The Tasmanian Devil

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The Tasmanian Devil ... and other exotic critters

Yes, Virginia, there is a Tasmanian Devil. Although there may not be much longer. The 'devil population is being decimated by a cruel disease that begins with a mouth infection that leaves the animals unable to eat. One hundred percent fatal, the disease has reduced the 'devil population in Tasmania by 50% in the past 15 years. Scientists estimated that unless the disease can be stopped the Tasmanian Devil will be extinct within the next 15 years. The 'devil is a moderate-size animal (like a bear cub) and -- other than that ferocious snarl -- looks quite cuddly. But about that snarl ... it's really a yawn!


The quoll is a cat-size Tasmanian marsupial that's also nearing extinction.	The paddymelon is a small Tasmanian wallaby.

Emus are common throughout Western Australia, as are the small kangaroos now called euros. We saw both on the outskirts of Exmouth.

Rock wallabies are found on the stony shores of Lake Argyle.	Dudongs, found in Shark Bay, are similar to the North American manatees.


Salt-water crocodiles are found in the Katherine River in the Northern Territory (left), while much smaller fresh water crocodiles (middle) inhabit most of the rivers in Western Australia. Various desert lizards abound ... and are a hazard on the highways, the only casualties of my driving.

The animal we most think of when Australia is mentioned -- the kangaroo -- is hard to spot...alive. Big and fast during the day, they're usually gone before you realize they were there. But as nocturnal animals that like to feed along the mostly deserted highway, many are victims of speeding drivers.