Native Animals & Wildlife

Reptiles inhabit every environment in Australia. Common reptiles found in Western Australian backyards include tiger snakes, dugites, mulga snakes, carpet pythons,  skinks, goannas (monitors), blue tongues and bobtails.

Behaviour
Reptiles are cold-blooded, so they rely on the environment to warm up and cool down. As the temperature rises, particularly during early spring in the southwest, reptiles begin to move around more and so the number of sightings and encounters with reptiles also increases. They may also be seen in the winter basking in the sun to warm up or hiding in other warm spots. In hot weather, reptiles may also be active at night. Reptiles are normally secretive and timid animals, and generally will only attack when threatened or surprised.

Environmental Law
All fauna native to Australia are afforded protection under both State and Commonwealth legislation.

Find out more information from the Parks & Wildlife Services website

The Common Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and Western Ringtail Possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis) occur in forests and woodlands, where they mostly nest in tree hollows.

They have adapted to living in areas populated by humans, where they can cause damage in the form of noise, fouling and damage to backyard food crops and ornamental gardens.

Possums can be excluded from buildings by blocking entry points, after they leave at dusk, and by modifying the surrounding habitat. Repellents may be effective in some circumstances.

Environmental Law
All fauna native to Australia, including fauna that naturally migrates to Australia, are afforded protection under both State and Commonwealth legislation. Under both State and Commonwealth legislation, the western ringtail possum Pseudocheirus occidentalis is recognised as Threatened fauna and is listed as Critically Endangered under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. 

Find out more information from the Parks & Wildlife Services website

Quenda (Isoodon fusciventer) have a long, pointed nose and short, rounded ears. Their fur is short and coarse and is a dark grey or yellow brown with a creamy-white belly. Their tails have dark brown fur.

Quenda are a type of bandicoot, which are small marsupials that live on the ground. They are often mistaken for rats in Perth but they are generally bigger and fatter with shorter tails. Quenda are most often seen at dusk because they are mostly nocturnal animals, but they can also be active during the day, especially in winter.

Have you seen a quenda?
Please let us know us if you have seen a quenda by sending a fauna report form (on the Department’s website www.dbca.wa.gov.au) to fauna@dbca.wa.gov.au.

Find out more information from the Parks & Wildlife Services website

The Australian Magpie is a widespread, conspicuous bird that is found in bushland and is common in farmland, towns and urban areas. During the breeding season, Magpies defend their nest from potential predators, which results in swooping of humans by a small proportion of birds.

Environmental Law
All fauna native to Australia, including fauna that naturally migrates to Australia, are afforded protection under both State and Commonwealth legislation. Depending on the type of fauna-related activity, a licence issued by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions may be required. It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure, trade, keep or move them unless authorised by a permit.

Find out more information from the Department of Parks & Wildlife website

The Western Grey Kangaroo (Macropus fuliginosus), is one of four large kangaroos and wallaroos that occur in Western Australia. The species is distributed across the southern part of the Australian mainland.

Western grey kangaroos are large marsupials that are 97-223 centimetres from head to tail and three to 70 kilograms in weight (females weigh up to 34 kilograms). Although called grey kangaroos, they are light grey-brown to chocolate in colour with paler undersides. Western grey kangaroos sometimes have white marks on the forehead and, unlike other kangaroos, the muzzle is finely haired. Males have a strong, characteristic odour and well-muscled shoulders and forearms.

Find out more information from the Parks & Wildlife Services website

Located: 120 Gilchrist Road, Lesmurdie. 

Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the protection and welfare of native wildlife. The organisation is run entirely by local community volunteers, with the support of local businesses.

If you find a sick or injured native animal you can contact Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Hospital admissions are between 8.00am-8.00pm.

Telephone: (08) 9291 3900
Email: info@kanyanawildlife.org.au
Website: https://kanyanawildlife.org.au

The Wildcare Helpline is a telephone referral service operated by volunteers on behalf of the department and is based at the Kensington headquarters. 

The Wildcare Helpline provides a service for the public who find sick or injured native wildlife and are seeking advice on where to find care for the animal.

If you've found injured wildlife, Helpline on (08) 9474 9055.

The wildlife volunteers answering your call will be able to put you in touch with your nearest registered wildlife rehabilitator, wherever you are in Western Australia.