• Their specialized lips enable them to consume thorny and coarse plants, which are abundant in their habitat.
• Wild camels have the ability to fluctuate their body temperature between 34 degrees Celsius and 41 degrees Celsius, aiding in water conservation in arid environments.
• The average life expectancy of a dromedary camel, the species to which feral camels belong, is around 40 to 45 years.
• The presence of feral camels in Australia is a complex issue due to their impact on the environment and native vegetation. Efforts have been made to manage their population and mitigate the environmental damage caused by their presence in the Australian Outback.

9. Wombat

It’s true that wombats also inhabit the Australian Outback, making them one of the notable animals in the region. Wombats belong to two genera and three species, all of which are native to Australia.

Alternative Names: Wombats are known by various names, including Lasiorhinus latifrons, the northern hairy-nosed wombat; Vombatus ursinus, the southern hairy-nosed wombat and common wombat.

Feeding Habits: As herbivorous marsupials, wombats primarily consume native grasses such as kangaroo grass, tussocky “snow grass,” and wallaby grass. Their digestive system features a simple stomach with a broad and short cecum, facilitating efficient digestion.

Habitat: The Vombatus ursinus species of wombats prefer living in open and dry regions, often occupying partly forested areas.

Physical Appearance: Wombats are sometimes mistaken for koalas, but there are distinct physical characteristics that set them apart. They have compact heads, small ears, stocky bodies, short limbs, and very short tails. Their skulls resemble those of rodents. Wombats are medium to large animals, weighing between 19 to 39 kg.

Interesting Facts:

• Wombats use their heads to construct tunnels, creating burrows that serve as their shelter and protection.
• Wombats are considered the closest relatives of koalas, sharing certain similarities in their evolutionary history.

Wombats are fascinating creatures with their unique physical features and behavior. They have adapted to their habitat in the Australian Outback and play an important role in the ecosystem as herbivorous grazers.

10. Koalas

Koalas, indeed, inhabit the Australian Outback and are widely recognized as one of the cutest animals. They typically weigh between 9 to 33 pounds and measure around 2 to 3 feet in length.

Also Called: Koalas are known by various names, including bandicoot, wallaby, native bear, koala bear, kangaroo bear, possum, and euro. It’s important to note that while some of these names include “bear,” koalas are actually marsupials.

Koala’s Food: Koalas primarily inhabit eucalyptus trees and feed on their leaves. On average, they consume 200 to 500 grams of eucalyptus fronds per day. Koalas have a 200 cm long caecum, which contains bacteria that aid in the breakdown of food for easy digestion. The high water content in eucalyptus leaves fulfills a significant portion of their hydration needs, reducing their dependence on drinking water.

Natural Habitat: Koalas spend most of their time in the branches of eucalyptus trees, which provide protection against predators. They also inhabit bloodwood trees, paperback trees, and brush boxes, showcasing their arboreal nature. Koalas are found in the woodlands and forests of eastern Australia. However, due to habitat loss resulting from factors such as deforestation, they can also be found inland. Koalas prefer bushland habitats as they provide their favored tree species.

Fast Facts:

• Koalas sleep for approximately 18 to 20 hours each day.
• They are most active between 5 pm and midnight.
• Koalas bear a resemblance to wombats, as they are both marsupials.
• Female koalas carry their young, called joeys, inside their pouches for around seven months.

Koalas are iconic and beloved animals, known for their cuddly appearance and unique lifestyle. Their specialized diet, dependence on specific tree species, and adorable behaviors make them a cherished species of the Australian Outback.

Other Animals In the Australian Outback:

You’re absolutely right! The Australian Outback is home to a rich and diverse array of animal species, beyond the ten mentioned earlier. Here are some additional notable Australian animals:

Python: Various python species can be found in the Australian Outback, such as the carpet python and the diamond python. These non-venomous snakes are known for their impressive size and are part of Australia’s unique reptilian fauna.

Tasmanian devils: While primarily associated with the island state of Tasmania, Tasmanian devils can also be found in certain regions of the Australian mainland. These carnivorous marsupials are known for their strong jaws and fierce demeanor.

Kookaburras: These iconic birds are known for their distinctive call, which resembles laughter. Kookaburras are kingfisher species that inhabit various habitats across Australia, including the Outback. They are often seen perched on branches, hunting for prey.

Parma Wallaby: This small and elusive marsupial is found in parts of eastern Australia, including the Outback. It is known for its distinctive reddish-brown fur and bushy tail.

Palm Cockatoo: The palm cockatoo is a large species of cockatoo that is found in the northern regions of Australia, including the Outback. These charismatic birds are known for their unique crest and drumming display.

Duck-billed Platypus: The duck-billed platypus is a fascinating and unique mammal found in various waterways across Australia, including the Outback. With its beaver-like tail, duck-like bill, and ability to lay eggs, it is a truly remarkable creature.

Short-beaked Echidna: Echidnas, also known as spiny anteaters, can be found throughout Australia, including the Outback. These small mammals have spiky spines, a long snout, and a specialized tongue for feeding on ants and termites.

Emu: Emus are large flightless birds that are native to Australia. They are known for their distinctive appearance, with long legs, a tall stature, and a curious, inquisitive nature.

These are just a few examples of the diverse wildlife that can be found in the Australian Outback. The region is teeming with unique and fascinating animals that have adapted to the harsh and varied environments of the Australian continent.

FAQs

What animals can you find in the Australian Outback?

The Australian Outback is known for its vast and unique wildlife, with a plethora of species found nowhere else in the world. Kangaroos, wallabies, and wallaroos are just a few of the many marsupials that call the Outback home. 

In addition to these iconic creatures, there are also numerous types of lizards, snakes, and birds that roam the arid landscape. Many of these species have developed adaptations to survive in harsh conditions, such as the frilled neck lizard’s ability to intimidate predators and the echidna’s ability to survive without water for weeks. 

How many animals are in the Australian Outback?

The Australian Outback is home to a diverse range of wildlife, but estimating the exact number of animals that reside there can be a difficult task. With its vast expanse of desert, grasslands, and woodlands, the Outback is home to an estimated 600,000 species of flora and fauna, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, echidnas, and numerous species of birds and reptiles. While the Outback’s wildlife can be elusive and difficult to spot, it’s clear that this unique ecosystem is an important habitat for a vast array of species.

How do animals survive in the Outback?

Surviving in the Outback, a vast and arid region of Australia, is no mean feat for any animal. The harsh climate, limited vegetation, and sparse water sources present significant challenges to even the toughest of creatures. So how do they do it? Well, the answer lies in their incredible adaptations. Many animals, such as kangaroos, have highly efficient respiratory and digestive systems that enable them to extract every last drop of moisture and nutrients from their food.

Final Words

The Australian Outback is a vast and diverse landscape that provides a natural habitat to a range of native and non-native animals. From the harsh deserts to the lush woodlands and tall mountain ranges, this continent boasts a unique collection of creatures that can only be found here. 

Some of these animals are known for their dangerous and poisonous nature, while others are surprisingly human-friendly. Among the top 10 animals that call the Outback home are the Sand Goanna, Thorny Devil, Dingo, Wombat, and Koalas, each one offering visitors a rare opportunity to witness the beauty and wonder of Australian wildlife. 

Reference:

• https://sdzwildlifeexplorers.org/sites/default/files/curricula/AO_curriculum_2017.pdf
• https://ulurutoursaustralia.com.au/blog/how-does-animals-survive-in-the-outback 
• https://www.natureaustralia.org.au/what-we-do/our-priorities/wildlife/wildlife-stories/10-weird-and-wonderful-wildlife-of-australia