Australia’s most common animals: From Roos to Rodents
Australia is famous for its unique wildlife, but while many people marvel at kangaroos, koalas, and wombats, there’s another side to Australian fauna – the species that you are most likely to encounter. These animals, while less glamorous, are vital to Australia’s ecosystems. If you’re wondering what the most common animals in Australia are and which species even outnumber humans, this article will provide all the answers.
What Animal is the Most Common in Australia?
When it comes to sheer numbers, insects like ants, flies, and mosquitoes dominate Australia’s animal population. However, mammals are often what people are curious about. Among Australia’s most common mammals, kangaroos reign supreme.
Kangaroos: They are everywhere!
Kangaroos are as iconic to Australia as the Sydney Opera House, but did you know they vastly outnumber humans? It’s estimated that kangaroo populations can reach up to 50 million during wet periods when food is abundant. This means kangaroos are more common than the 26 million people living in Australia.
There are four main species of kangaroo, but the Eastern Grey Kangaroo and Red Kangaroo are the most common. Found in open woodlands and grasslands, these marsupials thrive in a range of habitats, often roaming in large groups known as mobs.
While kangaroos are the most famous of Australia’s common animals, they’re not the only ones with booming populations.
What Animal is More Common than Humans in Australia?
Apart from kangaroos, there are several species that outnumber the human population. Let’s take a look at some of these:
Sheep: The Farming Giants
Though not a native species, sheep play a huge role in Australia’s agricultural economy. In fact, there are over 70 million sheep in the country—almost triple the human population. Australia is one of the world’s largest exporters of wool, and sheep farming is a key industry in rural regions.
Rabbits: Invasive and Prolific
Another non-native species with overwhelming numbers is the rabbit. Introduced in the 19th century, rabbits have since become an invasive species, wreaking havoc on ecosystems. Despite government efforts to control their population, there are still an estimated 200 million rabbits across Australia. They reproduce rapidly, contributing to environmental degradation by damaging native vegetation and competing with indigenous species for food.
What is Australia’s Most Common Animal?
If we focus on native wildlife, aside from kangaroos, possums are some of the most widespread animals across the country.
Brushtail Possums: The Nighttime Neighbors
The Common Brushtail Possum is often found in urban areas, particularly in suburban backyards. Adaptable and nocturnal, they have learned to live alongside humans, often spotted in trees or roofs during the night. Their distinctive bushy tail and large eyes make them easy to identify, and their population thrives in cities as well as in the wild.
Emus: The Flightless Wanderers
Another common native species is the emu, Australia’s largest bird. Although their numbers aren’t as high as kangaroos or possums, they are widely distributed across the mainland, especially in grasslands, savannahs, and forest edges. Emus are flightless but fast on their feet, roaming large distances in search of food.
What Animal Has the Highest Population in Australia?
While kangaroos top the list of mammals, the animal with the highest population across the country might surprise you: it’s ants!
Ants: The Small but Mighty Inhabitants
Australia is home to thousands of species of ants, with populations numbering in the billions. These insects play an essential role in ecosystems by aerating soil, spreading seeds, and controlling other insect populations. In some parts of the country, meat ants are especially common, often seen creating extensive nests in the ground. Ants are incredibly adaptive and can be found in every corner of the continent, from deserts to forests.
Other Common Australian Animals
Bats: Nature’s Pollinators
Australia is home to a diverse array of bats, which are also among the country’s most common animals. Flying foxes, in particular, are found in large numbers along the eastern coast. Bats play a crucial role in pollination and controlling insect populations, but their loud roosting behavior can sometimes cause friction in urban areas.
Cockatoos and Other Birds
Australia is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with cockatoos, lorikeets, and magpies commonly spotted across the country. Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, with their distinctive white feathers and yellow crests, are found everywhere from coastal cities to the bush. Magpies are another familiar sight, known for their striking black and white feathers and melodious calls.
Rodents: Native and Introduced
While many people associate rodents with pests, Australia has several native species like marsupial mice. However, it’s the introduced house mouse that has skyrocketed in numbers, particularly in rural farming areas. During boom cycles, mice populations can surge into the millions, causing widespread damage to crops and buildings.
Australia’s Unique and Common Wildlife
Overall, Australia is home to a stunning 500,000 species, of which around 87% are endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world.
The most common species are often the ones people overlook in favor of the more exotic creatures like koalas and platypuses. Kangaroos, possums, and even sheep are part of what makes Australia’s animal population so distinctive, contributing to the biodiversity that makes this country unique.
Conservation Efforts and Threats
Despite their abundance and adaptability, many of Australia’s most common animals face significant threats in the wild. Habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change are just a few of the challenges facing these animals, and conservation efforts are underway to protect them and their habitats.
Conservation efforts in Australia include:
- The establishment of national parks and protected areas to preserve critical habitats and wildlife populations.
- Captive breeding programs to boost populations of threatened species and reintroduce them to the wild.
- Research and monitoring programs to better understand the biology and ecology of Australia’s unique wildlife.
- Community education and outreach programs to promote coexistence between humans and wildlife.
Celebrating Australia’s Common Creatures
While much attention is paid to Australia’s rare and unique species, the common animals of the country deserve just as much recognition. From the ubiquitous kangaroo to the surprisingly abundant sheep, these animals play an important role in Australia’s ecosystems and economy. Whether you’re trekking through the bush or walking through your local park, keep an eye out – you’re sure to encounter some of these common Aussie animals along the way.
