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Local fauna

GOANNA

The goanna is a monitor lizard of which 25 different species are found in Australia. This varied group of carnivorous reptiles ranges greatly in size and, being predatory, are often quite large, or at least bulky, with sharp teeth and claws. They combine predatory and scavenging behaviours - a goanna will prey on any animal it can catch that is small enough to eat whole.

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Goannas can rear up on their hind legs. Sometimes they do this to scare off attackers but they also fight in this way.

Photo N Dique

Echidna

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Echidnas, together with the platypus, are the world's only monotremes, or egg-laying mammals.

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There are two species of echidnas:

  • the long-beaked echidna, which is confined to the highlands of New Guinea; and

  • the short-beaked echidna is common throughout most of temperate Australia and lowland New Guinea.

Although widely distributed within NSW, the short-beaked echidna is not readily seen in the wild because of its quiet, reclusive nature. The short-beaked echidna is not listed as endangered.

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Eastern Spinebill
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Scientific Name:  Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris
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The Eastern Spinebill is most easily recognised by its very long, fine, down-curved beak and energetic flight, during which its white outer tail feathers are prominent. Males have a grey-black crown which extends in a black line on either site of the breast. The breast and throat are white, with a rufous patch in the centre of the throat. The wings and lower back are dark grey and the underparts and upper back are buff. Females are similar to males but have less distinct markings

 

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