ANIMALS PLANTS

Our flora and fauna are being pushed to the brink

CHALLENGES WE FACE

Australia is a unique continent with an abundance of flora and fauna – much of which can only be found in our part of the world. But our modern lifestyle is taking a toll on our native animals and plants.

Conservationists cite the clearing and destruction of forests and grasslands – through natural disasters like bushfire and floods and for commercial reasons – as a key reason behind the loss of many species.

In Queensland, around 100 million native animals died each year between 1997 and 1999 through land clearing, according to environmental scientists. Our flora and fauna is also being challenged by the spread of invasive species – both feral animals and weeds – that were introduced during European settlement but have multiplied to the point where they are now threatening the ongoing survival of precious native plants and animals.

PROGRESS MADE

Australia has 600,000 to 700,000 species of plants and animals and 84 per cent of our plants, 83 per cent of our mammals and 45 per cent of our birds are unique to this country. To protect our fauna, there are strict regulations that prevent native animals being exported for commercial use.

Another way our governments plan to conserve Australia’s colourful and fascinating biodiversity is through the National Reserve System. The system is a network of protected areas and is described as Australia’s “natural safety net against our biggest environmental challenges: climate change and declining water resources”.

Examples of the National Reserve System in action include 255ha of grassy woodland in East Gippsland in Victoria, protected as the Bush Family Reserve. The reserve is also home to the endangered wedge-tailed eagle. Only 10 per cent of the Gippsland Plain still has this native vegetation. In South Australia, the National Reserve System is protecting 55,000ha of bushland in an area known as Gluepot Reserve. Almost 200 different bird species live in the reserve, including the endangered black-eared miner.

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS

The loss of natural habitat is an ongoing problem for Australia’s flora and fauna.

Already more than 50 species of animals and 60 species of plants have been lost forever. The focus for the future is on ensuring further species do not become extinct.

Federal, state and territory governments urge Australians to play a role in protecting our flora and fauna by joining a national parks organisation to help maintain park areas and to help with conservation projects. People living on farms, in cities and suburbs around the country are also being encouraged to help by planting native trees and shrubs and by creating minimal disturbance to natural vegetation on any land they own.

Clearing invasive weeds and joining community groups that look after local bushland and park areas also has a positive impact on local plant and animal populations.

Nationally, Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010-2030 sets out guidelines for governments, communities, industry and scientists to protect flora, fauna and important ecosystems. Importantly, the strategy encourages all of us to recognise and care for the natural environment around us.

Since European settlement, more than 50 species of animals and more than 60 species of plants in Australia have become extinct

There are now about 2000 weed species across the country, which threaten our native plants

Australia has more than 4000 different species of ants