Australia

Australia is a vast island continent located in the Southern Hemisphere, between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Isolated for millions of years from other landmasses, its geographic position and evolutionary history have shaped one of the most unique ecosystems on Earth.

Australia is recognized as one of the world’s “megadiverse” countries, with an extraordinary number of endemic species—organisms found nowhere else. Over 80% of its mammals, reptiles, frogs, and flowering plants are unique to the continent. Iconic wildlife includes the kangaroo, koala, platypus, echidna, and a remarkable variety of marsupials, birds, and insects. Its ecosystems range from rainforests and eucalyptus woodlands to deserts, coral reefs, and alpine regions.

Australia is also home to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, supporting immense marine biodiversity. On land, biodiversity hotspots include Southwest Australia, Queensland rainforests, and Tasmania.

The country has a well-established network of national parks, marine reserves, and World Heritage Areas to protect its biodiversity. However, it faces serious threats from climate change, invasive species, land clearing, and wildfires.

Due to its long isolation, varied climates, and ancient landscapes, Australia holds a central role in global biodiversity and remains one of the most biologically distinct regions on the planet.