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Australia's diverse habitat breeds some of the most unique creatures in the world. As the driest inhabited continent on earth, many of its species must learn how to survive on very little water. From bilbys and thorny devils to geckos and perentie, the scope of animals you'll see is spectacular while on your locum assignment.
Much like the kangaroo, the bilby is a part of the marsupial family, but it looks more like a mouse with large, disproportionate ears. As an extremely endangered species, the only place you're likely to see them in the wild is in the desert northwest of Alice Springs. These nocturnal creatures enjoy a diet of insects, fruit and bulbs. While their back legs are similar to their larger marsupial relative's, the bilby cannot hop like a kangaroo, but rather gallops out of trouble. The cute little animal is a joy to see scurrying in the wild.
Although its name sounds intimidating, the thorny devil is a rather cute reptile. To eat their meals – which consists entirely of ants—the little devil scoops them up on its short but sticky tongue. The lizard-like creature's entire body is covered in spikes, which help the animal receive sufficient amounts of water. Its prickly exterior picks up dew drops in the morning, and the droplets run down little grooves straight into their mouths.
When you visit Australia's desert landscape try to spot these outback animals.