Stephens' Banded Snake

Hoplocephalus stephensii or the Stephens' Banded Snake

Did you know...

• Stephens' banded snake is one of the few arboreal (tree-dwelling) venomous Australian snakes.
• They can grow up to about 1 metre in length.
• The Stephens' Banded Snake gives birth to around six live young.
• While there are no recorded deaths from bites from this species, the Stephens' Banded Snake is considered dangerous.

• They are found along the mid-east coast, usually in mountain rainforests.
• Their diet consists mainly of frogs.

Where the Stephens' banded snake can be found in Australia:

Stephens' Banded Snake

Red-barred Dragon

Ctenophorus vadnappa or the Red-barred Dragon

This ornate little dragon from the Flinders Ranges in South Australia is one of the most distinctly marked small dragon species. They are found on and around rocky outcrops surrounded by low shrubby growth. The red-barred dragon basks on the rocks by day, and seeks shelter in rock crevices for sleep and safety at night time. The species name, 'vadnappa', comes from the Aboriginal name for this species, which means 'painted lizard'.

Like many lizard species, the male Red-barred Dragon gains more colour at maturity than the female. Males will display to females and other males by raising their tails, pushing up with their hind bodies, and bobbing their heads. The female red-barred dragon can lay 3 clutches of eggs in a good season, for example when there is abundant food. Each clutch will contain between 2 and 5 eggs. The red-barred dragon grows to a maximum length of about 28 cm.

Did you know...

• This ornate little dragon from the Flinders Ranges in South Australia is one of the most distinctly marked small dragon species.
• The Red-barred Dragon can be found on and around rocky outcrops surrounded by low shrubby growth. The red-barred dragon basks on the rocks by day, and seeks shelter in rock crevices for sleep and safety at night time.
• The species name, vadnappa, comes from the Aboriginal name for this species, which means 'painted lizard'.
• Males will display to females and other males by raising their tails, pushing up with their hind bodies and bobbing their heads.

Where to find Red-barred Dragons in Australia:

Red-barred Dragon

Australian Scorpions

Scorpiones and The Australian Scorpions

Scorpions are nocturnal, predatory animals that feed on a wide range of invertebrates, such as insects, spiders, and even other scorpions. They are found on all continents except Antarctica. Australian scorpions can be found from the moist coasts all the way into the arid interior. Along the east coast of Queensland, scorpions are often found in and around people's houses. For unknown reasons, scorpions will glow brightly under ultraviolet light. This makes it very easy for scientists to collect scorpions at night - they just look for the bright green animal when they wave an ultraviolet light around!

Australian scorpions can give a painful sting, but they're not considered dangerous. Some African and Middle Eastern scorpions are responsible for killing many people each year. If you get stung by a scorpion, apply an ice pack to try to reduce the pain and swelling. If the pain continues, seek medical attention. Scorpions make great pest controllers around the home, keeping the cockroaches under control. If you find one in your house (they often come up through drain pipes), encourage it into a plastic container and take it outside.

Did you know...

• Scorpions are nocturnal, predatory animals that feed on a wide range of invertebrates, such as insects, spiders, and even other scorpions. Australian scorpions can be found from the moist coasts all the way into the arid interior.
• For unknown reasons, scorpions glow brightly under ultraviolet light. This makes it very easy for scientists to collect scorpions at night - they just look for the bright green animal when they wave an ultraviolet light around!
• Australian scorpions can give a painful sting, but they're not deadly. Some African and Middle Eastern scorpions are responsible for killing many people each year.
• Scorpions make great pest controllers around the home, keeping the cockroaches at bay. If you find one in your house, encourage it into a plastic container and take it outside.

Australian Scorpions

Tawny Frogmouth

Podargus strigoides or the Tawny Frogmouth

The daytime camouflage of the tawny frogmouth is extraordinary. Sitting perfectly still on their chosen roost the stretched neck and mottled colours give the illusion of the birds being part of the tree they are sitting in. When disturbed they will close the eyes to just a little slit and sit still hoping their camouflage works. Only when really pushed will they take off with snapping beaks showing the bright yellow inside of the mouth.

They will stay in the same home range (between 20 to 80 acres) for many years, utilising the same tree each year for a nest. The nest can be within the hollow of a tree or a platform of crisscrossed twigs 3-15 metres from the ground. Both parents share the duties of raising the babies. The male and female of this species pair permanently and during the day roost near one another, often side by side on bare but sheltered branches. The tawny frogmouth is a nocturnal (active at night time) bird, feeding on large insects and spiders.

Did you know...

• Tawny frogmouths aren't owls. They belong to a separate family.
• It's important that we keep old, dead trees in our parks, yards and forests to provide homes and nesting sites for animals such as frogmouths, owls, parrots and possums.
• The daytime camouflage of the tawny frogmouth is extraordinary. Sitting perfectly still on their chosen roost the stretched neck and mottled colours give the illusion of the birds being part of the tree they are sitting in.
• When disturbed they will close the eyes to just a little slit and sit still hoping their camouflage works. Only when really pushed will they take off with snapping beaks showing the bright yellow inside of the mouth.

Range of Tawny Frogmouths in Australia:

Tawny Frogmouth

Spotted-tailed Quoll

Dasyurus maculatus or the Spotted-tailed Quoll

The tiger or spotted-tailed quoll is the second largest of the world's surviving carnivorous marsupials (the largest is the Tasmanian devil). Male tiger quolls can measure up to 130 cm long and 4 kg in weight. Females are significantly smaller than males. The tiger quoll is found on the east coast of mainland Australia, but is rare. They can be found in northern Queensland, and from southern Queensland to Tasmania. The tiger quoll is now threatened throughout its mainland range.

The tiger or spotted-tailed quoll is solitary and nocturnal. They are capable hunters, killing their prey with their powerful jaws. Prey consumed includes rats, gliding possums, small or injured wallabies, reptiles and insects. Breeding occurs in early winter with females giving birth to up to 6 young after a gestation period of 21 days. After about 10 weeks the young are left in grass-lined dens located in burrows or hollow logs leaving the female free to hunt and forage. By the end of November they are weaned (no longer suckling) and become independent of the female.

Did you know...

• The spotted-tailed quoll is the second largest of the world's surviving carnivorous marsupials (the largest is the Tasmanian devil). Male tiger quolls can measure up to 130 cm long and 4 kg in weight.
• The tiger quoll is found on the east coast of mainland Australia, but is rare. They are also found in Tasmania.
• Tiger quolls are capable hunters, killing their prey by biting on or behind the head. Prey taken by these quolls include rats, gliding possums, small or injured wallabies, reptiles and insects.
• Breeding occurs in early winter with females giving birth to up to 6 young after a gestation period of 21 days.

Where in Australia Spotted-tailed Quolls are found:

spotted-tailed quoll

Blue Mountains Tree Frog

Litoria citropa or the Blue Mountains Tree Frog

Found in the coast of New South Wales to the Blue Mountains, the Blue Mountains Tree Frog is a beautifully coloured frog with a base colour of medium brown it has a dark line from its nose to its groin with a lighter line above it.

The Blue Mountains Tree Frog has bright green spots on their head and limbs as well as orange and red marks on their arms and legs making them quite a sight to see.

The Blue Mountains Tree Frog is a wonderful jumper and even a great swimmer although they do not have webbed feet like other frogs.

Blue Mountains Tree Frog

Broad-headed Snake

Hoplocephalus bungaroides or the Broad-headed Snake

Did you know...

• Broad-headed snakes are endangered. Their habitat has been destroyed by people taking bush rocks to put in gardens.
• These snakes are found in the sandstone country around Sydney. They shelter in crevices and under slabs of rock.

• Broad-headed snake eats mainly geckos, but will also take mammals such as mice.
• The Broad-headed Snake give birth to around 6 live young.
• The adult Broad-headed Snake can reach a length of about 60cm.

Where to find the Australian Broad-headed snake

Broad-headed Snake

Painted Turtle

Emydura subglobosa and the Painted Turtle

The bright red underside of this turtle gives it its common name. This colour fades as the animal grows, but still remains in adults as a reddish tinge. In Australia, painted turtles are found only in the Jardine River system at the top of the Cape York Peninsula. Because of this extremely limited distribution, the painted turtle is classed as rare in Australia. They are, however, widespread in Papua New Guinea.

The painted turtle can be found in clear rivers, lakes and lagoons, where they inhabit areas with abundant aquatic vegetation and natural basking sites with both gravel and sandy bottoms. As with all freshwater turtles, painted turtles spend most of their time in the water, coming out occasionally to bask in the sun or, in the case of females, to lay eggs on a river bank. Their diet includes fish, aquatic insects, water snails and greenery.

Did you know...

• The bright red underside of this turtle gives it its common name. This colour fades as the animal grows, but still remains in adults as a reddish tinge.
• As with all freshwater turtles, the painted turtle spends most of their time in the water, coming out occasionally to bask in the sun or, in the case of females, to lay eggs on a river bank.
• In Australia, painted turtles are found only in the Jardine River system at the top of the Cape York Peninsula. Painted turtles are classed as rare in Australia; they are, however, widespread in Papua New Guinea.
• Their diet includes fish, aquatic insects, water snails and greenery.

Where Painted Turtles can be found in Australia:

Painted Turtle

Central Netted Dragon

Ctenophorus nuchalis or the central netted dragon

Male central netted dragon perches on high vantage points, such as termite mounds (which also serve as a source of food for this insectivore), dirt hills, logs, and fence posts. They will retreat to a nearby burrow if they feel threatened by a predator, or if the temperature gets too high. They will often backfill the entrance to this burrow to prevent entry by predators, and to keep the heat out.

It appears that this species is quite short lived in the wild, with few individuals surviving more than one or two years. As with many of the dragon species, central netted dragons will communicate with members of their own species by bobbing their head and waving their legs. Males use these display signs to intimidate rival males, in an attempt to ward off any potential takeover bids.

Did you know...

• Central netted dragon perches on high vantage points, such as termite mounds (which also serve as a source of food for this insectivore), dirt hills, logs, and fence posts.
• It appears that this species is quite short lived in the wild, with few individuals surviving more than one or two years.
• The netted dragon will retreat to their nearest burrow if they feel threatened by a predator.
• As with many of the dragon species, central netted dragons will communicate with other members of their species by bobbing their head and waving their legs.
• Males use these display signs to intimidate rival males, in an attempt to ward off any potential takeover bids.

Distribution of Central Netted Dragon in Australia:

central netted dragon

Giant Burrowing Cockroach

Macropanesthia rhinoceros or the Giant Burrowing Cockroach

These north-Queensland natives are the biggest cockroaches in the world! These insects really are giants (compared to other cockroaches), growing up to 80,000 micrometres (that's 8 centimetres) and weighing up to 35,000,000,000 nanograms (about 35 grams). Like a lot of cockroaches, the female Giant Burrowing Cockroach gives birth to up to 30 live young. The babies will stay in the burrow with their mum until they're old enough to venture out on their own. Being burrowers, these cockroaches have lost the need for flight and so they do not have wings.

Giant burrowing cockroach can be great, low maintenance pets. They can live for up to 10 years, and love to eat dry gum leaves. They are a far cry from the pesky introduced cockroaches that can be seen scurrying under the fridge when you turn your kitchen light on at night. Burrowing cockroaches are slow-moving, and would prefer to eat leaves in your yard rather than your left over pizza. Although these roaches are gigantic by today's standards, they're dwarfs compared to the insects that were around during the reign of the dinosaurs.

Did you know...

• These insects really are giants (compared to other cockroaches), growing up to 80,000 micrometres (that's 8 centimetres) and weighing up to 35,000,000,000 nanograms (about 35 grams).
• Being burrowers, these cockroaches have lost the need for flight and so they do not have wings.
• Like a lot of cockroaches, the female Giant Burrowing Cockroach gives birth to up to 30 live young.
• Although these roaches are giant by today's standards, they're dwarves compared to the insects that were around during the reign of the dinosaurs. The higher oxygen content in the air enabled insects to grow much, much larger, with some dragonflies having wingspans of up to 76 cm!

Giant Burrowing Cockroach

Red-plumed Spinifex Pigeon

Geophaps plumifera or the Red-plumed Spinifex Pigeon

A small, distinctive pigeon usually found in pairs or small parties of up to 12 birds. The Red-plumed Spinifex Pigeon is a beautiful pigeon found in Central and North Australia including the West Coast. It breeds through the year, and is a permanent resident of the arid spinifex grasslands. Although from dry areas, they must have access to water. After the rains, when the ground is covered with quick growing plants, the pigeons breed and their numbers increase. Though they live on the ground and can walk long distances, they are still very capable of flying.

The Red-plumed Spinifex Pigeon is almost exclusively terrestrial in its habits, and seldom flies. It is generally tame and approachable and has the habit of sitting motionless for long periods on a rock or some other conspicuous vantage point. The sexes in this species look very similar. Immature birds resemble adults, but have less distinct markings.

Did you know...

• The Red-plumed Spinifex Pigeon is almost exclusively terrestrial in its habits, and seldom flies. It is approachable and has the habit of sitting motionless for long periods on a conspicuous vantage point.
• Though they live on the ground and can walk long distances, they are still very capable of flying.
• These distinctive pigeons are usually found in pairs or small parties of up to 12 birds.
• After the rain, when the ground is covered with quick growing plants, the pigeons breed and their numbers increase.

Where in Australia you can find Red-plumed Spinifex Pigeons:

Red-plumed Spinifex Pigeon

Northern Quoll

Dasyurus hallucatus or the Northern Quoll

The northern quoll belongs to the same genus as the spotted-tailed quoll which is found on the east coast of Australia. Wild northern quolls are reputed to be the most aggressive of all the quoll species. Northern quoll can be generally found in habitats with trees, preferring rocky country or open Eucalypt forest close to the coast. These voracious feeders will dine on pretty much anything they can fit in their mouths - mice, dunnarts, lizards, snakes, frogs, road kill, grasshoppers, cockroaches, etc.

The Northern Quoll has only a few years lifespan. Despite being marsupials (pouched mammals), the female Northern Quoll don't have a true pouch. Instead, during the breeding season they develop a fold of skin on their belly that they use to contain their developing young. The average litter size is 6. Although locally common in many parts of their range, the Northern Quoll has suffered a large decline in their distribution. Typical causes for their decline include agriculture, land clearing and altered fire regimes. The introduced and toxic cane toad is also thought to have contributed to a decrease in the population size of these beautiful creatures.

Did you know...

• Northern quolls are generally found in habitats with trees, preferring rocky country or open Eucalypt forest close to the coast.
• Despite being marsupials (pouched mammals), female quolls don't have a true pouch. Instead, during the breeding season they develop a fold of skin on their belly that will contain their developing young.
• These voracious feeders will dine on pretty much anything they can fit in their mouths - mice, dunnarts, lizards, snakes, frogs, road kill, grasshoppers, cockroaches, etc.
• Northern quolls have suffered a large decline in their distribution. As well as habitat destruction, the introduced and toxic cane toad is thought to have contributed to their decline.

Range of Northern Quolls throughout Australia:

Northern Quoll

Green-striped Frog

Litoria alboguttata or the Green-striped frog

Green-striped burrowing frogs are not typical frogs. They can be found in drier environments, such as woodland, cleared land, and drier forests. The male Green-striped frog calls from beside temporary waterholes after periods of heavy rain. Their call has been described as a loud and rapid quacking sound. These frogs can remain underground for up to seven years while they wait for the rains to come. They form protective cocoons by shedding their skin repeatedly. These skin layers form a waterproof shell around the buried frog, preventing them from drying out.

These frogs will eat anything they can fit in their mouths. This is normally insects and other invertebrates, but they will also eat small lizards and mammals, and even other members of their own species! In captivity, the green-striped frog can develop a very strong feeding response. The Green-striped frog will try to eat anything in front of them that moves, including unwary fingers! These frogs are sometimes mistaken for toads. Not all frogs are green!

Did you know...

• The Green-striped burrowing frog can remain underground for up to seven years while they wait for the rains to come.
• They form protective cocoons by shedding their skin repeatedly. This forms a waterproof shell around the buried frog, preventing them from drying out.
• These frogs will eat anything they can fit in their mouths. This is normally insects and other invertebrates, but they will also eat small lizards and mammals, and even other members of their own species!
• In captivity, they will try to eat anything in front of them that moves, including unwary fingers!
• These frogs are sometimes mistaken for toads. Not all frogs are green!

Where to find the Green-striped Frog in Australia:

Green-striped Frog

Pale-headed Snake

Hoplocephalus bitorquatus or the Pale-headed Snake

Did you know...

• The Pale-headed Snake is arboreal, which means it lives in trees. They shelter in hollows and under loose bark on standing trees.
• The Pale-headed Snake is highly venomous.

• They eat mainly frogs, but will also eat reptiles and mammals.
• When threatened, the Pale-headed Snake flattens their head and rear up.
• Pale-headed snakes don't lay eggs, instead giving birth to around five live young.

Where the Pale-headed snake can be found in Australia:

Pale-headed Snake

Mary River Turtle

Elusor macrurus or the Mary River Turtle

This distinctive species of freshwater turtle was only described by scientists in 1994 from the Mary River in the hinterland north of the Brisbane region. As a fully grown adult it is probably our largest freshwater turtle, making it even more intriguing that it escaped notice by scientists for so long. The species was in fact known from hatchlings, which were sold in pet shops as 'penny turtles'. It was through this that the Mary River Turtle species came to the attention of Sydney turtle researcher John Cann. During a period spanning more than 20 years he tried to trace the source of the baby turtles that were being sent to the pet shops.

After many unsuccessful attempts he finally located the source, which was a property on the Mary River. John described the turtle with an American researcher in 1994. Like his previous discovery, the Fitzroy River turtle, the turtle from the Mary River is equally strange in its biology. Both species share a mode of 'cloacal breathing' where oxygen is taken in through the surface of the cloaca. It also is recognized as one of the most threatened species of freshwater turtle in eastern Australia.

Did you know...

• The Mary River Turtle was only described by scientists in 1994 from the Mary River in the hinterland north of the Brisbane region.
• The Mary River Turtle species were sold in pet shops as 'penny turtles'. It was through these that the species came to the attention of Sydney turtle researcher John Cann. It took John more than 20 years to trace the baby turtles to the Mary River.
• Mary river turtles are recognized as one of the most threatened species of freshwater turtle in Australia.
• Despite this, the Queensland government is planning on damming the Mary River at for the Traveston Crossing dam project. This dam will have untold consequences for the many rare species found in the Mary River, including this turtle.

Where to spot the Mary River Turtle in Australia:

Mary River Turtle

Saltwater Crocodile

Crocodylus porosus or the Saltwater Crocodile

The saltwater crocodile is the largest reptile in the world. Males can grow up to 7 metres long, while females can reach a still-impressive 3 metres. In Australia, crocodiles were hunted to near extinction, but their numbers have increased since receiving protection in about 1970. As their name suggests, saltwater crocodiles can live quite happily in salt water. They have numerous salt glands on their tongues which get rid of excess salt from the crocodiles' bodies.

A female saltwater crocodile will make a nest by using her feet to scrape together vegetation, such as leaves, grass, and sticks. She'll then lay about 50 eggs in this nest. As the vegetation rots it generates heat, which keeps the eggs nice and warm, while the mother guards her nest. When the babies hatch, they call out to their mum, who will dig them out and carry them to the water in her mouth. The sex of the babies is determined by the temperature the eggs were incubated at. Mostly males will be produced when the eggs are kept at about 31.6 degrees Celcius, with mostly females resulting from temperatures higher or lower than this.

Did you know...

• The saltwater crocodile is the largest reptile in the world. Males can grow up to 7 metres long, while females can reach a still-impressive 3 metres.
• In Australia, crocodiles were hunted to near extinction, but their numbers have increased since receiving protection around 1970.
• As their name suggests, saltwater crocodiles can live quite happily in salt water. They have dozens of glands on their tongues which get rid of excess salt from the crocodile's body.
• The sex of baby crocs is determined by the temperature the eggs were incubated at. Mostly males will be produced when the eggs are kept at about 31.6 degrees Celcius, with mostly females resulting from temperatures higher or lower than this.

Where to find Saltwater Crocodiles in Australia:

Saltwater Crocodile

Peninsula Dragon

Ctenophorus fionni or the Peninsula Dragon

Found on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula and some offshore islands, these small, sun-loving dragons feed on virtually any insects they can catch, including ants. Females are usually smaller than males, and will lay two to four eggs per clutch. Eggs are laid from spring to early summer. The Peninsula dragon can be found in and around rocky outcrops where it hide in the crevices formed between rocks.

As with many species of dragon, the peninsula dragon will display to other members of the same species by bobbing their heads and waving their arms.

Did you know...

• Found on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula and some offshore islands, these small, sun-loving dragons feed on virtually any insects they can catch, including ants.
• As with many species of dragon, the peninsula dragon displays to other members of the same species by bobbing their heads and waving their arms.
• Females are usually smaller than males, and will lay two to four eggs per clutch. Eggs are laid from spring to early summer.
• Peninsula dragons are found in and around rocky outcrops where they hide in the crevices formed between rocks.

Where Peninsula Dragons are found in Australia:

Peninsula Dragon

Australian Centipedes

Chilopoda and the Australian Centipedes

Contrary to popular belief (and indeed their own name!), centipedes don't necessarily have 100 legs. Unlike millipedes, centipedes have only 1 pair of legs per body segment, whereas millipedes have 2 pairs. Centipedes are carnivorous, feeding on a variety of small animals (including frogs and lizards!), but mainly insects. They catch their prey using their powerful jaws located at the front of the head. The last pair of legs in many centipedes is usually strong and brightly coloured, and although they look quite dangerous they are only used to grasp prey or wave in the air as a defensive display.

Australian Centipedes can be found in a variety of habitats, but prefer moist, dark areas that are protected from the weather. They can often be found under rocks and logs, in leaf litter and under the bark of trees. Adult centipedes usually spend the winter months in a sheltered spot, coming out in spring to lay eggs. Eggs are generally laid in the soil, although there are some species that give birth to live young. Small Australian Centipedes are quite common in backyards. The larger species can give a painful, but not life-threatening, bite.

Did you know...

• Contrary to popular belief (and indeed their own name!), centipedes don't necessarily have 100 legs.
• Unlike millipedes, centipedes have only 1 pair of legs per body segment (millipedes have 2 pairs per segment).
• Australian Centipedes are carnivorous, feeding on a variety of small animals (including frogs and lizards!), but mainly insects.
• Larger Australian Centipedes can give a painful, but not life-threatening, bite.
• The last pair of legs in many centipedes are usually strong and brightly coloured. Although these legs look quite dangerous, the centipede bites with its powerful jaws.

Australian Centipedes

Gouldian Finch

Erythrura gouldiae or the Gouldian Finch

This beautiful little bird was once widespread through the grassy subcoastal woodlands of northern Australia, from the Kimberleys to Cape York Peninsula. Sadly, due to frequent burning of their feeding grounds and the spread of a mite from the farming of cereal crops, the Gouldian Finch occurs in just half their previous range. They are almost gone from around the Gulf and Cape York and the remaining colonies contain far fewer birds than before human interference. Gouldian Finches are kept widely as pets, and bred in an array of amazing colours.

The Gouldian Finch likes to feed on seeding grasses, not on the ground but by climbing the vertical grass spikes and picking out the grains. They also enjoy flying ants, and are experts at catching these in midair. When the ants are flying  these finches become almost entirely insectivorous.They are social birds, living together in small to large flocks. They are the only Australian finch to nest exclusively in tree hollows or termite mounds. They will often nest together, with up to 6 pairs sharing a single tree. The parents share the nest duties, but only the female sleeps in the nest at night. They will often rear 2 or 3 broods in each season.

Did you know...

• The Gouldian Finch bird was once widespread through the grassy subcoastal woodlands of northern Australia, from the Kimberley to Cape York Peninsula.
• Sadly, due to frequent burning of their feeding ground sand the spread of a mite from the farming of cereal crops, gouldian finches occur in just half their previous range.
• Gouldian Finches are kept widely as pets, and bred in an array of amazing colours.
• Gouldian Finches like to feed on seeding grasses, not on the ground but by climbing the vertical grass spikes and picking out the grains.
• They also enjoy flying ants, and are experts at catching these in midair.

Where in Australia is the abode of Gouldian Finch:

Gouldian Finch

Rufous Bettong

Aepyprymnus rufescens or the Rufous Bettong

The Rufous bettong likes to eat herbs, grasses, roots and tubers during the night. They may also dig up and eat fungi. Like the red kangaroo, they do not need to drink free water, but may do so when it is available and there is a drought. The rufous bettong likes to hang out in areas that are sparsely vegetated but are close to areas with a dense understorey to escape from predators.

The Rufous bettong sleeps in nests that they build and fill with grassy material. However, they frequently change their nests, and may use up to five at a time. Rufous bettongs are not really social, but some males may defend up to two females and will consequently spend a lot of time with them. Breeding occurs all year round, with females giving birth after 22-24 days of gestation. Mothers give birth to one baby, which stays with them for about 23 weeks, sharing the nest and feeding with them.

Did you know...

• Rufous bettongs sleep in nests that they build and fill with grassy material.
• They frequently change their nests, and may use up to five at a time that are located throughout their home range.
• Like the red kangaroo, they do not need to drink free water, getting enough water from the food they eat.
• Breeding occurs all year round, with females giving birth after 22-24 days of gestation.
• Mothers give birth to one baby, which stays with them for about 23 weeks. It starts off in the pouch, but eventually will share the nest and feed with its mum.

Where Rufous Bettongs dwell across Australia:

Rufous Bettong