Australia+-+Wildlife

Wildlife media type="youtube" key="z2uB-bmHLow" height="270" width="350" Since Australia has everything from, deserts, forests, swamps and rivers, and massive oceans, one can imagine the abundance of wildlife the country would support. Australia is home to millions of exotic, dangerous, and rare animals. Australia alone has more mammals than any other country in the world, 350 species of birds, and 7 of the 10 most deadly snakes in the world. Australia's most famous animal is the kangaroo, but other animal celebrities include: Koala, Kookaburra, Emu, Tasmanian Devil, Dingos, Wallaby, and the Platypus.

It goes without saying that tourists and locals must respect the animals and wildlife in any country. Australia is no exception! Though many might look cuddly and cute, a safe distance should always be kept around any animal. Australia is home to thousands of poisonous, venomous, and powerful animals including from snakes, spiders, lizards, mammals, sharks, and wild dogs. Below is a list of 9 of Australia’s most dangerous animals.

1.Box Jellyfish - The Box Jellyfish (also known as a Sea Wasp) is a very dangerous sea creature. The Jellyfish has extreme toxins on its tentacles, which when in contact with a human, can cause heart failure in as little as three minutes. This jellyfish is responsible for more deaths in Australian than snakes, sharks, and salt water crocodiles.

2.The Irukandji (Carukua barnesi) - this jellyfish inhabits Northern Australian waters. It is only 2.5 centimetres in diameter, which makes it very hard to spot in the water. This is a species of jellyfish which has become known about in recent years, due to deaths of swimmers in Australia.

3.Saltwater Crocodile - Being the world's largest reptile, these creatures are found on the northern coast of Australia and inland for up to 100 kms or more. The Saltwater Crocodile has been reported to grow to lengths of 7 metres, but the average size of a Saltwater Crocodile is 4 metres long.

4.Blue Ring Octopus - The Blue Ring Octopus is a deadly venomous octopus which inhabits warm waters and shallow reefs off the coast of Australia. It also lives off the coast of New Guinea, Indonesia and the Philippines . This octopus has distinctive blue rings (hence its name) on its body and eight tentacles.

5.Stonefish - These fish inhabit shallow waters along the coast. The stonefish is well camouflaged in the ocean, as it is a brownish colour, and often resembles a rock. It has thirteen sharp dorsal spines on its back, which each have extremely toxic venom. If stepped on the spines release toxic venom into the victims foot.

6.Black Widow Spider - These spiders are found all over Australia, and are common in urban areas. These spiders are usually found under logs, rocks, bricks, sheds and outdoor toilets. The Red Back Spider feeds on insects, but can take down small lizards and crickets. Only the female spider bite is dangerous to humans.

7.The brown snake - Approximately 1.5 metres long, the brown snake is one of Australia's more deadly creatures. They have venom which can cause death to humans relatively quickly if left untreated. 1 drop of brown snake venom is powerful enough to kill 200 fully grown men.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">8.Tiger Snake - Found in southern and eastern Australia, the snake is usually around a metre long, and has a striped marking (hence the name Tiger Snake). These are venomous snakes, and will attack if they are disturbed or threatened. They are often territorial, and will live in the same area for years.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">9.Great White Shark - One of nature's most feared animal, the white shark range from 3.5 to 5 meters in length and weigh up to 2900lbs !