World Wildlife Day is an opportunity to celebrate the beautiful and varied plants and animals that contribute to the ecological, social, scientific and cultural aspects of human wellbeing!

South East Queensland is home to some wonderful wildlife species – here are some of our favourites. 

World Wildlife Day is an opportunity to celebrate the beautiful and varied plants and animals that contribute to the ecological, social, scientific and cultural aspects of human wellbeing. ABC News: Alice Pavlovic.

Spotted-tailed quoll, yarri or burrumbil (Dasyurus maculatus) 

I’m Simon the Spotted-Tailed Quoll. I’m the second largest carnivore marsupial in Australia after the Tasmanian devil but I’m the only quoll species with spots on my tail, so I think I’m pretty cool.

I usually like to sleep during the day but if I get hungry, I’ll go hunting. I like to sleep in fallen logs or small caves in the rainforest, the coastline or in the woodlands! You can learn more about me here.

Glossy Black Cockatoo or cacatuidae (Calyptorhynchus lathami) 

Hi! I’m Glenda the Glossy Black Cockatoo. I might be the smallest species of black cockatoo, but I can live to be 50 years old! I love making friends and enjoy spending time with my group. I’m also a bit of a romantic and love spending a couple time with my lifelong partner.

Despite my name, I’m not actually glossy or black but have dark brown, matte feathers. My favourite food is casuarina seeds and you can help me out by keeping any casuarina trees in your backyard alive and healthy (or planting new ones!) and putting out clean, fresh water in your garden.

Water Mouse or yirrkoo (Xeromys myoides)

I’m Maisey the Water Mouse and I am one of Australia’s rarest rodents, so I’m very special. I’m tiny and only weigh between 40g to 50g. My favourite foods are shellfish and crabs but I’m a very slow eater, it can take me as long as 20 minutes to eat a crab the size of a 10 cent piece!

I love living along the coast and usually sleep during the day except when there is a high tide and I can’t get home! Read more about me here.

To learn more about World Wildlife Day visit the World Wildlife Day website.