By Jenna Durante
ANU isn’t just a hub for academics and research but also a haven for fascinating wildlife. From striking birds to mysterious nocturnal creatures, the campus flourishes with many of Australia’s native (and not-so-native) animals. Whether soaring through the skies, scurrying up tall trees, or quietly hopping among the grass, these animals are part of the university’s character, where nature and academia coexist.
From magpies that aren’t afraid to get up close and personal to cockatoos that double as an early morning alarm, ANU’s critters make campus life a little more unpredictable — in the best way possible.
Observer takes a closer look at the furry, feathered, and sometimes feisty creatures that call ANU home.
Feathers of campus life
Magpies are hard to miss on campus. With their distinct black and white plumage, these birds are a common sight, often swooping down to get a closer look at students, especially if you’re enjoying a snack on Kambri lawn.
They tend to come in packs, and their fearlessness is evident as they won’t hesitate to make a close-up appearance. Cyclists should be extra cautious as magpies have been known to alarm riders, making an otherwise peaceful commute to class feel like a high-stakes getaway. While their swoops and nosy beaks may come as a surprise, these birds are essential to ANU wildlife, adding a dash of energy and liveliness to campus.
ANU’s alarm clock
If you’re an early riser at ANU, or even if you’re not, you’ve likely been woken up by the squeaking of the sulphur-crested cockatoos. These striking white parrots, with their bright yellow feathered crowns, are known for their loud calls and energetic antics.
These birds are incredibly active, often flying in flocks and chatting loudly throughout the day. While some might find their calls a bit jarring, for others, these birds are like a natural alarm clock, signalling the start of a new day with their melodic chatter. And unlike your phone, there’s no snooze button; once the cockatoos start their morning chorus, there’s no going back to sleep.
Night-time adventurers
As the day winds down, ANU comes alive with its nocturnal residents — none more intriguing than the possums. From the large brushtail possums to the tiny, palm-sized critters, these animals are friendly and curious, though they tend to stay out of sight until the sun sets.
Some of the tiniest creatures you might spot darting through the trees are sugar gliders, which are often mistaken for baby possums due to their size and appearance. They’re actually a distinct species of marsupial with flaps of skin that allow them to glide effortlessly from tree to tree.
Although they are night-time explorers, you might spot them sneaking stealthily earlier in the evening, their wide eyes and playful nature adding a sense of mystery to campus. Known for their laid-back demeanour, possums are the perfect campus companions for those who appreciate the quieter, more enigmatic side of wildlife during a late-night study session at the library.
Uninvited guests
While some creatures thrive, others pose a threat to the campus ecosystem. These are none other than the infamous rabbits. The fluffy hoppers may seem harmless at first glance, but they are an invasive species, multiplying rapidly and disrupting plant and animal life.
At ANU, you might spot them darting across lawns or nibbling on greenery. Though undeniably cute, these uninvited guests pose a real issue for conservation efforts, making them an important part of the campus wildlife conversation.
Introduced for hunting purposes, the European wild rabbit made its Australian debut in 1859. Within 50 years, they spread across most of the continent. Having no natural predators, an abundant food supply, and ideal living conditions, the rabbit population exploded, reaching 600 million by the late 1940s.
Managing their numbers isn’t just about protecting the landscape, it’s about preserving biodiversity. That’s why rabbit control programs in the ACT aim to reduce their impact and maintain balance in the environment.
As students, staff, and visitors move through campus, these animals remain our constant companions. Some may be amusing, others annoying, but they are always a part of the ANU experience and a reminder that we share this space with a diverse and thriving ecosystem.
Despite the occasional disruption (or outright ambush from a territorial magpie), ANU’s wildlife adds a unique charm to campus life. They are our noisy neighbours, our feathery alarm clocks, and our night-time wanderers that make the university feel more alive.
Graphics by Shé Chani
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