A List Of Australian Outback Animals Found In The Opal Fields

One of the most lively habitats on the planet is also the driest, most arid, and desolate regions on the planet: the Australian Outback. In this desert land, a world of activity thrives among the Australian Outback animals.

In this article, we're exploring the unique, robust, and varied Aussie outback animals found in the opal fields.

Ready to put your explorer hat on and endeavor into the wild, rugged interior of land that is the Australian Outback?

Let's go!

Where Is The Australian Outback?

The Australian Outback is one of the most remote environments in the world. There are three regions in the Outback, each categorized by climate:

• Tropical to arid

• Semi-arid

• Temperate  

The fascinating feature of the Outback is that there's relatively low human activity here. The primary functions include mining the opal fields of Coober Pedy, White Cliffs, Lightning Ridge, Adamooka, and Mintabie.

While the Outback's human population makes up less than 5% of the national population, there's a world of animal activity. Miners and visitors frequently spot a variety of wildlife trekking across this rugged terrain.

Despite the dry climate, the Outback boasts a thriving ecosystem of flora, fauna, and fascinating creatures!

It's no secret that the Outback is a place of mystery and intrigue, but are there dangerous animals in the Outback?

Yep, among many others that aren't dangerous at all. That's what makes the Outback such a diverse and exciting place. How many species of animals live in the Outback?

Seemingly endless varieties! From herbivores to venomous snakes to hopping kangaroo, let's dive into the amazing Australian outback animals found in the opal fields.

What Kinds Of Animals Are In The Outback?

You may recognize some of these beloved animals, like Koala and Kangaroo, but there's far more to explore than these iconic Australian animals.

Kangaroo

Let's hop right to our first animal on this list of Aussie outback animals: none other than the kangaroo! While kangaroos are often seen in the Outback, this is true across Australia. That's why kangaroos are so commonly associated with Australia in general — they abound.

So, what exactly are kangaroos? They are marsupial mammals and a member of the Macropodidae family.

Kangaroos are native to Australia and are instantly recognizable when sighted bouncing across the opal fields for their signature leap. These commanding animals have muscular hind legs and a strong tail to balance while they move. And of course, the females carry their babies in their abdomen pouch!

The reason kangaroo is one of the most popular Australian Outback animals found in the opal fields is that they easily withstand the dry climate. Additionally, their fast movements enable them to quickly traverse across the Outback in search of food and water.

Sand Goanna

You'll find a vast population of lizards in the Outback, starting with the Sand Goanna. Dwelling on the sandy desert floor, these creatures live in habitats of woodlands and grasslands. With their long necks and camouflage skin, they feed on small prey like insects, birds, mice, and even snakes!

Frilled-Necked Lizard

The frilled-necked lizard is by far one of the most interesting Aussie Outback animals and is more reminiscent of a Jurassic species than a lizard. Encircled in a decorative frilled neck, these tree lizards only come to the ground to find food or protect their territory. Generally, the frilled-necked lizard lives in Northern Australia. However, they've been sighted in the opal fields in the low regions of the Outback.

Saltwater Crocodile

Crocodiles in the Outback? You read that right! If you came here for dangerous animals in the Outback, saltwater crocodiles deliver. Known as "Salties," these elusive giants stick to the coastal waterways that line the continent and stretch inland via rivers and swamps. While they are extremely dangerous, they're scarcely spotted in the wild, so there aren't that many close encounters.

Dingos

Is it a dog? Is it a coyote? Nope, it's a dingo! These four-legged animals are essentially native wild dogs that can be seen charging across the opal fields. They roam in packs and prey on everything from birds, reptiles, fish, and even kangaroos! Despite the dingo's stamina, the general population is sadly on the decline. If you do happen to sight a dingo, consider it a token of good fortune as they are becoming more scarce every year.

Koalas

Arguably the cutest animal on our list, the koala, is most often sighted in the evening hours between 5 p.m. and midnight. That's when koalas are most active because they're fast asleep for 18-20 hours a day.

Koalas live in the Eucalyptus forests and woodlands of Eastern Australia. However, habitat loss is forcing these furry creatures inland.

Contrary to their nickname "Koala bear," Koalas aren't bears, but marsupials, like Kangaroos. They also stow their babies in their pouch, who feed on their mother's milk for about seven months before venturing out!

Thorny Devils

One glance at this unique lizard, and you'll be asking, "what on Earth is that?" These pokey lizards live in the arid climates of the Outback and are covered in defensive spikes. As you might guess, their spikes protect them from predators. In a single day, a thorny devil will feed on thousands of tiny ants. Come nightfall, they keep themselves cool from the desert climate by basking in their own dew.

Australian Feral Camels

You've seen camels in Morocco and the Middle East, but did you know they also roam the Outback? That's right, Australian Feral camels thrive in the desert's extreme heat and dry climate. These roaming camels aren't native to Australia but have been on the continent since they were first brought over from India and Afghanistan in the 1800s. Any guesses as to why?

If you guessed for toting goods during the colonization of Australia — you're right! Now, they rarely engage with human activity, as they freely roam across the country's dry interior.

Snakes

We had to finish the list of Australian Outback animals strong! One of the biggest dangers of the Outback is venomous snakes. Multiple snakes are lurking in the desert bushes and rocky lands, including the Stimson's python, orange-naped snake, mulga snake, curl snake, desert death adder, inland taipan, and speckled brown snake. Mostly, these poisonous snakes feed on mice, insects, birds, and small animals.

For the most part, people don't commonly interact with desert snakes, so they aren't as dangerous as they sound because, for the most part, they stay hidden. That said, the Outback is home to the most dangerous snake in the world, The inland taipan, which can wipe out 100 men with one venomous bite.

There you have it! We've journeyed to the Australian Outback interior to unveil the curious, intriguing, and in some cases, the dangerous animals that live here. For the most part, Aussie Outback animals keep to themselves. However, every so often, they venture across the opal fields to give onlookers a glimpse at the vast and fascinating world of the Outback!

SHOP FOR OPALS

Black Opal

Boulder Opal

Crystal Opal

Coober Pedy Opal