ATLAS OF AUSTRALIA—1SS6.
moml.ev, botli in regard to numbers aud general distribution, of
the whole Plialangor ti'ibo. It is repi-esented all over tbe mainland,
and on tlie adjoining islands. Tho fur is long and woolly; in colour
it is asliy-gro7, inclined to yoUow in the under parts. They have
large, brown, beautiful eyes, the pupils being rounded. These animals
are very troublesome to settlers; being of nocturnal habits they
frequeutly swarm down on a field of maiie, and do much damage.
The Hing-tailed Opossum {Phalanijiila Cookii) is more limited in
ita habitflt thau the common species, being confined to the east coast;
varieties, however, have been found in Tasmauia oud Western
Australia. They construct nests in tlio topmost branches of tall
trees, and only descend to the ground at night. The Sooty Opossum
{Pkalnngisla /líUffinosa) is confined
ior it skin.
Tho Koala or Nativo Bear {Phascoiarcloa c
ber of tho Phalanger tribe,
another memt
from the ordinary
opossums.
Thetr
1 ashy-grey colour, with white spots near the haunches,
so short that a popular opinion prevails that the animal does
s one; a slight examination of the vertebr®, however, places
id doubt. There is uo afEnity of even the remotest kind
; aud the Bear; the name by which it is genei-ally known,
this bey oc
s about two feet loug¡ the fur is short and woolly,
is therefore a misnomer, and liable to lead to confusion, This
Eknimal has a peculiar cry, which much resembles that of a child in
distre.^s. Its food consists obietty of young leaves of the Euailyptui.
The eye is small, but the pnpO e:cpands in the darkness. It is nocturnal
in habits, and during the day, is ne
limb of some high tree, asleep. The
mother's back as she climbs the tree
tamed.
arly always perched upon the
young Koala is cairied on tho
in search of food. It is easily
The Diprotodon, Short-headed Zyyomaturus, and NolotJierivm,
which are long since extinct, approached the Koala more closely
in structure than any other marsupial now foimd in Austraba. It
frequenU tho mountainous districts of Victoria and New South Wales,
and is seen so far uortb in Queensland as the Tropic of Capricorn, hot
never west towards the plains.
Among the remaining members of the Phalanger tiibe are the
Flying Squirrel {PetaurUta), foimd in the hilly parts of the east coast,
the Thick-tailed Dromicia {Dramici glir!fnrmi-i], a small animal very
widely distributed, and the Long-nosed Tarsipcs {Tarsipea roslrat'is),
which iu some respects approach closely to the Monotremata,
especially the Echidna.
The Natjve Cat Tribe {Family Dasyuridse), which contains some
of the largest marsupials now alive, and at the same time some
of the smallest, has, in its different genera aud species, a very
wide distribution. None of the larger members are now found
in Australia, though it would appear that, in former times, they
were numerous, and acted as a powerful check against the nndue
increase in animals of herbivorous aud gj-aminivorous habits. The
most prominent species remaining are the Tiger or IIy®ua {Thylaci
I {Sarcophili
It great
is) of Tasmania,
havoc among the shce
im) is pei-haps the best known
id is remai'kable for the ferocity of its i
and covered with white spots ; the n
Imsliv. It is confined to the south :
the Banded
1 Wales
Cyuocephalug) and Di
of which are voiy ferocious, and coi
of the settloi-s.
The Native Cat (Daii-m'«« i-iver
of the on the mainland of
a half-grown domestic cat, and re
position. The
is elongated, aud the tail bushy. It
south-east coasts, and the island of Ta
{Dasynrus hatlwatHs) frequents tho i
inteiior Dasijwnis Genfroyii is met with,
hers of the Dcxyiiraa Family found ii
ilvrmecobius {Mynnecoh!u>i /ascialu.-^) \
west coast, aud in the interior of N,
lud Sout
Australia, the Brush-tailed Phascogale {PUoMugale
•Xlata), th
Handsome-tailed Phascogale [Phaacoyiik i-.alum) of W
the Dihler (¿lnici.7ii"i(a apicnlin) peculiar to the west coast, the spotted
Antechinns (AnUxhiwu maculalox) found in district of the Clarence
River, the l^'hite-fobted Antechinns [Potluhru^ ajlipo), llitchell's
Podabnis [Pmluhni» MiUMUi) which fieqiients the interior of New
South ^Vales, the Woolly Antechinomys {Antcchinumya hmigpra)
of the iuterior of New South Wales and Victoria, the Crested
CaJtocercus t_Ghs:lwerni>i cristicamin) of South Australia, aud the
Sjjotted-tailed Dasyurus (Da^yurtui viaoilalivs) found in the south and
east coast districts.
The Bandicoot (P^ramelidni) is very much like the Kaugai'oorat
iu many respects. In the three genera of which the family is
composed, il has a very Avide distribution. The pouch of the ft'iuale
resembles that of the Wombat, having its opening uj);vords.
The fur is generally of a greyish colour, and coarse to tho touch.
Its food consists of roots, grass, aud insects. It frequently attacks
tho corn-fields of the settlers just as the tender shoots are springing
from the ground, aud following up tho rows systematically,
roots up the seeds, eating the soft parts, aud leaving the remains
scattered about its tinck. It not unfrequently occurs after its
ravages, that a field requires to bo planted a second time. Tho
following are among the species best known:—tho Eabbit-eared
Peragalea (Peragalea lagotia), which burrows in tho ground, and is
found throughout Australia, tho Pig-footed Bandicoot [Chrerop'os
cantanolis), the Short-eared Bandicoot (Perumelea obesida), the Longnosed
Bandicoot {PeramsUa naauta), Gunn's Bandicoot (Pe-rajnelcn
aimnii), and the Stripod Bandicoot {Peramelax faaciuiii).
The Wombat [Phascolmiyidx], which is uot nearly so numerous at
the present time as during somo periods of the past, resembles the
Opossum or Phalanger very closely. It is not known to extend north
beyond the Tropic of Capricorn, aud has not been seen on the west
coast. In one species tho fur is of a sandy colour, in another black.
I t is nocturnal in habits and passes the day in burrows, which it
forms in the ground.
Pliascolomys platijrhinux is found on the east and south-east coasts.
A broAvn variety is met with in Victoria.
The Broad-faced Wombat IPhascolomys hUifmiu) is found in
the west of Victoria, and tho eastern borders of South Australia.
Tho Black 'Wombat (Phaiculomys niger) frequents tho vicinity of Port
Lincoln in South Australia, and another species is peculiar to the
island of Tasmania.
Mmotremata.—This order, which has been recognised as the
lowest form of mamroul life, is peculiar to Australia and Tasmania.
I t comprises twq geuera, of which one is distinctly aquatic in its
habits, while the other passes a large portion of ite time in burrows
made in the ground. Characteristic of this order is the fact that
the . in ,
connected the ducts of the urinary and reproductive organs. The
jaws are not provided with teeth, but in one case hard horny
plates, aud in tho other tooth-like ridges
the palate, assist in the process of mastica
u])per part of the body the resemblance to birds
in some respects it approaches closely to rep till
possesses no pouch, but tho "marsupial bout
1 the tongue, and spines on
m. In the structure of the
The Australian Hedgehog or tJpiny Ant-i
found in almost every pai't of Australia
the saltbush plains of the iuti
in Tasmania, Its back is covered with i
tho under parts with coarse dark hair. Teeth are entirely absent,
bnt homy ridges on tho tongue, and sharp spines on tho palate, perform
the function of true grinders. Insectivorous in habits, it «-aits for its
prey with its long sticky tongue extended. In the burrows which it
makes in the ground, the summer is passed iu a dormant state. The
Echidna is remarkable for its sti-ength; the flesh is of a very delicate
description, and good for food.
The Dnck-biUed Platj^us
analinus) is one of the most singnk
of Australian animals. In general
otter. Inhabiting only tha parts of creeks, rivers, atid lagoons,
where access is most diflicult, aud being of a timid aud rotiiing
disposition, great difficulty has been experienced in observing its
habits. It biiri'ows into the banks, the enis'ance being situated under
the wnter-line. The length of a full-grown animal is about eighteen
inches; tho fur is short, thick, and soft to the touch. In colour,
it is dark browu above, iin.l light on the under parts of the body.
Homy I'idges in the long duck-like bill supply the jilace of true teeth.
Its food consists of frogs, wnter-iusccts, fish aud molluscs.
Phcentalia.—The Dingo or Native Dog (Canii d
prominent of the placental mammals found in 4\uBtra
been entertained as to its origin, some holding the
introduced by the early inhabitants. There is, h
The female
are present,
•r {Echidna HyUnx) is
I, with the exception of
oty {E. setoaa) occurs also
sharp spines, and
{Omilhurhynchwi
not unlike a
evidence in favour of such
directly opposed to
the Wellington Cave
opinion that the (U'igin of
tho ! the n gfaut
1.1 many c
«1 remains of this .
sGwhere, tend to esta
Dingo dates, at least.
The Native Dog is generally of a sandj
in the under portions of tho body. There
variation iu this respect—almost si
in the domestic species. In Wnsi
exhibiting groat diiferencu, from
shades to black, Sly, cunning, ai
lyo) i:s the most
that it was
-, bnt littlo
limai , found iu
lish 1 ;lio popular
as fai r hack into
iuclin ed lo white
they the larger
however, considerili
deed, as is found tu nbtr
Filin, thpy are doscribod
hite through
hie
generally cowardly in dispositioi
OnU whe.
pressed by hunger, and collected i
regarded as dangerous. Uuder
large :. 1 thoy 1
AUSTRALIA.
known to make the attempt to overpower a man. Were their
courage equal to their physical power, thoy would prove as
formidable foes as the wolves of the Old World. When suddenly
encountered in the wilds of tho Austnvliau bush, they usually sneak
away stealthily to some cover, Their ravages on tho smaller animals
such as sheej), calves, and poultry, render thom a thorough nuisance
to farmers located near their haunts. In attack thoy snap and bite,
fb'st in one dij'ection and then in another, ynth effect so deadly, that in
a very short time a flock of sheep is materially reduced in numbers,
The muzzle is long aud sliaiT, and the t^il hnshy. The body is wellfomed,
aud graceful iu appearance, and their senses of sight and
hearing are remarkably acute. Fleet on foot, they can easily outstrip
the domestic species. The howling of these animals is a common
sound at night far away fi'om the cleared fields of the settlors, aud
when oncQ heui-d is easily recognised afterwards.
The aborigines domesticate thom for hunting purposes, but the
tiuning process is attended with difficulty. Tho native name iu New
South Wales for the Diiujo is Warrigal, iu Westei'u Australia,
Bicer-da.
In the following formula is expressed the dentition;—Incisors
canines j5i, premolars molars ^ = 4 2 teeth.
Tho Flying Fox {Ptcropus polivcepkalus) is another of the placental
mammals, aud is one of some twenty-five species of the bat tribe fouud
iu Austraba. Five of these, including the Flying Fox, are fi'dt-eating,
aud do great damage to the orehards in the neighborhood of their
retreats. At night they swarm down fi-om their haunts, and clustering
on the trees iu large numbers, soon destroy the greater part of the
fi-uit.
These animals , tho pest of the fruit-growers, abound iu tho scrubs
and brush-lands l lear tho sea-coast, but are neve r fouud on the plains
of tho iuterior. In tho day-tune they sleep suspended from the
topmost branches of the tall fig-ti'ees, and generally resort to the same
place as each st icceediug morning breaks uj ion them. Farmers
frequently make r aids on their lairs; on these occ .asions large numbers
are shot and left ( 3u the ground. Iu colour they a re black. The canine
teeth are very powerful and grooved.
The foUowing r in theii' habits:—
Spectacled Kalong {Plerupus cmtipicillatv^) foi
coast, Fuueral Kalong {Pternp^is funereus) also pe
coast. Cape York Kalong {Pteroptis scapulatxis) met m t h in Norther
Queensland, and the Dwarf Kalong {Petalia) found on the north-ea:
lie northern
Jie northern
The remaining members of the bat
insectivorous. Among them maybe men
Wilcox's Molussus, Australiau Taphozc
•e Eorse-shoe bat, several spe
audu a few ,vith n.
iribe peculiar to Australii
ionod the Australian Molt
IS, Fawn-colourcd Horse
ies distinguished by their long
n the characteristic shortness
ihoe
of the .
•s {Family Sodcnlia),
itralia. Beave
lerever thej-o ii
Australia
three genera have beeu distintmerous
in their differeut species throughout
;s {Geims Eydrtnnys) are peculiar to the continent,
s permanent water iu river, lagoon, or creek, these
e to bo found. It is, however, in the southern porand
the interior, where they are most niunerous.
T'heir food consists of small molluscs, fish, aud water-insacts; the
young are preyed upon by various kinds of suakes. The more
prominent species of Beaver Rats are the Golden-bellied {Chrysogusler).
White-bellied {Lcueuganler), and tho Sooty Beaver Bat
{fHliginoen«).
The i?«>ii<,v Eapalutii« frequents trees, nnd its different members
are generally arboreal in their habits, One species, the Kohl {Sapalotm
condilor), displays a capacity for construction. This little animal, found
in tho brashes of the Darling River, builds for itself a very snug nest
of twigs and boughs. It was first discovered by Stiirt.
Under tho Gen t«r Mw are included tho common rat« fouud iu various
parts of Australia.
Seals {Phocidw), at one time mnnerous on various parts of
the coast of Australia, und on tho many rooky islets fouud on it-s
seaboard, are uow seldom seen, except in places not usually visited
by shipping, or where lauding is attended wHth too great lisk.
Hero thoy enjoy immunity from capture, and may be seen sporting
the rocks, or in the surf as it breaks aroimd them,
arly days of Australian colonization Fur Seals were
he islauds and rocks of Bass Strait, but through being
lied thpy have long since disappeared.
; the
¡ known on
Sea Leopard {Steiturhyiichun Lo¡>lc
lobaluí) of the north-west coast, i
einereiii) of tho south coast.
istralia the
lyj:). Cowled Seal {Aretoctphalm
nd the Grey Seal {Areloctpkaliu
Formerly, i •s of the ith-east coast. Whales {Cetacea)
I of Seals, shipping, and capture
for their oil, have reduced them very considerably.
The Dugong {Sinnia), another marine mammal, is met with in tho
waters of Queensland and Western Australia, where it is captured for
its oil; the flesh somewhat resembles pork, and is considered to bo of
very good (¡uality.
Birds.—In variety of species and beauty of plumage, the birds of
Australia equal, if not surpass, those of any other part of the worlil
similarly situated. Aa in its vegetation and the higher forms of
animal life, there is that distinctive individuality which at once impresses
the observer, so in the numerous members of the featliered
tribe which fill its forests with life, thero is a peculiarity that is
unmistakable. Of tho largo number of species found in Australia
probably about one-twelfth only are common to other parts of tho
worid. With muoh to attract the eye in their external appearance,
it is all tho more noticeable that tho melody of note so pleasing to the
ear is almost entirely absent in tho birds of the Australian bush.
There are no songsters which can bo compared with the warblers of
the Old Worid forests.
The Parrot Tribe, among which thei'e is so much variety of colour,
is very numerous, over sixly species being known; Honey-eaters are
also plentiful J while among those peculiar to the continent are tho
Satin birds, Emns, Lyre-birds, and ilegapodcs
sea-birds of various kinds swarm on every rock i
groups prominent iu other regions are entirely a
pecker aud Humming-bird are nowhere mot with.
In all, about 700 species are kno^vn.
Eaptoi'cs or bnds of prey, the functions of whic
to life iu tropical countries, are but very poorly rcpres
This correspondence between birds and mammal!
Not more thau about fort
y species are known, wl
they number at least aboi
It eighty-one. There is
is owing to the absence of
: the larger grarainiverc
remains of which they subs
Tho Wedge-tailed Eagle
liau birds of prey, is fouud in almost every part of the continent. It
has a noble appearance, and occupies a position in tho southern Hemisphere
somewhat analagous to that of the Goldeu Eagle in the northern
half of the globe. Small Kangaroos, Wallabies, and other aiiimahi,
form its prey.
The White-bellied Sea-Eagle is peculiar to the neighbourhood of
the coast, and has been found not only on the seaboard of Austraba,
but in Tasmania and the islands of Bnss Strait, it does uot possess tho
courage of the Wedge-tailed species, and depends for food on fish cast
ashore by the waves, aud molluscs of various kinds. It is generally
seen in pair.s, eacli couple occupying some bay or natural indentation,
the right to which remains undisputed by the rest of the species.
The Wliite-breasted Sea-Eagle is frequently met with on the north
and east coasts, and establishes itself in some secluded bay difficult of
access. Iu the capture of small fish which skim along the surface it
shows considerable dexterity; and in its sudden swoop from a great
height, it ofteu plunges com])letfily under water. When a fish is secured,
it is either devoured during flight, with Uttle apparent effort, or as the
bii'd perches on the branch of some overhanging ti'ee.
The Wliistling Eagle, WTiistUug Hawk or Morn, which is found in
the brush-lands on the banks of the rivers, and
the interior, is regarded by the settlers as one of
the coast,
. Sevend
;he Wood-
Dted in Australia,
is very striking.
B in India alone,
o doubt that this
s animals, on the
nt of the Austrathe
forests of
St pests of the
to carrion, aud attacks and kills the
smaller quadrupeds, birds, liziirds and fish. In its di-sti-uction, however,
of caterpillars, which frequently commit great ravages on the
grass aud crops of the farmers and pastorahsts, it cannot be regarded
as other than a benefactor. While soaring, which it often does at a
veiy great altitude, it ntters a shiill whistle, and from that circumstance
receives it.^ name. This bird is also found in Now Caledonia.
The Wliite-headed Osprey is not numerous, bnt is very widely distributed.
It belongs to the flsliiug class, nnd shows great quickness of
motion in capturing its prey, Its flight near the earth impresses the
observer as being awkward nnd cliunsy, f, apparently
for jileasure, at higher elevations, its motion is gracefu and charms
with its attitude of quiet ro])ose.
Hawks, of which there are several species, are v
in every part of Australia. The Brown Hawk, Nankeen, White
Goshawk, Radiated Go»ha>vk, Australian Goshawk, and Collared
Spari-ow-hawk or Bilbil, are among the best known.
Of the genns Falco there are the Grey, Blaok-clieeked, Black,
and White-frunted species.
Kites are very numerous iu almost overj- part of tho continent.
Tho more prominent are tho Allied, Square-tailed, Black-shouldered,
aud Letter-winged species.