WILD MARSUPIALS
Marsupials are mammals that have a pouch in which their young are carried and nursed. They are best represented in Australia, which is home to 2/3 of marsupial species.
Australia is the first place that comes to mind when it comes to marsupials-watching. With the right choice of tour, it is possible to admire these animals ethically in their natural habitat with a positive conservation impact.
TOP MARSUPIALS-SEEING ETHICAL EXPERIENCES
TAKE A SELFIE WITH A QUOKKA
This smiley marsupial is known for its friendly and approachable personality. Capturing the perfect shot and interacting with these furry creatures up close is a must-do when visiting Australia.
OBSERVE WOMBATS IN THE WILD
Be enchanted by the cuddly appearance and lovable demeanour of wombats. Watching them waddle around, graze, and burrow is a delightful experience that will leave you in awe.
APPRECIATE KOALAS' CUTENESS
As they doze in eucalyptus trees and nibble on leaves, you'll witness their unique features and gentle nature. Seeing them in the wild is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
WATCH KANGAROOS AND WALLABIES
These marsupials move with such grace and ease, and witnessing them in action is is a quintessential Australian experience. Catching a glimpse of these amazing animals is a must-do activity for any wildlife enthusiast.
ALL MARSUPIALS BLOG ARTICLES & ETHICAL TOURS RECOMMENDATIONS
KANGAROO
Kangaroos are amazing and iconic marsupials found in Australia and on nearby islands. They are known for their powerful hind legs, long muscular tails, and pouch in which they carry their young. They are expert jumpers and can leap up to three times their own body length in a single bound.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Macropodidae
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
RANGE
Australia and New Guinea
KOALA
Koalas are considered a national symbol of Australia, recognizable by their fuzzy ears and pudgy noses. These cuddly marsupials spend most of their lives up in the eucalyptus trees, munching on leaves and snoozing in the sunshine.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Phascolarctos cinereus
IUCN STATUS
Vulnerable
RANGE
Australia
OPOSSUMS
Opossums are the only marsupials native to North America, and one of the most unique animals in the world. These small, nocturnal creatures are often misunderstood, yet are incredibly resilient and adaptive to their environment. Opossums have a wide variety of unique and interesting characteristics, such as their prehensile tails, opposable thumbs, and extraordinary ability to play dead.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Didelphidae
IUCN STATUS
Variable
RANGE
North America
WOMBAT
The wombat is a unique mammal native to Australia. It‘s a small, stocky marsupial, with short, muscular legs and a thick, woollen coat. Wombats are nocturnal, rarely seen during the day, and live in burrows underground. They are well known for their strong jaws and sharp claws, enabling them to dig deep burrows and chew through tough vegetation.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Vombatus ursinus (common wombat) and Lasiorhinus (hairy-nosed wombats)
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern (common wombat), Near Threatened (southern hairy-nosed wombat), Critically Endangered (northern hairy-nosed wombat)
RANGE
Australia
QUOKKA
Quokkas are found in the southwest of Western Australia, mostly on small islands off the coast near Perth. On the mainland, they can be seen in protected areas. They are known for their endearing smile and friendly nature.
SCIENTIFIC NAME
Setonix brachyurus
IUCN STATUS
Vulnerable
RANGE
Western Australia
