Faunal Emblems of Australia: Understanding State Symbols and Native Animals

Floral, fauna, bird, mammal, fish, fossil… Each Australian state and territory has chosen its own emblems to represent its unique environment and culture. But why were these symbols selected? And what exactly is the difference between fauna, animal, and mammal?

Understanding these distinctions not only enhances our scientific literacy but also provides a rich opportunity for learning across history, geography, and biology—whether you're teaching in a classroom or homeschooling.

What Does "Fauna" Mean, and How Is It Different from "Animal" or "Mammal"?

Animals are generally classified into two main groups:

• Vertebrates: with backbones (including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish)

• Invertebrates: without backbones (like insects, spiders, and worms)

Among vertebrates:

• Mammals have live births and feed their young milk.

• Birds, fish, and reptiles have distinct features and classification.

• Fauna is a broad term that refers to all animal life in a specific region—so yes, it includes birds and fish.

Yet, many Australian states list separate "fauna," "mammal," and "bird" emblems—often leading to confusion. For example, the ACT's fauna emblem is a bird, while most other states list a mammal under “fauna.”

Why Were These Faunal Emblems Chosen?

Australian fauna emblems were typically selected because:

• The species are native and uniquely local

• They may be endangered or threatened, highlighting conservation issues

• They symbolise the natural heritage of each region

• They attract eco-tourism

A short audio report from the ABC discusses emblem conservation and the impact of bushfires on emblem species. It also compares how Australian states are responding to this decline, including strategies influenced by conservation models from the United States.

Faunal Emblems by State and Territory

Fun fact: All fauna emblems except the platypus are marsupials. The platypus is a monotreme—one of only two mammals in the world that lays eggs (the other is the echidna).

Classification Quick Guide

• Marsupials: e.g. Koala, Kangaroo – carry underdeveloped young in a pouch

• Monotremes: e.g. Platypus – lay eggs, but feed young with milk

• Placental mammals: e.g. Humans, cats, dogs – not represented among emblems

• Birds and Fish: Often listed separately, though biologically they are animals

Explore Faunal Emblems Through Art

At Artventure, we're creating step-by-step art lessons that feature Australia's floral and faunal emblems. These activities are perfect for:

• Cross-curricular learning (science, geography, art)

• Cultural studies

• Classroom projects or homeschool units

You can search by:

• State names (e.g. “Tasmania emblem”)

• Emblem types (e.g. “mammal,” “bird,” “flora”)

• Specific animals or plants (e.g. “koala,” “waratah”)

Compare Emblems Across the World

Encourage students to compare Australia’s state symbols with those of other countries. What do these choices say about cultural identity, biodiversity, and national values?

Final Thoughts

Understanding the differences between fauna, animals, and mammals opens the door to meaningful learning across multiple disciplines. Australia’s state emblems are a rich resource for exploring science, symbolism, conservation, and creativity.

Artventure is gradually developing lessons to represent these emblems, helping young learners connect art with the natural world around them.

Erica
Teacher and Artventure Blogger

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