The first animals that may come to mind when thinking about Australia are kangaroos and koalas. But Australia boasts a huge number of other unique animals. Australia's position as an island separate from the rest of the world has resulted in a broad range of animal and plant species. . Monotremes are egg-laying mammals. Marsupials give birth to very immature young and carry them in a maternal pouch.
Kangaroos are marsupials found only Australia and New Guinea.
Although not usually seen in large cities, kangaroos are easy to spot outside heavily urbanized areas. Koalas are a favourite with tourists, but most do not get a chance to see one in the wild. These marsupials dwell high up in Australia's eucalyptus trees and usually sleep during the day. Koalas are dependent on Australia's eucalyptus trees as their only source of food. Unfortunately, despite the great biodiversity and relatively low human population, the rate of mammalian extinction is greater in Australia than anywhere else in the world.