Animal fact sheets

1. Bilby
FastFacts
DID YOU KNOW?
Bilbies have very powerful forelimbs and strong
claws, which are used for digging for food and
burrows. If an attempt is made to dig a Bilby out
of its burrow, the Bilby frantically extends the
burrow in the other direction to avoid capture.
Description
Bilbies have long, soft, blue-grey fur; large rabbit-like ears that help dispel
heat, and a long, pointed muzzle. The tail, which is 20–29 cm long, is mostly
black except for the white tip.
Diet
Bilbies are omnivores and eat insects, seeds, bulbs, fruit and fungi. Most food
is found by digging in the soil. Big ears quickly detect insect prey, which they
catch with their long tongue. Bilbies do not need to drink water, as they get
all the moisture they need from their food.
In the wild
Bilbies build burrows that spiral down to depths of two metres. The burrows
usually house only a single Bilby. Like wombats, female Bilbies have a
backward-facing pouch so it doesn’t fill with dirt while digging. A Bilby
remains in its burrow throughout the day and only ventures out after dark.
Threats
Loss of habitat and introduced predators – such as cats and foxes – are the
Bilby’s main threats. Competition with introduced animals is another major
threat as domestic stock like cattle and sheep eat the same plants. Rabbits
also compete with Bilbies for their food and burrows.
At Perth Zoo
Bilbies can be seen inside the Nocturnal House.
Scientific Name: Macrotis lagotis
Conservation Status:Vulnerable
Body Length: 29–55 cm
Weight: 800–2,500 g
Gestation: 14–16 days
Number of young: 2
Habitat: Desert, grasslands and mulga scrub
Distribution: Pilbara and southern Kimberley
areas of Western Australia, Northern Terrritory and
south-west Queensland
EX EW EN NT LC
Extinct Least Concern
Distribution
Threatened
CR VU
GOVERNMENT OF
WESTERN AUSTRALIA

2. Distribution
Brolga
Scientific Name
Grus rubicunda
Other Names
Australian Crane
Body Length: 95–135 cm
Incubation: 28–30 days
Number of eggs: 2
Distribution: Northern and Eastern Australia
Habitat: Swamplands
Description
The Brolga is a long legged bird with a silvery-grey
body. The undersides of the wingtips are black or dark
brown and part of the head and neck are scarlet. The
Brolga stands up to 140 cm tall. Females are slightly
smaller than the males.
Diet
Brolgas are omnivores and eat sedge tubers, insects
and aquatic invertebrates.
In the wild
Breeding pairs bond for life. They engage in dramatic
displays involving leaps, head shaking and loud
trumpeting. These dances may help to strengthen the
bond between males and females outside the breeding
season. When the young hatch, they are taken care of
by both partners and remain with their parents for a year
or more.
Threats
Habitat destruction due to the filling in of swamps and
wetlands is a threat to their survival.
At Perth Zoo
Brolgas can be seen inside the Australian Wetlands
with many other water birds.
Did you know?
An Aboriginal legend says the Brolga was once a
famous dancer named Buralga.
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Extinct
Extinct in the Wild
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near-Threatened
Least Concern
Data Deficient
Conservation Status

3. Short-beakedEchidna
FastFacts
Each spine is formed from a single hair.
Echidnas and platypuses are monotremes.
This means that they are mammals that
lay eggs.
Description
Short-beaked Echidnas are covered with long, brown-black and golden spines.
Under the spines, the echidna’s body is covered with fur. Its long, tubular and
toothless snout is naked. The tongue is long and sticky and is around 18 cm long.
Diet
The Short-beaked Echidna is an insectivore and eats ants and termites. The echidna
digs its way into ant or termite nests with its front paws and extends its long, sticky
tongue into the nest. The insects stick to the tongue and are drawn into its mouth
where they are crushed up.
Breeding
Echidnas are one of only two Australian mammals that lay eggs. The baby hatches
after 10 days and is carried around by the mother for three months in a pouch-like
skin fold. This baby is called a ‘puggle’. The mother carries the baby around until its
spines start to develop.
Threats
There are no significant predators of adult echidnas, but dingos will occasionally eat
them. The spiny coat provides an excellent defence. When disturbed, the echidna curls
into a spiky ball. When attacked, it may dig very quickly and bury itself in the soil.
At Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo houses a number of echidnas in the Australian Bushwalk.
Perth Zoo bred its first ever Echidna puggle in 2007. It was only the ninth ever bred
in Australia. There have been more successful births of Echidnas at Perth Zoo in
subsequent years.
Other Names: Echidna
Scientific Name: Tachyglossus aculeatus
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Body Length: 30–45 cm
Weight: 2–7 kg
Incubation: 14 days
Number of eggs: 1
Habitat: All habitats
Distribution: Australia, New Guinea and some
off shore islands
Distribution
EX EW EN NT LC
Extinct Least ConcernThreatened
CR VU

4. Distribution
Emu
Scientific Name
Dromaius
novaehollandiae
Body Length: 1.6–1.9 m
Weight: 30–45 kg
Incubation: 53–61 days
Number of eggs: 5–15
Distribution: Australia
Habitat: All habitats
Description
Emus are large flightless birds with strong, powerful legs
and three toes on each foot. They have small wings and
their body is covered with greyish-brown feathers. Emus
have blueish skin on their faces and necks.
Diet
Emus are omnivores and eat leaves, fruit and flowers
as well as insects.
In the wild
Emus live in small groups but can form flocks of
thousands when migrating. Emus pair up in late
summer in a relationship that lasts about five months.
Once the eggs are laid, females wander off, leaving the
male to incubate the eggs. During this time, he does not
leave the nest, not even for food or drink. When the
eggs hatch, the young stay with the male for up to six
months.
Threats
Three distinct subspecies of emu once inhabited
Tasmania, Kangaroo Island and King Island, but all three
were systematically exterminated in the early years of
European settlement.
At Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo’s emus can be seen in the Australian
Bushwalk, near the Walk-through Aviaries.
Did you know?
An emu can run at speeds of 48 kph.
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Extinct
Extinct in the Wild
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near-Threatened
Least Concern
Data Deficient
Conservation Status

5. Distribution
Estuarine
Crocodile
Scientific Name
Crocodylus porosus
Other Names
Saltwater Crocodile
Distribution: Northern Australia and
Eastern Queensland
Habitat: Estuaries, Swamps
Description
Crocodiles are grey to golden-tan to almost black with a
lighter-coloured belly. The head is large with a heavy snout.
The crocodile’s back is covered with ridges that provide
protective armour and act to conceal the crocodile’s
movement below the surface of the water.
Diet
Crocodiles are carnivores and eat crustaceans, fish and
other vertebrates including large animals—like sheep and
cattle and sometimes humans—which they kill by drowning
or by the sheer strength of the closing pressure of their jaws.
In the wild
After mating, the female makes a large nesting mound of
vegetation, mud and soil, away from the water's edge and
lays between 40 and 62 hard-shelled eggs. The temperature
of the mound determines the sex of the crocodile. If less than
32 degrees Celsius the hatchling will be female, between 32
and 33 degrees Celsius it will be a male. The female protects
the nest during the 100 day incubation period and then digs
out the hatchlings when they start to call inside the nest. She
then carries them in her mouth down to the water.
Threats
Prior to its protection in the 1970s, the Estuarine Crocodile
was hunted intensely and was listed as a threatened species.
After years of legal protection, their numbers have increased
and their threatened status has been removed.
At Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo has one Estuarine Crocodile in the Australian
Wetlands. He is called Simmo. Simmo is between 50 and
70 years old, 4.7 m long and weighs about 500 kg.
A crocodile presentation is held in the exhibit
Monday–Saturday at 12.00pm.
Did you know?
The Estuarine Crocodile is the world's largest living reptile.
Although occasionally seen in the open ocean, this species
is mostly estuarine (meaning it tends to remain in the
estuaries where river meets ocean).
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Extinct
Extinct in the Wild
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near-Threatened
Least Concern
Data Deficient
Conservation Status
Body Length: 3–7 m
Weight: 400–1000 kg
Incubation: 100 days
Number of eggs: 40–62

6. Distribution
Frilled
dragon
Scientific Name
Chlamydosaurus kingii
Other Names
Frill-necked Lizard,
Frilled Lizard
Body Length: Up to 30 cm
Incubation: 70 days
Number of eggs: 4–13
Distribution: Northern Australia
Habitat: Dry forests and woodlands
Description
This lizard is the largest of Australia’s ‘dragon’ family of
lizards, or agamids. It is most commonly known
because of the large frill around its neck that extends
when threatened. The lizard’s skin colour and pattern
matches tree bark and makes it very difficult to spot.
Diet
Frilled Dragons are carnivores and mostly eat insects,
spiders and other invertebrates.
In the wild
The Frilled Dragon spends most of its time on tree
trunks and limbs. When the lizard feels threatened it sits
on its hind legs, opens its mouth wide and expands its
large neck ‘frill’ to make itself look bigger and to frighten
predators. The lizard then hisses and jumps towards the
predator and lashes its tail on the ground. If this doesn’t
scare the predator away, the lizard turns quickly and
runs up the nearest tree to hide.
The main predators of Frilled Dragons are raptors,
dingos, large monitor lizards, large pythons and feral
cats.
Threats
Land clearing has resulted in habitat loss for this
lizard.They are also poached and sold in the illegal pet
trade.
At Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo has a number of Frilled Dragons inside a
mixed exhibit in the Reptile Encounter. See if you can
spot them.
Did you know?
The Frilled Dragon may also extend its frill to thermoregu-
late, as it creates more surface area to absorb heat.
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Extinct
Extinct in the Wild
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near-Threatened
Least Concern
Data Deficient
Conservation Status

7. Distribution
giant
centipede
Scientific Name
Ethmostigmus
rubripes
Body Length: up to 14 cm
Number of eggs: 3–90
Distribution: Australia
Habitat: Forests and woodlands under bark,
leaf litter and logs, as well as urban areas
Did you know?
Centipedes always have an uneven number of pairs of
legs. The number of pairs can range from 15 to 191.
At about 14 cm, the Giant Centipede is the largest in
Australia, however, the largest centipede in the world
is found in Peru and can grow more than 30 cm long.
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Extinct
Extinct in the Wild
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near-Threatened
Least Concern
Data Deficient
Not Evaluated
Conservation Status
Description
Centipedes have long segmented bodies which are
usually dark brown to black on top and lighter
underneath. They have one pair of legs per body
segment. The first pair behind the head is modified into
fangs which contain a poison gland. Centipedes have a
pair of antennae on their head.
Diet
Centipedes are carnivores. They feed on insects and
other invertebrates.
In the wild
Centipedes sometimes protect their eggs and their
young by curling their long bodies around them.
Centipedes also have a cuticle, similar to the hard
exoskeleton of insects, which they shed regularly as
they grow.
Threats
Centipedes’ natural predators include reptiles, birds and
small mammals.
At Perth Zoo
You can find the Giant Centipede in the Nocturnal
House.

8. GreenTreeFrog
FastFacts
DID YOU KNOW?
The Green Tree Frog is a natural insect repellent.
The secretions from its skin have been found to
be lethal to blowflies.
Description
Green Tree Frogs are fairly large. They have smooth, green skin that can change
shade. The underbelly is a creamy white and there are scatterings of white spots
on its back. Like other tree frogs, the Green Tree Frog has toe discs on the tips
of its toes and fingers.
Diet
Green Tree Frogs are carnivores and eat a wide range of invertebrates, including
insects and worms.
In the wild
These frogs live a solitary existence and come together only at mating time.
At this time, a deep barking sound is repeated regularly that sounds like timber
being sawn. Up to 2,000 eggs are laid and there is no parental care. Tadpoles
grow into frogs after 4–6 weeks.
The natural predators of Green Tree Frogs include snakes and birds. Domestic
cats and dogs also eat them.
Threats
Habitat destruction is a threat to the Green Tree Frog as swamps and ponds
are filled in or the water is polluted by chemicals or other toxins.
Many of Australia’s frogs are threatened by a fungus called Chytrid fungus
which is causing the death (and sometimes extinction) of some frogs.
At Perth Zoo
Green Tree Frogs can be seen in the Australian Wetlands exhibit.
Other Names: Australian Green Tree Frog
Scientific Name: Litoria caerulea
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Body Length: 6–10 cm
Weight: Varies with size of frog
Number of eggs: between 200-2,000
Habitat: Large variety of wet habitats including
urban areas.
Distribution: Northern and eastern Australia
EX EW EN NT LC
Extinct Least Concern
Distribution
Threatened
CR VU

9. Koala
FastFacts
DID YOU KNOW?
Each koala eats gum tips from 1,000 trees every year.
Koalas are excellent swimmers and are able to cross
rivers in order to escape floods or bushfires.
Description
Koalas have grey and white fur. Their feet are adapted for tree-climbing with
thumbs on all four feet and sharp claws. Females have a backward-facing
pouch.
Diet
Koalas are herbivores and only eat eucalypt leaves. Koalas are only found in
areas with suitable eucalyptus leaves.
Behaviour
They are mainly active at night, making loud grunts or squeals to communicate
with one another and they spend most of the day sleeping or resting.
Threats
Many years ago, large numbers were killed for their fur. Now they are protected
and habitat destruction and bushfires are their biggest threats. Koalas in some
areas suffer from the disease chlamydia which is passed on usually through
mating and affects the reproductive system and the eyes. In other areas,
overpopulation of koalas is a real threat as areas of habitat are often not joined
and they can eat out the food supply and starve.
Koalas are safe when in trees, however, when moving along the ground they
can be easily attacked by ground predators such as dingos. To escape, they will
climb trees or scratch with their sharp claws. Young koalas are sometimes
struck by cars when crossing roads at night.
At Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo’s koalas can be seen in the Australian Bushwalk.
Scientific Name: Phascolarctos cinereus
Conservation Status:Vulnerable
Body Length: 70–80 cm
Weight: 4–14 kg
Gestation: 30–35 days
Number of young: 1
Habitat: Eucalypt forest and woodland
Distribution: Eastern Australia
EX EW EN NT LC
Extinct Least ConcernThreatened
CR VU
Distribution

10. LittlePenguin
FastFacts
DID YOU KNOW?
Penguins have an annual moult, which takes about
fifteen days. During this time they are unable go to
sea because they have lost their waterproofing. This
is a very stressful time for a penguin, during which
they retire to their burrows or shelters and don’t eat.
Description
Little Penguins are the smallest of all penguins and the only species to live
permanently in Australian waters. The Little Penguin has a streamlined body, small
wings modified as flippers and a tail that acts as a rudder. The feathers provide
excellent waterproofing and insulation. They have a grey face, dark blue back, and
white chest and abdomen. Their feet are dull yellow and they have a black bill.
Diet
Little Penguins are carnivores and eat fish including anchovies, pilchards, whitebait
and squid.
In the wild
Little Penguins spend a lot of time preening themselves with a wax-like oil from a
gland near the base of the tail. If there are any flaws in the plumage, they can lose
heat when swimming, which can be fatal. Penguins come ashore in the evening
and also to breed and moult. When ashore they live in colonies ranging in size
from a few pairs to thousands. Their natural predators include sharks and seals.
Threats
Disturbance to their ocean and beach habitats affects both the survival and
breeding of Little Penguins. Ocean threats include overfishing (especially of
pilchards, whitebait and squid), the use of gill nets, disturbance from boating, oil
spills and related pollution. On land, predation by cats, dogs and foxes, as well as
careless recreational use of beaches, seriously threaten the survival of Little
Penguins.
At Perth Zoo
In 1999, Perth Zoo opened a Little Penguin exhibit, the Penguin Plunge. This
exhibit is part of the Zoo's Australian Walkabout and includes a 50,000 litre
saltwater pool with limestone reefs and beach areas with coastal vegetation.
The whole exhibit is enveloped by a soft net which contains Bridled Terns that
coexist with the penguins. Perth Zoo also breeds Little Penguins. Come for the
penguin feed at 11:00 am every day.
Other Names: Fairy Penguin, Blue Penguin
Scientific Name:
Eudyptula minor novaehollandiae
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Body Length: 37–43 cm
Weight: 1–1.2 kg
Incubation: 36 days
Number of eggs: 1–3
Habitat: Cool, temperate, coastal and offshore
waters
Distribution: Southern Australia and
New Zealand
Distribution
EX EW EN NT LC
Extinct Least ConcernThreatened
CR VU

11. Distribution
Perentie
Scientific Name
Varanus giganteus
Body Length: 2.3–2.5 m
Incubation: 8 months
Number of eggs: 10–15
Distribution: Central Western Australia
and Central Australia
Habitat: Arid regions
Description
The Perentie is Australia’s largest lizard. Its body is rich
brown with large cream or yellow markings. It has a
forked tongue and numerous very sharp, slightly curved
teeth. The Perentie also has a strong tail and powerful
legs with five, clawed toes.
Diet
Perenties are carnivores and eat a variety of food,
including turtle eggs, insects, birds, other reptiles, and
small mammals and marsupials. Perenties track their
prey by sight or by sensing with their tongue. Once
caught, the Perentie will violently shake the prey until it
is dead and then swallow it whole.
In the wild
When Perenties feel threatened, they rise up, their throat
swells and they hiss. If this fails to scare the predator
away, they run away. Its powerful tail may also be used
as a means of defence.
Threats
Perenties are sometimes hunted for food by man or
eaten by Dingos.
At Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo’s Perenties can be seen in the Alinta Reptile
Encounter. They can be seen inside the exhibit or in a
special outdoor exhibit where they bask in the sun.
Did you know?
The Perentie is a monitor (also known as a goanna)
and Australia has about 25 of the world’s known 56
species of monitors. As a monitor, it is related to the
much larger Komodo Dragon. Recent research sug-
gests that monitors have the evolutionary remains of a
venom gland, which may explain why wounds from
the bites of these animals take a long time to heal.
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Extinct
Extinct in the Wild
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near-Threatened
Least Concern
Data Deficient
Conservation Status

12. Purple-crownedLorikeet
FastFacts
DID YOU KNOW?
The purple crown that gives this bird its name
doesn’t appear until the lorikeet has fully matured.
Young Purple-crowned Lorikeets are not as vibrant
in colour as the adults.
Description
The Purple-crowned Lorikeet has predominantly light blue and green feathers,
with patches of yellow, dark blue and red with a dark purple area on top of the
head. The beak is small and black.
Diet
Purple-crowned Lorikeets are omnivores. Their diet consists of pollen, nectar,
blossoms and fruits as well as insects..
In the wild
These very vocal birds make a high-pitched zit-zit or tsit sound continuously
when they fly, as well as twittering while they eat.
Threats
Destruction of habitat, which includes loss of their nesting sites and food
sources is a threat to the Purple-crowned Lorikeet. They also face competition
for nesting and feeding sites from the introduced and more aggressive Rainbow
Lorikeet.
At Perth Zoo
Purple-crowned Lorikeets can be found in the Birds of the South-west aviary.
Other Names: Porphyry-crowned Lorikeet,
Blue-crowned Lorikeet, Zit Parrot
Scientific Name:
Glossopsitta porphyrocephala
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Body Length: 16–18 cm
Weight: 40–50 g
Incubation: 20 days
Number of eggs: 2–4
Habitat: Open woodlands and dry forest, often
near the coast
Distribution: Southern Australia
Distribution
EX EW EN NT LC
Extinct Least ConcernThreatened
CR VU

13. Distribution
Southern
hairy-nosed
Wombat
Scientific Name
Lasiorhinus latifrons
Body Length: 100–120 cm
Weight: 19–32 kg
Gestation: 30 days
Number of young: 1
Distribution: Southern South Australia
and south-east Western Australia
Habitat: Semi-arid grass plains
Description
Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats are similar in size to
Common Wombats, but have softer, silkier, grey fur; longer
ears and a much broader nose. Females (like all wombat
species) have a backward-facing pouch.
Diet
Wombats are herbivores and feed on native grasses. They
are very good at conserving water and can go without
drinking for long periods of time.
In the wild
Wombats dig large burrow complexes within which five to ten
wombats may sleep during the day. By sleeping through the
day, they conserve water and energy.
The tough skin and thick gristly plate on their backside
confront any predator which tries to follow them down their
burrow. Predators that climb over wombats are often crushed
against the ceiling of the burrow.
Threats
One of the biggest threats is mange, which is caused by a
mite. This causes terrible skin conditions and eventual death
of the animals. Wombats are also threatened by habitat
destruction and being hit by cars.
At Perth Zoo
Perth Zoo houses two Southern Hairy-nosed Wombats in the
Australian Bushwalk. By breeding this species valuable
information on successful wombat reproduction and
husbandry techniques is gained to assist the recovery team's
work with it’s critically endangered cousin, the Northern
Hairy-nosed Womabt.
Did you know?
Wombats have a very keen sense of hearing and
smell, which warns them of danger. To escape, they
can run as fast as 40 kph.
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Extinct
Extinct in the Wild
Critically Endangered
Endangered
Vulnerable
Near-Threatened
Least Concern
Data Deficient
Conservation Status

14. SquirrelGlider
FastFacts
DID YOU KNOW?
Squirrel Gliders glide about 20-40 m between trees
but can glide up to 70 m if they launch from a very
tall tree.
Description
The Squirrel Glider has soft grey fur above and yellowish-white on its belly. There
are distinctive black marks on the face and a bushy tail that is 22–30 cm long.
Squirrel Gliders have an area of loose skin connected from wrist to ankle. When
they jump between trees, they extend this skin which allows them to glide.
Diet
Squirrel Gliders are omnivores and eat insects, gum from acacias, sap from
eucalypts, nectar, pollen and green seeds of the golden wattle.
In the wild
A family of Squirrel Gliders is usually made up of one mature male, one or more
adult females and their offspring. The actual gestation period is unknown but it
is thought to be 15–17 days. Each female usually produces two young which
remain in the pouch for about 70 days when they are deposited in a nest for
about 40–50 days. At about three months old, the young leave the nest to forage.
The natural predators of Squirrel Gliders include birds (including owls and
kookaburras) and reptiles.
Threats
Squirrel Gliders are threatened by feral cats and foxes. The destruction of
forests—especially tree hollows which they use for nests—has had a
dramatic effect on Squirrel Glider populations.
At Perth Zoo
The Nocturnal House is home to a family of Squirrel Gliders.
Join the Perth Zoo-coordinated Night Stalk from 1 September to 16 October and
spotlight for native animals in your local bushland. Night Stalk is a great way to
become involved in community conservation action and to learn about our native
animals, their habitat and their threats. Night Stalk is sponsored by Tronox.
Scientific Name: Petaurus norfolcensis
Conservation Status:Vulnerable
Body Length: 18–23 cm
Weight: 35-70 g
Gestation: unknown
Number of young: 2
Habitat: Dry schlerophyll forests and woodlands
Distribution: Eastern Australia
EX EW EN NT LC
Extinct Least Concern
Distribution
Threatened
CR VU

15. TigerSnake
FastFacts
DID YOU KNOW?
Female Tiger Snakes are viviparous, which means
they give birth to live young and don’t lay eggs.
Litter sizes have been known to exceed 30.
Description
The coloured patterns on Tiger Snakes differ widely depending on where they
are found in Australia. Most will be a variation of brown, black, grey or yellow
with alternating dark and light bands. Tiger Snakes in South Australia and
around the Bass Strait are often black with no pattern. Those from Tasmania
can be black, grey or yellow without coloured bands. Tiger Snakes in WA are
usually black with yellow bands, hence their name.
Diet
Tiger Snakes are carnivores and, depending on where they are found, eat
various types of frogs, lizards, birds and mammals.
In the wild
Tiger Snakes are one of the world’s deadliest snakes. While they are most
active during they day, these snakes can sometimes be found hunting at night.
Tiger Snakes have a reputation for being aggressive due to the position they
take when confronted. The Tiger Snake flattens its head and neck and raises
itself like a cobra, hoping to frighten its provoker. This is mostly a defensive
posture and the snake will rarely bite unless provoked.
Threats
Like many of Australia’s animals, Tiger Snakes are threatened by habitat
destruction. They are also persecuted by humans who often panic when they
come across a snake in the wild. If you see a Tiger Snake in the wild, stop, turn
around and walk (don’t run) the other way. Do not attempt to remove or harm
the snake.
At Perth Zoo
You can see a Tiger Snake in Perth Zoo’s Reptile Encounter.
Scientific Name: Notechis scutatus
Conservation Status: Not Evaluated
Body Length: up to 2 m
Number of eggs: 15–30
Habitat: Found around swamps and rivers.
Distribution: South-west and south-east
Australia including Tasmania
Distribution
EX EW EN NT LC
Extinct Least ConcernThreatened
CR VU

16. WesternSwampTortoise
FastFacts
DID YOU KNOW?
The Western Swamp Tortoise was feared
extinct for over 100 years. By chance they
were rediscovered in 1953 and found to still
live in two small habitats in the Swan Valley.
Description
Western Swamp Tortoises have a brown or black shell, a short neck covered
with tuberacles (knobbles) and webbed toes with five claws on each foot.
Diet
Western Swamp Tortoises are carnivores and eat small invertebrates.
In the wild
Western Swamp Tortoises live in swamps that only fill during the winter and
spring. While the swamps contain water, the tortoises swim around and feed
on small aquatic invertebrates, tadpoles and frogs. When the swamps are dry
they aestivate (summer equivalent of hibernation) in holes in the ground or
under deep leaf litter.
Threats
The Western Swamp Tortoise is the most endangered Australian reptile.
With limited numbers and habitat remaining they are very vulnerable to any
changes including land clearing for housing and agriculture, use of pesticides
and fertilisers and fire. Climate change also poses a potential threat. Perth has
recently experienced drier winters. If swamps dry too early, females may not
produce eggs. Feral predators like cats, rats and foxes also eat tortoises and
tortoise eggs.
At Perth Zoo
Since 1989, Perth Zoo has bred more than 800 Western Swamp Tortoises of
which 600 have been released to boost their numbers in the wild. When the
tortoises reach 100 g in weight (about three years of age), they are released
into managed wild habitats by the Western Australian Department of Parks and
Wildlife. The release sites include Twin Swamps Nature Reserve, Ellenbrook
Nature Reserve, Mogumber Nature Reserve and Moore River Nature Reserve.
The Western Swamp Tortoise exhibit can be found in the Australian Wetlands
and is proudly sponsored by Midland Brick.
Other Names: Short-necked Tortoise
Scientific Name: Pseudemydura umbrina
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Body Length: 11–15 cm
Weight: 300–550 g
Incubation: 6 months
Number of eggs: 3–5
Habitat: Swamps (ephemeral)
Distribution: Swan Valley, Western Australia
EX EW EN NT LC
Extinct Least ConcernThreatened
CR VU
GOVERNMENT OF
WESTERN AUSTRALIA