Dunkurtin
17-07-2009, 07:59 PM
Basically post descriptions of native animals whose existence would be unknown to most tourist. To begin with keep to Australian animals and then if the idea takes off we'll branch out to other countries. Possibly opening it up to worldwide or nominating a country at a time.
Please post as much information as you can, pictures would be appreciated if they are available (sketches will do as i expect most of these animals aren't well catalogued). Here's two to start us off.
Drop Bears:
http://www.geocities.com/muirnin/Dropbear.jpg
A tree dwelling carnivorous mammal similar in appearance to a koala. Specimens vary from 3 to 5 feet high and are extremely strong. They have sharp claws on all four limbs and large canine teeth. Have been known to move short distances on two legs but are most dangerous when moving on all 4, reportedly being seen approaching speeds of 50 km/h. Those who survive long enough to be chased however are the lucky once. Drop bears preferred method of attack is to drop out of a tree on top of there prey, hence the name "Drop" bear. Drop bear population is widespread, it is uncommon to find multiple specimens within the same area but any bushland could be home to one.
Hoop Snakes:
http://www.orangecountyweb.org/Photos/hoopsnake.jpg
Found in the Australian desert, the hoop snake has a unique way of saving energy to supplement lack of food in it's surroundings. At first glance they look just like any other snake. However a Hoop Snakes uniqueness becomes apparent upon observing one traversing over sand dunes in the desert. It will crawl up the hill the same as any other snake, however upon reaching the top it will coil into a circle, biting its own tail, to form a 'hoop'. It will then flick its body up and proceed to roll down the far side of the dune. Hoop Snakes are believed to be highly venomous as only a handful of bite victims have ever survived.
There have also been reports of Hoop Snake sighting in bushland closer to the coasts of Australia. Along with claims of them moving in a hoop on relatively flat land. These claims are currently without evidence and generally disregarded by the majority of experts.
Please post as much information as you can, pictures would be appreciated if they are available (sketches will do as i expect most of these animals aren't well catalogued). Here's two to start us off.
Drop Bears:
http://www.geocities.com/muirnin/Dropbear.jpg
A tree dwelling carnivorous mammal similar in appearance to a koala. Specimens vary from 3 to 5 feet high and are extremely strong. They have sharp claws on all four limbs and large canine teeth. Have been known to move short distances on two legs but are most dangerous when moving on all 4, reportedly being seen approaching speeds of 50 km/h. Those who survive long enough to be chased however are the lucky once. Drop bears preferred method of attack is to drop out of a tree on top of there prey, hence the name "Drop" bear. Drop bear population is widespread, it is uncommon to find multiple specimens within the same area but any bushland could be home to one.
Hoop Snakes:
http://www.orangecountyweb.org/Photos/hoopsnake.jpg
Found in the Australian desert, the hoop snake has a unique way of saving energy to supplement lack of food in it's surroundings. At first glance they look just like any other snake. However a Hoop Snakes uniqueness becomes apparent upon observing one traversing over sand dunes in the desert. It will crawl up the hill the same as any other snake, however upon reaching the top it will coil into a circle, biting its own tail, to form a 'hoop'. It will then flick its body up and proceed to roll down the far side of the dune. Hoop Snakes are believed to be highly venomous as only a handful of bite victims have ever survived.
There have also been reports of Hoop Snake sighting in bushland closer to the coasts of Australia. Along with claims of them moving in a hoop on relatively flat land. These claims are currently without evidence and generally disregarded by the majority of experts.