Learn about the fauna of the Alps
Australian Alps Education Kit
Chapter 6 – Fauna of the Australian Alps
Australian Alps Liaison Committee, November 2005
Diversity in the mountains
The rare and threatened
Baw Baw Frog Philoria frosti
Photo: G.Hollis
The diversity of vegetation in the Australian Alps provides habitats for a wide range of animals.
All major animal groups are represented in the Australian Alps; the Alps are home to:
- forty plus species of native mammals
- two hundred bird species
- thirty reptile species
- fifteen amphibians
- fourteen native fish species, and
- many species of invertebrates.
There are also many non-native animals including dogs, cats, pigs, horses, European rabbits, Red Fox, Black Rat and House Mouse which are considered pests in the Australian Alps. These introduced animals compete with native animals for food and shelter and kill native plants and animals.
Animals living at the higher elevations have to contend with a long, cold winter season when food is scarce, temperatures are low and the ground is covered with snow. In addition there are not many trees to provide a suitable habitat.
The native animals of the Australian Alps have developed ways to cope with this harsh environment including:
- living under a blanket of snow
- hibernation and torpor
- communal living and nesting, and
- seasonal migration
More Information
For more information about the fauna of the Australian Alps
- Download this chapter
- Check out the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts Species Profile and Threats Database
Before you download
Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF files.
If you are unable to access a PDF file, please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format.
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up