World Wildlife Day – 03 March
Australia has 1,700 threatened species that need your help this World Wildlife Day
Did you know that Australia has the worst mammal extinction rate in the world? Thirty native mammals have become extinct since European settlement. Currently in Australia, more than 1,700 species and ecological communities are known to be threatened and at risk of extinction.
3 March is World Wildlife Day and we want to help Landcare groups protect Australia’s most vulnerable and threatened species. Why? Simply put – they need our help!
Some of the major factors affecting our threatened species are the loss and degradation of habitat, invasive species, unsustainable land and water management, and climate change.
The one good part of this story is the fact that tens of thousands of volunteers in Landcare groups across the country are working to protect our species from threats. Last year, thanks to the generosity of our donors, we were able to support many fantastic projects that helped protect our vulnerable and unique native wildlife.
The Squirrel Glider in New South Wales
The Woolshed Thurgoona Landcare Group in New South Wales helps protect and enhance native vegetation, fauna, water quality and general environmental health. Last year we funded the group to improve local habitat for the squirrel glider by planting 300 native trees and shrubs and installing 12 nest boxes.
Brolgas in Victoria
Designated as a brolga flocking site, the Lismore Land Protection Group works at Pink Lake and Salt Lake in Western Victoria’s Pura Pura. More than 40 brolgas gather here annually prior to mating. The area is also home to growling grass frogs, Corangamite water skinks, and striped legless lizards. The group received funding to improve and protect this important habitat by controlling and removing invasive weeds, erecting 2,000 metres of fencing, planting 300 native tube stock, and eradicating rabbits and foxes.
Little Penguins in Tasmania
Eaglehawk Neck Coastcare installed a tunnel under the road to prevent penguins being hit by vehicles, with fences on each side of the road, and artificial burrows. Funding provided to the group last year went towards elements of a large, long term project to establish ongoing monitoring of the Little Penguin population through education and training, and to maintain a healthy habitat.
Bandicoots in South Australia
The primary outcome of a project undertaken last year by the Sturt Upper Reaches Landcare Group was the protection of the southern brown bandicoot. Improvement works took place on known habitat areas in the Central Hills area of the Mount Lofty Ranges, increasing the linkages between these areas to improve the interchange of bandicoots between isolated sub-populations. Weed treatment, site preparation and revegetation provided habitat corridors and buffer remnant vegetation, and project monitoring is ongoing.
Do your bit
We want to continue support groups just like these to help protect our native wildlife. To help us do this, you can donate by clicking here. Every dollar counts.
