Australian Alps education kit
Australian Alps Liaison Committee, November 2005
Fauna of the Australian Alps
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. More than forty species of native mammals, two hundred bird species, thirty reptiles species, fifteen amphibians, fourteen native fish species and many species of invertebrates call the Australian Alps their home. There are also many species of animals not native, but introduced, to the Alps. Introduced mammals include dogs, cats, pigs, horses, the House Mouse, the European Rabbit, the Black Rat and the Red Fox.
The distribution of a species, whether native or introduced, is relative to its habitat requirements, which are different for each species. Sometimes habitat is provided by features such as scattered rock outcrops or decaying logs. More importantly, however, is the presence of vegetation necessary for food and shelter. Factors that determine the type of vegetation in an area (such as topography, soil type and temperature) also help determine the distribution of animal populations.
Download this chapter
This chapter is available as a PDF and file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to view the PDF file.
- Download Fauna of the Australian Alps (fauna.pdf - 858 KB)
If you are unable to access this chapter, please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format.