List of placental mammals introduced to Australia facts for kids
Australia is a land known for its unique animals, like kangaroos and koalas. But did you know that many other animals, called placental mammals, have been brought to Australia by people? These animals are called "introduced" or "feral" species. They arrived over time, especially after Captain Cook explored Australia in 1770. These introduced mammals come in all sizes, from tiny rodents like mice to large deer and even camels!
These animals are now part of Australia's wildlife, even though they aren't native. Sometimes, they can cause problems for the native plants and animals.
Contents
Rodents: Small but Mighty Invaders
Rodents are a group of mammals known for their constantly growing front teeth. Many small rodents arrived in Australia, often by accident, on ships coming from other parts of the world.
Mice and Rats
Several types of mice and rats have made Australia their home. They are very adaptable and can live in many different places, from cities to farms.
- House mouse, Mus musculus
- Pacific rat, Rattus exulans
- Brown rat, Rattus norvegicus
- Black rat, Rattus rattus
Squirrels
Squirrels are also rodents, usually known for climbing trees and eating nuts. Two types of squirrels were introduced to Australia, but one didn't stay.
- Five-lined palm squirrel, Funambulus pennantii
- Eastern grey squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis (This squirrel was introduced but is no longer found in Australia. This is called being extirpated, meaning it's gone from that specific area.)
Lagomorphs: Hopping Hares and Rabbits
Lagomorphs are a group of mammals that includes rabbits and hares. They look a bit like rodents but have some key differences, like having four front teeth in their upper jaw instead of two.
Rabbits and Hares
The most famous introduced lagomorph in Australia is the European rabbit, which has had a huge impact on the environment.
- European rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus
- European hare, Lepus europaeus
Carnivores: Hunters on the Loose
Carnivores are animals that primarily eat meat. Some well-known carnivores were brought to Australia and have become wild.
Dogs and Foxes
Dogs and foxes are part of the canid family. They are known for being clever hunters.
- Dingo, Canis familiaris (The dingo arrived in Australia thousands of years ago, long before European settlement, but it is still considered an introduced species.)
- Red fox, Vulpes vulpes
Cats
Cats are part of the felid family. While many people have pet cats, some have become wild or "feral" in Australia.
- Cat, Felis catus
Even-Toed Ungulates: Hoofed Animals
Even-toed ungulates are mammals that have an even number of toes on each foot, usually two or four. This group includes animals like deer, goats, and pigs.
Deer
Several types of deer were brought to Australia, often for hunting or farming. They can be found in various parts of the country.
- Chital, Axis axis
- Indian hog deer, Axis porcinus
- Red deer, Cervus elaphus
- European fallow deer, Dama dama
- Rusa deer, Rusa timorensis
- Sambar deer, Rusa unicolor
Cattle and Goats
This group includes large, strong animals like cattle and goats, which were brought for farming.
- Goat, Capra hircus
- Banteng, Bos javanicus
- Water buffalo, Bubalus bubalis
Camels
Camels were brought to Australia to help with transport and exploration in the desert areas.
- Dromedary, Camelus dromedarius
Pigs
Pigs were also introduced and have become wild in many areas.
- Feral pig, Sus domesticus
Odd-Toed Ungulates: Horses and Donkeys
Odd-toed ungulates are mammals that have an odd number of toes on each foot, usually one or three. This group includes horses and donkeys.
Horses and Donkeys
Horses and donkeys were brought to Australia for transport and work. Many have since become wild.
- Brumby, Equus ferus caballus (Wild horses in Australia are called Brumbies.)
- Donkey, Equus africanus asinus
See also
