Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is known for its diverse wildlife, with many unique species of animals found only in this part of the world. Some of these animals are considered edible and are consumed both within Australia and exported internationally. The most famous example is kangaroo meat, which has been exported since 1959 and is now legal for human consumption in Australia. Other edible animals include emus, snakes, crocodiles, and even insects like beetles and locusts. Australia also has a range of non-native edible animals, such as camels, rabbits, deer, and feral pigs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Animals eaten in Australia | Kangaroo, emu, crocodile, shark, snake, insects, camels, rabbits, deer, feral pigs, wallabies, wombats |
| Animals that are not eaten in Australia | Koala, quokka, dingo, platypus, echidna, Tasmanian devil |
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What You'll Learn
Australians eat kangaroo meat, which is exported to over 55 countries
Australia is known for its diverse wildlife, and while some of its animals are considered cute and even national symbols, many are also eaten. Australians eat kangaroo meat, which is exported to over 55 countries worldwide.
Kangaroo meat is produced in Australia from wild kangaroos. It is sourced from the four main species of kangaroos that are harvested in the wild. The meat is high in protein and low in fat, making it a healthy option for consumers. In fact, kangaroo meat has been consumed by Indigenous Australians for thousands of years and was a staple source of protein for them. It was also eaten by early European settlers out of necessity and was a common ingredient in cookbooks until the 1930s. However, as more Australians moved to cities and living standards improved, kangaroo meat became less popular.
Today, kangaroo meat is available in most Australian supermarkets and restaurants, usually as steak or sausages. It is also exported to over 55 countries, with 70% of the meat going to the European market, particularly Germany and France. The meat is inspected by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry to ensure it meets strict hygiene and food safety standards.
While kangaroo meat is widely available in Australia, some Australians are reluctant to eat it, citing the kangaroo as a national emblem and a beloved animal. However, others are starting to champion the meat for its taste, nutritional value, and environmental benefits. Kangaroos produce less greenhouse gas methane than cattle and their feet do not damage the fragile Australian topsoil like cow and sheep hooves.
In addition to kangaroo meat, Australians also eat meat from other native animals such as crocodiles, emus, and snakes. They also consume insects like mealworms, buffalo worms, and beetles, as well as non-native animals like camels, rabbits, deer, and feral pigs.
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Crocodile meat is sold in many places in Australia
Australia is known for its unique wildlife, and while some of these animals are protected, others are considered delicacies. Crocodile meat is sold in many places in Australia, and it is considered by some to be better than pork or chicken. It is described as incredibly lean, full of protein, and low in cholesterol.
One of the most popular places to buy crocodile meat is Super Butcher, which offers Australian Crocodile Body Meat in 1kg packs. They deliver across the country and have stores in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Western Brisbane Suburbs, the Sunshine Coast, and Toowoomba. Super Butcher offers free click-and-collect services and provides customers with the flexibility to specify their packing instructions when placing an order.
Another option for purchasing crocodile meat is Southside Quality Meats, which is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm. While their website does not specify a delivery service, they do provide contact information for customers who may have queries.
In addition to these specialty butchers, crocodile meat can also be found in various supermarkets and restaurants across Australia. It is often considered an adventurous alternative to traditional meats, and its skin is also used for accessories like belts, handbags, and wallets.
When preparing crocodile meat, it is important to note that it is sold frozen and cannot be sliced, diced, or portioned by the butcher. It is best cooked medium-rare to avoid becoming too tough and chewy.
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Insects, including bees, are eaten in Australia
Insects are eaten in Australia, with edible insects containing high-quality protein, vitamins, and amino acids for humans. Insects are eaten by more than two billion people worldwide, mostly in the tropics. They can be eaten whole, or processed into burgers, pasta, and snacks. Some edible insects include mealworms, buffalo worms, beetles, locusts, and bees.
Chocolate-coated ants and crickets are the top choices for Australians when it comes to eating insects. Insect-based flours, such as those used for bread and biscuits, are also popular. According to research conducted by RMIT University, 35% of participants had previously tried insects, with crickets and grasshoppers being the most commonly consumed.
While older Australians tend to view insect-eating as disgusting and incompatible with their beliefs, younger Australians have shown a more positive outlook toward insect-based foods. Increased accessibility and nutrition knowledge are identified as major factors that may increase the likelihood of future insect consumption in Australia.
Bees are also consumed in Australia, though they are not always considered food. Australia has over 1,700 species of native bees, which come in a variety of colors and sizes. The most well-known bee in Australia is the yellow-brown commercial Honey Bee (Apis mellifera), which was introduced from Europe in the 19th century for honey production. However, there are also native bee species, such as the Blue Banded Bee, Resin Bees, Leafcutter Bees, Teddy Bear Bees, and Stingless Bees, which make small amounts of aromatic honey called Sugarbag.
Bees, however, face several natural predators in Australia, including spiders, dragonflies, the Australian Bee-eater bird, and wood swallows. These predators can cause significant harm to bee colonies and impact honey production.
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Sharks are consumed in Australia, but not all species are safe to eat
Australia is known for its diverse wildlife, with many unique animal species calling the country home. While some of these creatures are considered national symbols or adored for their cuteness, others are consumed as food. Shark meat, for instance, is eaten in Australia, but it's important to note that not all shark species are safe for human consumption.
Sharks are indeed consumed in Australia, where they are commonly served as "fish and chips" or "flake", as well as in soups and other dishes. Shark meat is considered a common seafood choice in the country. However, it's important to distinguish between shark species, as not all are suitable for human consumption. Dogfish, catsharks, sand sharks, makos, and smoothhounds are some of the shark varieties that are most commonly and safely consumed when properly cooked and prepared.
Australia has a significant number of shark species in its waters, with about 180 species identified in the country. The Australian Shark-Incident Database, maintained by the Taronga Conservation Society Australia, records shark-human interactions and provides valuable insights into shark behaviour and incidents. This database has been instrumental in understanding shark-related incidents and fatalities.
Some shark species are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates the trade of these species to ensure their survival. Australia, as a signatory to the Sharks Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), has committed to conserving shark species and improving the understanding of their populations, habitats, and conservation actions.
While shark meat is consumed in Australia, there are concerns about sustainability and the potential impact on shark populations. There have been campaigns to discourage the consumption of shark meat, particularly in the context of saving South Africa's white shark population, which has been affected by unsustainable fishing practices. However, it's important to note that most of the shark consumed in Australia is sourced from sustainable domestic fisheries.
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Snake meat is considered a delicacy in Australia
Australia is known for its unique wildlife, but some of its native animals are also considered a delicacy. Snake meat, for example, is considered a delicacy in Australia, although it is not commonly eaten. Snakes are a great source of lean protein, and those who have tried it say that snake meat tastes like chicken or fish. Snake meat can be seasoned and prepared in a similar way to chicken or fish, and popular dishes include Chinese snake soup, breaded snake strips, snake gourd with glass noodles, and stir-fried snake.
While it may seem dangerous to eat snakes, especially in a country known for its venomous snakes, it is possible to safely consume snake meat. Some sources advise doing research before consuming a snake, as not all snakes are edible. The Eastern Brown Snake, for example, is the second most venomous snake in the world and is native to the Australian outback, but it is still consumed by some. One source mentions cooking an Eastern Brown Snake in the outback, indicating that it is possible to safely prepare and eat this type of snake.
In addition to snakes, other unusual meats consumed in Australia include kangaroo, crocodile, emu, and various insects. Kangaroo meat has been exported from Australia since 1959 and is now consumed in over 55 countries worldwide. It is a good source of protein and is low in fat, making it a healthy option. Crocodile meat is also sold in Australia and is considered better than pork or chicken by some. Emu meat is listed by the American Heart Association as a healthy alternative to beef, although it is said to be gamier.
Insects are also becoming more popular in Australia, with items like deep-fried spiders and insects creeping onto menus at Australian boutique eateries. Spiders are said to taste like crunchy fried prawns and are often served with a cold beer. Insects like crickets, cockroaches, and ants have been eaten by Australia's Aborigines for thousands of years as a part of their "bush tucker." While these foods may seem unusual to some, they are considered delicacies by those who consume them and can be a good source of protein and other nutrients.
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Frequently asked questions
Some animals eaten in Australia include kangaroo, emu, crocodile, shark, snake, and insects.
Koalas are illegal to eat and it is also illegal to keep them as pets anywhere in the world. Quokkas are also protected, as it is illegal to touch one, let alone eat one.
Some dangerous animals in Australia include snakes, sharks, spiders, and the dingo, which is the largest terrestrial predator in Australia.
Some animals native to Australia include the kangaroo, koala, dingo, wombat, wallaby, platypus, echidna, and Tasmanian devil.
