'Most beautiful creature': See a breathtakingly rare Aussie species captured on camera!
- Replies 11
Australia, our beautiful sunburnt country, is a land of extraordinary wildlife, where encounters with rare and unique creatures can leave an indelible mark on those lucky enough to experience them.
Steve Allen is an Aussie photographer whose morning walk through a nature reserve north of Canberra turned into a moment he would never forget. Luckily for us, he also captured it on camera!
As the fog lifted on a Sunday morning, Allen came across the delicate eastern quoll.
He would later describe it as the 'most beautiful creature' he's ever had the pleasure of photographing.
‘I could see something moving through the grass, and I was sure it was going to be an echidna,’ said Allen.
But when the sunlight shone through the eastern quoll's ears, showing the pretty pattern of veins inside, he knew it was ‘something different’.
‘It was just hunting around an open grassland area. I think it was only a juvenile, and it seemed to have no fear of humans,’ said Allen.
This close encounter allowed him to appreciate the creature's exotic appearance with its distinctive spots and colouring compared to other marsupials.
Allen had been visiting Mulligans Flat for two years now, with his camera in tow, hoping to capture the essence of Australia's wildlife.
When he finally caught a glimpse of one of these rare creatures, he was surprised to see a species that had been considered long extinct on mainland Australia.
Foxes and cats were the main reasons behind their extinction. However, small colonies have been reintroduced, and the animal Steve photographed likely only exists because it's shielded by over 22 kilometres of fences that prevent introduced predators from getting in.
Australia holds the unfortunate title of having the highest mammalian extinction rate globally, with dozens more species expected to follow in the coming years due to habitat loss and invasive species.
Steve's photographs of the eastern quoll have not only showcased the creature's beauty but have also shown the importance of conservation efforts.
‘Just amazing. What a magnificent little creature,’ a person commented on his viral photo.
‘Priceless.’ another remarked.
‘Terrific shot! Great pose,’ a third person commented.
Have you had a memorable wildlife encounter or photographed a rare Australian species? Share your photos and stories with us in the comments below. Captured brilliant wildlife on camera? Share your photos with the SDC team here.
Steve Allen is an Aussie photographer whose morning walk through a nature reserve north of Canberra turned into a moment he would never forget. Luckily for us, he also captured it on camera!
As the fog lifted on a Sunday morning, Allen came across the delicate eastern quoll.
He would later describe it as the 'most beautiful creature' he's ever had the pleasure of photographing.
During one of his Sunday morning strolls, Allen spotted a small marsupial lurking in the grass. (Credit: Steve Allen)
‘I could see something moving through the grass, and I was sure it was going to be an echidna,’ said Allen.
But when the sunlight shone through the eastern quoll's ears, showing the pretty pattern of veins inside, he knew it was ‘something different’.
‘It was just hunting around an open grassland area. I think it was only a juvenile, and it seemed to have no fear of humans,’ said Allen.
This close encounter allowed him to appreciate the creature's exotic appearance with its distinctive spots and colouring compared to other marsupials.
Allen had been visiting Mulligans Flat for two years now, with his camera in tow, hoping to capture the essence of Australia's wildlife.
When he finally caught a glimpse of one of these rare creatures, he was surprised to see a species that had been considered long extinct on mainland Australia.
Eastern quolls typically come out at night, so Allen was thrilled to spot one during the day (Credit: Steve Allen)
Foxes and cats were the main reasons behind their extinction. However, small colonies have been reintroduced, and the animal Steve photographed likely only exists because it's shielded by over 22 kilometres of fences that prevent introduced predators from getting in.
Australia holds the unfortunate title of having the highest mammalian extinction rate globally, with dozens more species expected to follow in the coming years due to habitat loss and invasive species.
Steve's photographs of the eastern quoll have not only showcased the creature's beauty but have also shown the importance of conservation efforts.
‘Just amazing. What a magnificent little creature,’ a person commented on his viral photo.
‘Priceless.’ another remarked.
‘Terrific shot! Great pose,’ a third person commented.
Have you had a memorable wildlife encounter or photographed a rare Australian species? Share your photos and stories with us in the comments below. Captured brilliant wildlife on camera? Share your photos with the SDC team here.
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what a fantastic experience!
