Wildlife
Quick links
The diverse environments of Kakadu National Park support an astonishing array of animals, a number of which have adapted to particular habitats. Some animals in the park are considered rare, endangered or endemic (not found anywhere else in the world). Find out about our wildlife using the quick links on the right.
Observing animals
- Early morning and sunset are good times to see wildlife
- Use a torch at night to look for nocturnal animals. Be careful not to shine strong spotlights onto sleeping roosting birds
- Look for clues to where animals have been, especially tracks, scats (droppings) and scratchings
- Waterholes along creeklines attract animals. Sit quietly to avoid disturbing them.
- Animals are often heard before they are seen. Walk quietly, listen and watch for movement
- Use binoculars to get a closer look
(from top) Leichhardt grasshopper c. Sharon Davies | Northern quoll c. Bruce Thompson | Green tree frog | The comb-crested jacana c. Morland Smith
- Look out for animals such as lizards and snakes crossing roads.
- Do not approach, disturb or feed wildlife
- Estuarine (saltwater) crocodiles inhabit Kakadu waters and deaths and severe injuries have occurred in the park. Obey crocodile warning signs
- Snakes, pigs and buffaloes can also be dangerous. Keep well away from them.
Several tour companies offer experiences around viewing the wildlife - find out more.
Endangered or vulnerable animal species
26 species in Kakadu National Park are listed as nationally threatened.
Kakadu is also subject to international treaties for the protection of other wildlife and habitats. Find out more
Listed as critically endangered
- Bare-rumped sheathtail bat (Saccolaimus saccolaimus nudicluniatus)
- Speartooth shark (Glyphis glyphis)
Listed as endangered
- Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae)
- Yellow chat (Epthianura crocea tunneyi)
- Northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus)
- Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta)
- Olive Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea)
- Arnhemland egernia (Bellatorias obiri)
- Yellow-snouted gecko (Lucasium occultum)
- Northern river shark (Glyphis garricki)
Listed as vulnerable
- Red goshawk (Erythrotriorchis radiatus)
- Partridge pigeon (Geophaps smithii smithii)
- Masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae kimberli)
- Northern shrike-tit (Falcunculus frontatus whitei)
- Northern brushtailed phascogale (Phascogale pirata)
- Water mouse (Xeromys myoides)
- Golden-backed tree rat (Mesembriomys macrurus)
- Golden bandicoot (Isoodon auratus auratus)
- Brush-tailed rabbit rat (Conilurus penicillatus)
- Arnhem rock-rat (Zyzomys maini)
- Plains death adder (Acanthophis hawkei)
- Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
- Green turtle (Chelonia mydas)
- Flatback turtle (Natator depressus)
- Dwarf sawfish (Pristis clavata)
- Freshwater sawfish (Pristis microdon)
