What's so special about it?

The country of Australia is widely famed for its fauna: strange animals symbolic of the southern continent since the first description of a kangaroo was recorded on the western coast by the navigator Pelsart in 1629.

Kangaroo, koala and platypus have been the basis of almost every Australian wildlife book. However, there are many other creatures peculiar to this land that are not only more colourful, but in a way of life and adaptation reveal as fascinating a story of evolution as their more popular peers.

Some, like the diminutive emu-wren, are unlikely to be seen by the casual observer. On the other hand, there are others like possums and robins that have become something of a common sight on farms and suburban gardens. But for visitors from overseas, chances are they represent less familiar specimens.

In this blog, kangaroos, koalas and others commonly accepted constituents of the wildlife wonders of Australia will not feature as prominently as animals of greater beauty, and of more than equal distinction for a fascinating way of life.

It should come as no surprise that a continent stretching from the tropics to the Atlantic Ocean, and including desert, rainforest, mountain and sandplain, can hold such a variety of native plants and birds, so that a humble blog such as ths can contain only a sample, no more than a hint, of the Australia's hidden wealth.