The 19th century ornithologist had a surprisingly progressive view of Australian animals, championing the fast-disappearing thylacine and broad-faced potoroo, even if he also knew how to cook a wombat
Rare set of John Goulds bird pictures in pictures
That old cliche you dont know what youve got till its gone has a truly hollow ring when applied to Australians awareness of its lost mammals.
Most Australians are barely aware of the creatures that still inhabit their island and couldnt tell the difference between a bettong (a shin-high kangaroo) and a wambenger (a small marsupial carnivore) if they got kicked in the eyes by one. A bettong that is. A wambenger would more likely target the jugular with its sharp little teeth.
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