NSW Government
Environment and Heritage

Native animals

We work to protect our native animals and their habitats. Learn more about some of our unique and unusual native species.

Mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus), Kosciuszko National Park
A mountain pygmy possum (Burramys parvus) in Kosciuszko National Park.
Credit: John Spencer/DCCEEW
Dingoes Canis lupus dingo Kosciuszko National Park
Dingoes in Kosciuszko National Park.
Credit: Andrew Claridge/DCCEEW
Protected species

Native animals are protected by the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

Two laughing kookaburras perched on a tree branch
Two laughing kookaburras (Dacelo novaeguineae) perched on a tree in Tallaganda National Park.
Credit: Trevor Rix/DCCEEW
Native animal facts

Learn about some well-known and some not so well-known NSW native animals.

Three sulphur crested cockatoos eating grass seeds.
Sulphur crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita).
Credit: P Sherratt/DPE
Living with native animals

Native animals may live in our backyards, parks, bushland and waterways near urban neighbourhoods.

A distressed koala with water
A distressed koala with a water dish.
Credit: DCCEEW
Helping wildlife in emergencies

We work with the community and wildlife rehabilitation groups to rescue and care for injured and distressed native wildlife in an emergency, such as prolonged drought or after fire or flood.

Bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus)
Bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus) .
Credit: Shona Lorigan/DPE
Rehabilitating native animals

Injured, sick or orphaned native animals require specialised care and treatment to recover and be returned to the wild.

Humpback whale breaching
Humpback whale breaching .
Credit: Jonas Liebschner/DCCEEW
Approaching marine mammals in New South Wales

Check how close you can legally go to a whale, dolphin, dugong or seal. The laws are to protect you and to stop you from disturbing them.

Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus).
Credit: D Lunney/DPE
Sick or injured animals

Advice on assisting sick and injured native animals and who to contact for help.