More than 80 per cent of Australian plants, mammals, reptiles and frogs are unique to Australia and are found no-where else. Some of the best-known animals are the kangaroo, koala, echidna, dingo, platypus, wallaby and wombat.
- The inland taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) is the world's most venomous snake. It is elusive and there have been no recorded deaths by this species.
- The Sydney funnel-web (Atrax robustus) is one of the world’s most dangerous spiders. Its toxic venom evolved as a defensive tool against predators, rather than for attack. Unfortunately, humans are especially sensitive.
- Crocodile - one of the apex predators, the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) has the most powerful bite of any species.
- The stinging stonefish (Synanceia verrucosa) is found on Australia’s reefs. The pain of a sting alone can be lethal. It produces such mind-blowing agony that the body goes into shock and the person dies.
- Southern blue-lined octopus (Hapalochlaena fasciata) has one of the most toxic venoms on the planet and bites cause paralysis within minutes, leading to respiratory issues and heart failure.
- Great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias), however, have an undeserved reputation – they are responsible for an average of just one death per year, worldwide.