Animals & Plants

Flora – The Plants

Approximately 90% of the flora on the UOW Wollongong Campus is native to the Illawarra Region. Some of the beautiful plants on campus include: Non native succulent Aeonium, and (shown first on the right), the Australian Native Grevillea also known as “Robyn Gordon”.

Tree Audit: A tree audit is currently being conducted to identify and list all trees present inside the ring road of the University. Information on the numbers and types of trees identified through this audit will be included on this webpage once available.

Tree Walk: To learn more about the trees that are on campus why not try the Campus tree walk.

Fauna - The Animals

Some of the animals that you might find around campus are profiled below.

Eastern water skink

Eastern water skink likes sun and water and is found on campus. You might find them around the creeks and ponds that have rocks or logs near the water. They shelter around or under rocks, logs and clumps of grass (such as the Lomandra longifolia planted on campus) beside the creeks or ponds and like to bask in the sunlight. They like to eat water beetles and other aquatic insects, small fish, tadpoles, snails, spiders, smaller lizards, and even native fruit. But they have to be careful of the kookaburras and butcherbirds that might try to eat them. Check out the second photo on the right.

The Australian Brush-Turkey

The Australian Brush- turkey is found in rainforest and wet schlerophyll forest habitat where it feeds on insects, seeds and fallen fruits, which are exposed by raking the leaf litter or breaking open rotten logs with their large feet. The majority of food is obtained from the ground, with birds occasionally observed feeding on ripening fruits among tree branches. During 2008, this bird could be seen on campus around the Arts Department digging in mulch and protecting its territory. Check out the third photo on the right.

Grey Butcherbirds

Grey Butcherbirds are found in wooded habitats often in suburban areas. They feed on insects and small lizards and they get their name from their habit of hanging captured prey on a hook or in a tree fork, or crevice.

Brush-tailed Possums

Brush-tailed Possums are about the same size as a domestic cat it is found in forests and woodland habitats along the east coast of Australia. They are nocturnal (active at night and usually spends the day sleeping) and feed on leaves, buds, flowers and fruits. They have strong teeth and often use their front paws to hold their food while eating. They are very territorial and mark out their home range with a scent they rub onto tree branches. On campus they are often making nuisances of themselves by finding their way into buildings. Check out the fourth photo on the right.

At present, there is no inventory of the fauna species that are found within the landscaped areas of campus. To develop an inventory we would like to enlist your help. Stay posted for more details of this coming initiative.

Last reviewed: 4 June, 2009