Mammals of Australia
The mammals of Australia have a rich fossil history, as well as a variety of extant mammalian species, dominated by the marsupials, but also including monotremes and placentals.
[1] For example, the top mammalian predators in Australia, the Tasmanian tiger and the marsupial lion, bore a striking resemblance to large canids such as the gray wolf and large cats respectively; gliding possums and flying squirrels have similar adaptations enabling their arboreal lifestyle; and the numbat and anteaters are both digging insectivores.
The fossil record shows that monotremes have been present in Australia since the Early Cretaceous 145 to 99 million years ago (mya).
When a platypus pelt was first presented by Joseph Banks to English naturalists in the late 18th century, they were convinced it must be a cleverly created hoax.
The world's largest surviving carnivorous marsupial is the Tasmanian devil; it is the size of a small dog and hunts although it is opportunistic.
Wombats use their rodent-like front teeth and powerful claws to dig extensive burrow systems; they are mainly crepuscular and nocturnal.
The Potoroidae include the bettongs, potaroos and rat-kangaroos, small species that make nests and carry plant material with their tails.
The musky rat-kangaroo is the smallest macropod and the only species that is not bipedal, while the male red kangaroo is the largest, reaching a height of about 2 metres (6 ft 7 in) and weighing up to 85 kilograms (187 lb).
About a million years ago, the rat entered Australia from New Guinea and evolved into seven species of Rattus, collectively called the "new endemics".
The dugong (order Sirenia) is an endangered marine species that inhabits the waters of northeastern and northwestern Australia, particularly the Torres Strait.
The distinctive nature of Australia's mammalian fauna, with a high rate of endemism, underscores the global significance of these conservation efforts.
Key strategies include the creation of Safe Havens or predator-free areas providing a refuge from predators such as cats and foxes, which are responsible for the decline of many native species.
This includes activities like reforestation, erosion control, and management of fire regimes to ensure habitats remain suitable for their mammalian inhabitants.
Captive breeding, translocation, and reintroduction aimed to bolster wild populations and are often supported by extensive research into the biology and ecology of the species to optimize their chances of survival.
This involves regularly assessing the effectiveness of conservation actions and being willing to modify approaches based on new scientific findings and changing environmental conditions.
