Fauna
Despite the relative abundance of permanent water, mammals and birds are sparse on the plateau, but there are small populations of Euros (Macropus robustus), Echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatusand) and a few species of bats. Feral goats are rare. Common birds include Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys), Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax), and the Southern Boobook (Ninox novaeseelandiae).
Reptiles have fared better than mammals and there are numerous species of snakes, skinks and dragons.
Read more about this topic: Mawson Plateau
Famous quotes containing the word fauna:
“The whole fauna of human fantasies, their marine vegetation, drifts and luxuriates in the dimly lit zones of human activity, as though plaiting thick tresses of darkness. Here, too, appear the lighthouses of the mind, with their outward resemblance to less pure symbols. The gateway to mystery swings open at the touch of human weakness and we have entered the realms of darkness. One false step, one slurred syllable together reveal a man’s thoughts.”
—Louis Aragon (1897–1982)