Animals
Animals play an important role in our natural environment. Some animals are responsible for assisting in the cycle of nutrients through the ecosystem; others are important because they increase the rate of decomposition; while others are valuable because they provide conditions that enable other species to survive and prosper. These animals are also important for industry, tourism, and local culture.
The Northern Territory supports a wide diversity of native animals, from insects and reptiles through to marsupials and mammals. Some of our native animals have become threatened as a result of changes to natural conditions (deforestation, altered burning regimes, disturbance, etc.), competition with exotic animals, and loss of habitat. Other native animals may be considered to be a nuisance because they smell, bite or make lots of noise; nonetheless, these animals still have an important place in our natural environment.
In addition to the native animals, the Northern Territory also supports a large number of exotic animals – including terrestrial vertebrates (horses, donkeys and camels), invertebrates (ants, snails, spiders, cockroaches), as well as aquatic and marine animals
