Animal Habitats
An animal's habitat is the single most important determinant of how they interact with their fellow plants and animals. Some animals are found in more than one habitat and some can only survive under very specific conditions. Here at Windaroo Zoo, there are 10 distinct habitats each with a host of diverse animal species.
Our world is predominately covered by water (more than 70 percent), so it should come as no surprise that the wildlife native to this habitat represent all types of animals. These animals include Pelicans, Dolphins and Turtles. The ebb and flow of the tides creates constant change for animals living in this habitat. We hope you enjoy the wonderful oceanic creatures at Windaroo Zoo.
In contrast to the coastline and ocean, desert creatures have limited access to water and cool temperatures. The adaptations of the animals in this habitat are better suited for conserving precious resources and maintaining a cool body temperature. Animals well-suited for desert climes include the Iguana, the Kangaroo and the Scorpion. Always have some water with you if you venture out into the Windaroo Desert.
The island habitat shares many characteristics with the other watery habitats with one unique difference. There is more opportunity for diversity because of the isolation an island provides. You'll find Galapagos Tortoises and Komodo Dragons among our island animals. Many animals in this habitat can only be found in a few places in the world. Luckily, one of those places is Windaroo Zoo!
A steppe, pronounced as "step", is a plain without trees (apart from those near rivers and lakes); it is similar to a prairie, although a prairie is generally considered as being dominated by tall grasses, while short grasses are normal in the steppe. It may be semi-desert, or covered with grass or shrubs or both. The term steppe originally comes from a Russian word, meaning flat and arid land. Leopards, Red-Tailed Hawks and Striped Hyenas can all be found living in this Windaroo habitat.
The open grassy plain of the savanna is home to many of the most familiar animals in the animal kingdom. Abundant grasses and other plant life support many grazing animals on the savanna, such as the Elephant, the Giraffe and the Rhinoceros. These grazing herds have their predators too, as the Lion, Cheetah and Leopard can all be found in this habitat. Not surprisingly, many of our most popular and famous animals can be found prowling the Windaroo Savanna.
As its name implies, the scrubland is not the most inviting of habitats. A cross between and desert and savanna, scrubland is dominated by low shrubs mixed with low-lying grassy vegetation. The dense low vegetation and lack of rainfall that occurs in scrubland areas make fire a constant danger. On the scrubland, the search of water and shelter from predators is a never-ending process. Unique animals, such as Koalas, Kiwis and Tamanduas call this habitat home.
The Northern Hemisphere is well known for its forests, most of which are temperate. The dense trees and undergrowth of these forests provides ample food and shelter for its creatures. Frequent rainfall and numerous streams and rivers make drought unlikely. Furry animals that are well-adapted to colder temperatures can be found in this habitat of Windaroo Zoo. Here you will find Brown Bears, Giant Pandas and Tapirs.
Perhaps the most well-known habitat due to its rarity and biodiversity, the Tropical Rain Forest is home to many strange and endangered animals, plants and insects. It is said that countless thousands of undiscovered species exist in the world's rainforest. In addition, many intriguing animals are known to wander the rain forests in search of food and shelter. These animals include the Binturong, the Gharial and the Jaguar among countless others.
Unlike many of the other habitats, the Tundra does not have a lot of characteristic vegetation. Rather, bitter cold and permanently frozen soil (permafrost) make the lives of tundra animals difficult. Most tundra animals have large, generally white, coats of fur to keep them warm during the long wintry seasons and to help camouflage them from predators. Some of the animals that live on the frozen tundra are Owls, Polar Bears and Wolves. The Windaroo tundra is a sight to behold despite its desolation.
The Wetland, River and Lake habitat includes many animals who are highly dependent on water for survival. For example, the Hippopotamus is so heavy that its legs cannot support it for long. However, the water helps to support its tremendous bulk and the Hippo spends most of its time partially immersed in water. Bogs, marshes and lakes are all part of this high moisture habitat. Alligators, Kingfishers and Otters can be found swimming and sunning themselves in the Windaroo's Wetlands. Bring a swimsuit!
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