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Any mention of Australia brings to mind deadly reptiles and cuddly marsupials, but there’s more to its endemic wildlife than quokkas, koalas and kangaroos. Here’s a look at 5 of the most adorable, lesser-known pouched mammals found down under.
Beyond Kangaroos and Koalas: 5 of the Cutest, Lesser-Known Marsupials
Beyond Kangaroos and Koalas: 5 of the Cutest, Lesser-Known Marsupials
Marsupials worth mentioning
The mention of Australia brings to mind deadly reptiles and cuddly marsupials, but there’s more to its endemic wildlife than quokkas, koalas and kangaroos. Here’s a look at 5 of the most adorable, lesser-known pouched mammals found down under.
Potoroo
Potoroos are small, rabbit-like marsupials that can leap long distances. These nocturnal natives of southeastern Australia and Tasmania are also ecologically vital because they disperse seeds on the move.
Quoll
Quolls, unlike other marsupials, are carnivores that feed on insects, birds and small mammals. These cat-like, sharp-toothed Oceania natives are known for their agility and hunting skills.
Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo
Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos are arboreal marsupials found in the wet tropics of Far North Queensland. They balance using their tails and have specialised teeth for leaf-chewing.
Wombat
Wombats are among the cutest marsupials that are not koalas. They use their short and muscular legs to create large underground networks of burrows in their easter habitats.
Wallaby
Wallabies, sometimes mistaken for kangaroos, are actually their much-smaller relatives. These marsupials have shorter ears and rounder faces, with tails that act as a ‘fifth leg’ when hopping.