Emu
The tallest bird in Australia
The emu is the second tallest flightless bird in the world after the ostrich. However, the two are only similar due to convergent evolution and are not closely related. For example, emus have three toes on each foot and not just two like ostriches. They are the only species in the genus Dromaius still alive today. Emus are native to almost the entire Australian continent and are divided into three subspecies. Until European colonisation, there were also populations on Tasmania, Kangaroo Island and King Island, but these are now extinct.
The longest fence in the world
In search of water and food, large migrations of up to thousands of animals occur regularly, especially in Western Australia. To limit damage to agriculture and the spread of disease, a 3,256 km (2,023 mi) fence was erected across the continent from north to south between 1901 and 1907. It was the longest fence in the world until the Dingo Fence was built in eastern Australia.
Size, speed and breeding
Emus can reach a height of 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) when standing and can run at speeds of 50 km/h (31 mph) thanks to their strong legs. Male emus are responsible for incubating the eggs, while the females mate again. With sufficient food, a female will lay up to three nests. Female emus are also slightly larger than the males.
Facts
- Binominal name: Dromaius novaehollandiae
- Translation: Dromaius (Greek for ‘runner’), novaehollandiae (Latin for ‘New Holland‘)
- Meaning of the name Emu: unknown (probably Arabic)
- First described: 1790 (John Latham)
- Distribution: Australian mainland
Emu Folding Card
This special souvenir note from the Australia Series is dedicated to the emu. Printed on genuine security paper, it features a lizard as a gold foil patch, motifs in UV color and haptic elements. While the vertically designed obverse depicts two emus, the reverse shows the famous sandstone formation Uluru or Ayers Rock in Central Australia and Aboriginal art. Uluru is 348 m (1,142 ft) high and is revered as a sacred place by the Aboriginal people of the area. Under UV light, a road sign with an emu becomes visible. The Australia Series, which comprises a total of eight souvenir notes, is also available in a booklet with lots of information and pictures.
Obverse: Two emus, stylized lizard, map of Australia
Reverse: Uluru or Ayers Rock, sandstone formation in Central Australia, Aboriginal art, stylized sea turtle
| Dimensions: 145 x 70 mm (5.71 x 2.76 in) Material: Paper |
