8 unique animals that exist only in Australia and look unreal

The land of Australia is inhabited by some of the most exotic fauna that can be found on the planet, due primarily to its long isolation from other lands. Evolution has occurred in totally different manners, resulting in the emergence of animal species that do not occur anywhere else in the world. Indeed, around 80 per cent of the mammalian and reptilian fauna in Australia is endemic to the continent.This isolation has allowed species to evolve without outside interference, resulting in unusual physical traits and behaviours rarely seen elsewhere. Many of these animals appear almost unreal, showcasing nature’s ability to adapt in surprising and extraordinary ways.

With creatures that lay eggs and others that have babies carried around in pouches, the fauna of Australia is an intriguing blend of what one thinks he/she knows about different animals. From the cute to the primordial-looking, they all represent an evolution process that is unique to the environment that they inhabit. Here are eight incredible animals native to Australia.
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This lizard lives in the Australian desert and is distinguished by its skin full of spikes, which act as its protection against its enemies. This small lizard has a special feature whereby water is collected in channels of its skin and channelled into its mouth.

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The quokka is said to be the "happiest animal in the world" due to its friendly facial expression. Being found mostly on Rottnest Island, the quokka is a very small marsupial whose diet consists of plants. Even though they look cute and harmless, it should be noted that the quokkas are still wild creatures.
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The wombat is a tough animal that is adapted to life underground due to its strong claws. It has an unusual backwards-facing pouch which keeps the dirt out while it digs. The wombat is nocturnal, herbivorous, and moves slowly but surely.

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The Tasmanian devil is a meat-eating marsupial that is endemic to Tasmania. With its screeching sounds and powerful jaws, it acts as an effective pest control agent in the ecosystem. However, the population of the animal is endangered because of the spread of diseases.
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The other type of monotreme is the echidna, which, like a hedgehog, has a body that is covered in spines. The animal has a pointed snout used for catching insects such as termites and ants. The young echidnas, known as puggles, develop in a pouch without developing their spines.
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Platypus is considered to be one of the most bizarre creatures on Earth. It is a mammal that reproduces by laying eggs and possesses certain characteristics of both a duck, a beaver, and an otter. It can also be mentioned that it is one of those rare cases of a poisonous mammal.
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The koala is often confused with a bear but is actually an arboreal marsupial that lives its entire life in eucalyptus trees. The animal survives by eating eucalyptus leaves and sleeps for 18-20 hours per day due to low-energy expenditure. Although koalas appear placid, they are extremely specialised creatures with a very narrow dietary range and habitat.

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The kangaroo is possibly the most well-known Australian animal. This marsupial has strong hind legs that enable it to jump long distances. The offspring of the kangaroo, known as joeys, live in the pouch of the mother. The kangaroo is a very resilient animal that can thrive in different habitats such as deserts and grasslands.PC: Wikipedia