The rakali (above) has been nominated as one of Australia’s most underrated native animals. Why? It has learnt to flip cane toads to eat them safely, avoiding their poisonous glands! Credit: Flickr / Danny McCreadie, CC BY-NC 2.0
Ever heard of a velvet worm, turtle frog or rakali? These underrated Aussie animals are finally getting their moment, and you can help decide which one takes the crown!
As part of National Science Week 2025 (9–17 August), ABC Science is running a national vote to spotlight Australia’s most overlooked native species. Whether it’s the ghost bat or giant cuttlefish, each animal is fascinating, ecologically important and sadly often forgotten.
🦎 Voting closes 15 August 2025. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the wildest STEM moment of National Science Week!
STEM + native animal careers
Voting in this poll is a way to show love for weird and wonderful wildlife! Plus, it’s a reminder of how many STEM jobs are behind the scenes protecting species like these.
From wildlife biologists studying desert skinks to marine ecologists monitoring cuttlefish, STEM pros are using science, data and tech to care for biodiversity. Others, like environmental engineers and science communicators, help turn public attention into action!
What are the top 10 underrated animals?
- Dugong
- Ghost bat
- Giant cuttlefish
- Great desert skink
- Marsupial mole
- Palm cockatoo
- Rakali (water rat)
- Short-finned eel
- Turtle frog
- Velvet worm
These species deserve the spotlight, and your future STEM career could help keep them thriving!
Get involved!
✅ Vote online for your favourite underrated animal
✅ Explore careers in ecology, conservation biology, zoology and more
