Native Animals History and Science
Keepers of Balance, Story, and Survival
Victoria’s landscapes—from the volcanic plains of the west to the rainforests of the Otways and the alpine heights of the Great Dividing Range—are alive with animals that have evolved and adapted over tens of millions of years. These native species—kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, koalas, emus, echidnas, and countless smaller creatures—are far more than wildlife; they are relatives, teachers, and keepers of law, woven into the spiritual, ecological, and cultural fabric of Country (Clarke 1997; Howitt 1904). For Indigenous peoples of Victoria, animals are not separate from humans—they are kin, each carrying knowledge, responsibility, and purpose. Their movements, sounds, and life cycles are messages from Country itself, forming part of a web of connection that links land, sky, and water. Although colonisation, habitat loss, and modern development have placed many species at risk, the enduring stories and ecological relationships between people and animals continue to guide restoration and renewal across Victoria today (DELWP 2021; Wadawurrung TOAC 2023).
Deep-Time and Cultural Timeline
The story of Victoria’s native animals begins more than 65 million years ago, during the Paleogene, when early marsupials diversified across Gondwana. As forests and wetlands spread across what would become Australia, these small, adaptable mammals radiated into the ancestors of today’s kangaroos, wombats, and possums (Archer 1984). By the Miocene (23–5 Ma), the continent was drying and opening; tropical forests gave way to woodlands and grasslands, favouring the rise of browsing and grazing macropods and arboreal folivores such as koala ancestors, shaped by fire regimes, drought, and nutrient-poor soils (Flannery 1994). During the Pleistocene (2.6 Ma–10 ka), Victoria hosted spectacular megafauna—giant kangaroos, marsupial lions, Diprotodon, and large flightless birds—sharing Country with the first peoples, who arrived >40,000 years ago (Archer 1984; Flannery 1994). Through close observation, Indigenous nations embedded each animal within law and story, teaching reciprocity and restraint (Howitt 1904; Clarke 1997). Before 1788, practices such as cultural burning, seasonal movement, and kinship governance maintained balance across habitats (Clarke 2008; DELWP 2021). Colonisation in the 19th century brought rapid clearing, hunting, and invasive predators, driving declines and local extinctions; yet cultural continuity in story, ceremony, and practice persisted and now informs joint conservation with science (DELWP 2021; Wadawurrung TOAC 2023).
Ecology and Diversity of Victorian Fauna
Victoria’s fauna reflects its ecological mosaic—alpine grasslands, eucalypt forests, heathlands, wetlands, and coasts—each supporting species adapted to place (Barrett et al. 2003; DELWP 2021).
Marsupials and Mammals.
Eastern Grey Kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) is abundant across open forests and plains; Swamp and Black Wallabies (Wallabia spp.) shape understorey through browsing; Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) is a specialist folivore of eucalypts; Common Wombat (Vombatus ursinus) engineers soil through extensive burrows; Eastern Barred Bandicoot (Perameles gunnii)—now endangered—improves soil turnover and invertebrate balance; Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps) pollinates and links canopies (Flannery 1994; DELWP 2021).
Monotremes.
Echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) and Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) are ancient lineages whose digging and foraging sustain soil structure and river health (Flannery 1994; DELWP 2021).
Reptiles and Amphibians.
From Lace Monitor (Varanus varius) to Southern Tree Frog (Litoria ewingii), herpetofauna occupy niches across all habitats and act as sensitive indicators of environmental change (DELWP 2021).
Birds.
Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), Brolga (Antigone rubicunda), Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae), and Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax) connect land and sky; long-term atlas data map their distributions and seasonal movements (Barrett et al. 2003).
Marine and Freshwater Life.
Rivers, estuaries, and the southern coast host fish, eels, penguins, seals, and shellfish, extending the web of life from inland to ocean—an unbroken chain of ecological and spiritual connection (Clarke 2008; DELWP 2021).
Each species contributes to the law of balance: pollination, predation, soil renewal, and spiritual reciprocity maintain the rhythm of Country (Clarke 1997; DELWP 2021).
Animals in Indigenous Knowledge and Story
Animals are spiritual beings that created the landscape and established the laws of life. Kangaroo and Emu embody movement and continuity; Koala teaches patience and rest; Wombat is the quiet builder; Echidna symbolises resilience; Eel is transformation and migration, linking fresh and salt waters, central on Gunditjmara and Wurundjeri Country (Clarke 2008). Bunjil the Eagle and Waa the Crow serve as cosmic regulators of law and morality, balancing creation and consequence (Clarke 1997; Howitt 1904). These teachings guide kinship ethics and practical stewardship.
Animals on Wadawurrung Country
On Wadawurrung Country (Ballarat to the Surf Coast and Bellarine), kangaroos and emus mark pathways across volcanic plains; koalas and possums inhabit tall forests; echidnas and wombats shape basalt soils; along rivers and inlets, eels, fish, and waterbirds connect land to sea (Wadawurrung TOAC 2023). Current programs led by the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation integrate cultural burning, habitat restoration, and education with scientific monitoring—affirming that healthy animals mean a healthy Country (Wadawurrung TOAC 2023; DELWP 2021).
Colonial Impacts and Modern Challenges
European settlement disrupted ancient relationships through land clearing, grazing, hunting, and the introduction of foxes and cats, driving precipitous declines of small to medium mammals and ground-nesting birds (Flannery 1994; DELWP 2021). Flagship species such as Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, and Tiger Quoll were pushed to the brink. Ongoing pressures include urban expansion, climate change, pollution, and road mortality; yet Indigenous-led restoration and science-based recovery are reversing declines at several sites (DELWP 2021; Wadawurrung TOAC 2023).
Modern Science and Conservation
Science and Traditional Knowledge now converge to protect Victoria’s fauna. Rewilding in predator-free sanctuaries (e.g., Mt Rothwell; Mooramong) supports threatened marsupials; cultural burning restores mosaic habitats; genetic monitoring underpins viable populations; citizen science (eBird/Atlas, Wildlife Victoria, iNaturalist) strengthens data; statewide strategies such as Biodiversity 2037 embed Traditional Owner partnerships in planning and delivery (Barrett et al. 2003; DELWP 2021; Wadawurrung TOAC 2023).
Symbolism and Meaning
From an Indigenous perspective, animals embody moral law, belonging, and reciprocity; in ecology, they are keystone and indicator species whose wellbeing reflects ecosystem health; culturally, they symbolise resilience and identity, bridging ancient tradition and contemporary life (Clarke 1997; DELWP 2021).
Conclusion
The native animals of Victoria are living symbols of Country’s endurance—descendants of ancient ancestors and carriers of modern wisdom. Their continued presence depends on care for the web of life itself—the forests, plains, rivers, and coasts that sustain all beings. To protect them is to honour both law and science, past and future, ensuring that Country continues to beat with life, song, and purpose (DELWP 2021; Wadawurrung TOAC 2023).
References
Archer, M. (1984). The Australian Marsupial Radiation. Surrey Beatty, Sydney.
Barrett, G. et al. (2003). The New Atlas of Australian Birds. RAOU, Melbourne.
Clarke, I.D. (1997). “The Aboriginal Cosmic Landscape of Southern Australia.” Records of the South Australian Museum, 30(1): 1–14.
Clarke, P.A. (2008). Aboriginal Healing Practices: Smoke, Fire and Plant Use in South-Eastern Australia. Aboriginal Studies Press, Canberra.
DELWP (2021). Biodiversity 2037 Strategy. Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne.
Flannery, T. (1994). The Future Eaters: An Ecological History of the Australasian Lands and People. Reed Books, Sydney.
Howitt, A.W. (1904). The Native Tribes of South-East Australia. Macmillan, London.
Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (TOAC). (2023). Cultural Knowledge and Country Resources. Geelong.
Written, Researched and Directed by James Vegter 16/09/2025
Magic Lands Alliance
Sharing the truth of Indigenous and colonial history through film, education, land and community.
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Magic Lands Alliance acknowledge the Traditional Owners, Custodians, and First Nations communities across Australia and internationally. We honour their enduring connection to the sky, land, waters, language, and culture. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging, and to all First Peoples communities and language groups. This article draws only on publicly available information; many cultural practices remain the intellectual property of communities.