Climate and Wildlife of Australia

Factors Affecting Australia's Climate

• Latitudes
  • Lies in the Southern Hemisphere (12°S to 40°S).
  • Seasons opposite to the Northern Hemisphere.
  • June is winter; Christmas in summer.
• Mountain Ranges
  • Eastern Highlands create a barrier for moisture-laden trade winds.
  • East coast receives ample rainfall; leeward side is dry.

Climatic Regions

1. Monsoon Type

   • Located in northern Australia.
   • Alternate wet and dry seasons.
   • Hot, wet summers; cold, dry winters.
   • Tropical deciduous forests (bamboo, palms, eucalyptus).

2. Savanna Type

   • Found south of the monsoon region.
   • Hot, moist summers; cool, dry winters.
   • Savannah woodlands transitioning to grasslands.
   • Eucalyptus prevalent.

3. Tropical Desert

   • Covers western plateau (Victoria, Gibson, Sandy deserts).
   • Hot summers, cool winters.
   • Less than 25 cm annual rainfall.
   • Spinifex, porcupine grass, eucalyptus varieties.

4. Mediterranean Type

   • Southern Australia.
   • Hot, dry summers; cold, wet winters.
   • Eucalyptus, wally bushes, gum trees.

5. British Type

   • Found in Tasmania.
   • Warm summers, mild winters.
   • Moderate rainfall throughout the year.
   • Temperate deciduous forests (pine, beech, eucalyptus).

6. Temperate Grasslands

   • Located in Murray-Darling Basin.
   • Hot summers, cold winters.
   • Known as 'Downs'.
   • Short grass, Mallee scrub as rainfall decreases.

7. China Type

   • Southeast coast (Queensland, New South Wales).
   • Hot, wet summers; mild, dry winters.
   • Eucalyptus forests with tree ferns and grass trees.

Unique Wildlife

• Kangaroo

  • Marsupials, carry young in pouches.
  • About 50 varieties, ranging in size.
  • Some climb trees, have sharp claws.

• Koala

  • Marsupial, feeds on eucalyptus leaves.
  • Found in monsoon and China climate regions.
  • Endangered, protected by law.

• Platypus

  • Mammal with duck bill, lays eggs.
  • Poison spurs, swims with eyes and ears closed.

• Dingo (Wild Dog)

  • Only carnivorous mammal in Australia.
  • Attacks livestock, has strong jaws.

• Other Wildlife

  • Possum, echidna.
  • Emus: Second largest flightless birds.
  • Kookaburra: Known for loud sounds, imitates other noises.
  • Lyrebird: Unique songbird, imitates various sounds.
  • Many parrots, honey-eating birds, black swans, golden whistler.

Australia's isolation for millions of years has resulted in unique plant and animal life, unlike any other continent.