ANIMALS GALORE!

We had the good fortune of taking
a trip to Adelaide to visit some great
internet friends, and they took us to the
Gorge Nature Reserve, where I had the time of my life!
Never in my wildest dreams
had I ever envisioned myself holding a koala bear

or feeding wallabies by hand!

But, there I was, and there they were,
and the rest is history !
Of course, the nature reserve does not only
house koalas and wallabies, but a number of
other species of animals; some native to Australia, and some that are not native
but are interesting none the less.

Click on pictures for some links to information on the animals. (under construction)

Along with the native animals,
there are now many "feral" animals.
When Europeans began settling in Australia
during the 18th and 19th centuries,
they brought with them many birds and animals.
Some, such as sheep and cattle,
were introduced for farming purposes,
and have made a positive impact on the Australian lifestyle.
However, other introduced animals have a very destructive effect,
and ways are being sought to control them.

The rabbit is one of these destructive animals,
being introduced to Australia in 1858.
Their rapid breeding ability has spread them
over most of the southern half of the continent.
Rabbits cause a great deal of damage to soil and plantlife.
Ways to reduce the population have included
trapping, shooting, and poisoning,
as well as introducing a virus into the rabbit population.
Domestic cats that are abandoned in the bush
are also a threat to the native wildlife.
Any pets not wanted should be taken
to an animal shelter before being abandoned in the wild.

Some birds do not belong.
Common house sparrows, starlings, and the Indian mynah
have all been introduced and have spread rapidly.
They like living close to people,
and are encouraged to stay by feeding
or allowing them to nest in gutters and mailboxes.

The waterways in Australia are becoming overpopulated
by exotic fish, such as carp,
redfin, oriental weatherback, and trout.

Today most of the Tasmanian devils
are located in Tasmania, instead of mainland Australia.
Unlike the tazzy devil of cartoons,
the real thing looks sweet and lovable,
but is a scavenger and eats insect larva.
It is also a nocturnal creature.