Australia is home to an amazing array of wildlife including many animals not found anywhere else in the world.

This five part NiE series - WILD AUSTRALIA - takes a look at some of the wild and unique creatures that live on this continent.

Each part consists of facts and information on some of the lesser known native animals, examines conservation issues and has an activity to try out.

Published from Monday May 9 to Friday May 13, these pages will give readers the chance to learn more about the diverse fauna that inhabits Australia.

PART 1

Unusual natives

Millions of years ago, Australia was cut off from the rest of the world's land masses completely isolated by vast oceans. This isolation allowed Australian animals to evolve separately resulting in some unusual and odd animals, creating an ecology like no other.

Amazing Amphibians

Cold-blooded, vertebrate animals that breathe through gills as juveniles (tadpoles) and through lungs as adults are known as amphibians.

PART 2

Marvellous Mammals

Australia has a large range of mammals.Mammals are warm-blooded vertebrates that have hair or fur, produce milk to feed their young, are lung-breathing and have a unique jaw structure.They are divided into three groups - monotremes, marsupials and placentals.

PART 3

With wings

THEY can fly, walk, run, swim and are found in the air, oceans, freshwater, seashores, rainforests and deserts. This diverse group of warm-blooded vertebrates are distinct from any other group of living animals. Their unique features make them easily recognised. They are our feathered friends - the birds.

PART 4

Remarkable Reptiles

Reptiles are a diverse group of animals including turtles, lizards, snakes and crocodiles. 

PART 5

The Invertebrates

They are all around us - animals that lack a backbone. They come in many shapes and sizes and account for the largest number of animal species in the world. They are the invertebrates.