What is the National Animal of Australia?

Australia has some of the most animal diversity in the world from venomous animals of Australia to animals of the Australian rainforest and Outback. However, the national animal of Australia is the Kangaroo!

 

In this post, learn more about kangaroo and why the kangaroo is the national animal of Australia.

national animal of australia

The national animal of Australia is the kangaroo. To begin, let’s first learn about the kangaroo and how many kangaroos there are in Australia.

 

Kangaroos are most commonly found in Eastern Australia. They travel in herds (known as mobs in Australia) in numbers as high as 50! Considering kangaroos grow to be taller than 6 feet and as much as 90 pounds, a herd of kangaroos can be quite frightening! Furthermore, kangaroos are no strangers to fighting. They exchange punches and kicks if threatened. Fortunately, kangaroos are herbivores.

 

One of the most interesting features of the national animal of Australia is the kangaroo’s amazing jumping ability. They have the ability to jump over 20 feet! That’s a big hop! These amazing animals also have long lifespans ranging up to 23 years.

 

The number of kangaroos in Australia is estimated to be over 11.5 million with the largest population of kangaroos in Australia centered in Queensland and New South Wales. Considering the number of kangaroos in Australia, it’s no surprise why kangaroo is the national animal of Australia. However, read on to figure out actually why!

Why Kangaroo is the National Animal of Australia?

Yes, there are a ton of kangaroos in Australia. But why is kangaroo the national animal of Australia? For starters, kangaroos are indigenous to Australia. In fact, this animal is only found in Australia making it very unique to this continent and country.

 

Next, a bit of history on the kangaroo in Australia will help explain its cultural significance. Going way back, the kangaroo was vitally important to the Aboriginal people of Australia. Kangaroo meat was used for food. Their skin was used for water bags and the kangaroo pelts were used for clothing and rugs. In summary, about all parts of the kangaroo were used and important to the people of Australia. 

 

This is why the kangaroo had not only cultural but also spiritual significance to the people of Australia. Hence, kangaroos were the likely choice to be named the national animal of Australia.

 

Today, the kangaroo is a symbol for Australia appearing on the Australian Coat of Arms and some of the country’s currency. The kangaroo is even used as the logo for large Australian companies such as Qantas airlines and is also used by the Royal Australian Airforce.

 

 

Overall, the kangaroo holds much significance to the people of Australia and continues to hold a prominent role as the national animal of Australia!

 

national animal for australia

Bonus - What Animals Does Australia Have?

animals of australia

Outside of the kangaroo as the national animal of Australia, this country is also home to over 200,000 species. A few of the most recognizable animals in Australia include:

 

 

Koala – a furry and friendly creature living in the trees of Australia

 

Wallaby – the smallest member of the kangaroo family

 

Tree kangaroos – an animal of the Australian rainforest

 

Dingo – an animal of the Australian outback that looks like a dog

 

Taipan – a snake that is the most venomous animal of Australia. Their bite has enough venom to kill over 25 people.

 

Shark – sharks are very common in the oceans of Australia. Shark attacks happen almost every year so surfers in one of Australia’s favorite sports need to be safe.

 

Overall, Australia is home to many wild and sometimes dangerous creatures. While the kangaroo is the national animal of Australia – this country is home to thousands of other species.

 

Conclusion

The kangaroo will always hold special significance to the people of this land, have large populations on the continent and continue to be the national animal for Australia.

 

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Sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kangaroo

 

https://www.awe.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/wildlife-trade/natives/wild-harvest/kangaroo-wallaby-statistics/kangaroo-population

 

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