Tasmanian Devil

The inspiration for the Warner Bro’s cartoon character sounds scary, but is actually quite timid. The devil is a marsupial carnivore with powerful jaws. In recent years, the devil’s numbers have been threatened by cancer but Tasmanians are working to protect this species.

Thylacine

The ‘Tasmanian Tiger’ was a dog-like marsupial predator with stripes and enormous jaws. They were unfortunately exterminated in the early 20th Century. Though officially extinct, many people still claim to have seen them in the wild and they remain a popular symbol for Tasmania.

Whales and Dolphins

Common and bottle-nosed dolphins are regularly seen in Tasmanian waters. Hobart was formerly one of the largest whaling ports in Australia, but all whales are now protected in Australian waters. Whale watching is a popular past time on Tasmania’s east coast.

Quoll

The eastern quoll – or ‘native cat’ – is a small carnivorous marsupial that is now extinct on the Australian mainland and can only be seen in Tasmania. Its larger cousin, the spotted-tailed quoll is also native to Tasmania.

Pademelon

Also extinct on the Australian mainland yet widespread throughout Tasmania, the marsupial pademelon hops like a kangaroo, but is smaller and rounder. Unlike kangaroos, they do not graze in groups but are solitary animals that inhabit thick bush. 

Platypus

With its duck’s bill, furry body and webbed feet, the platypus is a distinctive Australian animal. The males have a poisonous spur on their hind legs. The platypus and the echidna are the world’s last monotremes, meaning they are mammals that lay eggs.

Echidna

Also known as the spiny anteater, the echidna is a shy monotreme that has evolved spikes for defense. They are not poisonous. When threatened, the echidna will simply dig into the ground and leave only its spikes showing. Surprisingly, they are good swimmers.