September is Biodiversity Month and it is time to celebrate the incredible variety of life on our planet and to reflect on the role each species plays in keeping our world healthy. From tiny insects in our gardens to the whales roaming our oceans, every living thing is connected, and together they create the web of life that sustains us all.
Biodiversity is more than just a list of species. It’s the richness of life at every level – from the genetic diversity that helps species adapt, to the variety of ecosystems that provide us with clean air, fresh water, fertile soils, food, and medicines. Healthy ecosystems are resilient ecosystems, able to recover from challenges like climate change and continue supporting life for generations to come.
Unfortunately, biodiversity is under serious pressure. Habitat loss, pollution, overuse of natural resources, and climate change are causing species to disappear at an alarming rate. Each loss weakens the balance of nature and impacts us directly.
But there is hope – and we can all play a part.
- Protect and restore habitats by planting native species in your backyard.
- Support conservation programs and policies that safeguard wildlife.
- Make sustainable choices every day – reduce waste, save water, and choose products that don’t harm the environment.
- Share what you learn – education and awareness are powerful tools for change.
During September take time to connect with nature. Listen for the frogs in your local wetlands, notice the pollinators visiting your flowers, or simply enjoy a walk in a nearby park. These moments remind us that we are part of nature, not separate from it.
- Record frog calls for the Australian Museum’s FrogID project and help track the health of frog populations.
- Join Pollinator Count and discover which insects are visiting flowers in your garden or schoolyard.
- Take part in river, beach, park or school clean-ups and collect data on marine debris to protect our oceans.
- Snap photos of wildlife for the iNaturalist project, contributing to a global biodiversity database.
- Help monitor birds through the Aussie Backyard Bird Count.
- Explore your local waterways with Waterwatch, measuring water quality and spotting freshwater life.
Every action, no matter how small, helps. Together we can protect the richness of life on Earth and ensure that biodiversity continues to thrive well into the future.
