Tag:protected species

Tasmanian Devils ~ feisty carnivorous marsupials

The Tasmanian Devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), also known as the “Tassie Devil”, is a feisty, carnivorous marsupial. They are the largest carnivorous marsupial in the world.  They were once found throughout mainland Australia and Tasmania but became extinct on mainland Australia around 3,000 years ago. It is thought that they were named ‘devil’ by early settlers in Tasmania due to the nocturnal screaming sounds they make.  Australia has a few captive breeding programs. Specifically, in the hope that captive breeding and release programs […]

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Saltwater crocodile, Kakadu National Park.

Saltwater crocodile ~ a stealthy, deadly and lurking predator

The saltwater crocodile, estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) or “saltie”, most commonly called in Australia, are the largest living crocodilian species in the world. Their history dates back over 240 million years to the reptilian era. They are one of the oldest animals on the planet. Characteristics They are one of the biggest and fiercest predators in the world, reaching up to 6 metres in length and weighing in at around 1000kg. Their lifespan is approximately 70 years. With 66 – […]

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Panda

National Giant Panda Day 2021

March 16th is the day to honour the adorable black and white Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca).  It is also a day to acknowledge National Giant Panda Day 2021 and raise awareness of the need to protect one of the world’s rarest mammals and vulnerable species.  Giant pandas are endemic to China and are China’s national symbol.  They live in small, isolated areas in the mountains of central China, in the Qinling, Minshan, Qionglai Shan, Liangshan, Daxiangling, and Xiaoxiang Mountains of Sichuan Shaanxi and Gansu […]

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(c) Margaret Weiss 2020