[2] A parasite found in arid regions of Australia, the species occurs on red kangaroos, lizards and people.

[1] Ornithodoros gurneyi is mostly known as a parasite of the red kangaroo (Osphranter rufus) and wallabies.

When not attached to a host, it resides in the soil of caves and the wallows made by kangaroos beneath shady trees.

An investigation of its anecdotal reputation for biting humans reported one verified instance along with other records.

A study of bobtail lizards in captivity found the animal was a suitable host for this species, surviving and moulting, and may have a role in their dispersal to new sites.