Threatened Species day

Threatened Species Day is recognised across the Australia on 7 September every year to raise awareness of plants and animals at risk of extinction. Threatened Species Day acknowledges the death of the last remaining Thylacine, Tasmanian tiger at Hobart Zoo in 1936. 

Thylacine with chicken
© Henry Burrell 

Australia is renowned for its extraordinary wildlife, with unique species that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. But with this rich biodiversity comes an unfortunate reality: many of our native animals are on the brink of extinction. Since European settlement, more than 100 species have been lost.

Unfortunately Australia is home to more than 1,800 species currently listed as threatened, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and plants. Threatened Species Day is a call to action. It’s a moment to reflect on the species we’ve lost and a powerful reminder to protect those we still have.

The key drivers of species decline in Australia include:

  • Habitat destruction: Urbanization, land clearing for agriculture, and mining have destroyed vast areas of natural habitat.
  • Invasive species: Introduced animals such as foxes, cats, and rabbits have devastated native wildlife populations.
  • Climate change: Rising temperatures, bushfires, and prolonged droughts are pushing species beyond their limits.
  • Pollution: Waterways and ecosystems are increasingly under threat from pollution, including plastic waste.
Threats to Biodiversity infographic - Deforestation, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation of natural resources

How You Can Help

Saving Australia’s threatened species might seem daunting, but there are actions each of us can take to make a difference. Here are some meaningful ways to get involved:

Support Conservation Organizations

Many non-profit organizations across Australia work tirelessly to protect threatened species and their habitats. Supporting groups like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the Australian Wildlife Conservancy, or local wildlife rescue centers through donations or volunteering can make a huge difference. Your contribution helps fund research, habitat restoration, and species recovery programs.

Create Wildlife-Friendly Spaces

Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a small balcony, creating wildlife-friendly spaces is a practical way to help. Planting native trees and shrubs provides food and shelter for local birds, insects, and small mammals. Installing nesting boxes for birds, possums, or microbats can also offer safe havens for these creatures. Even small actions like placing water bowls out during the hot summer months can support local wildlife.

Say No to Single-Use Plastics

Plastic pollution is a major threat to marine life, with countless animals affected by ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic waste. Reducing your reliance on single-use plastics—like bags, straws, and packaging—can prevent these items from ending up in our oceans and rivers. Opt for reusable alternatives and dispose of waste responsibly.

Be a Responsible Pet Owner

Pets, especially cats and dogs, can pose significant threats to native wildlife. Keeping your pets indoors or supervising them outside, especially in areas where threatened species may live, can prevent them from hunting or disturbing local animals. Desexing pets and ensuring they are microchipped helps reduce stray populations, which often prey on wildlife.

Get Involved in Citizen Science

Many conservation programs rely on the public to help monitor species populations. Citizen science initiatives like BirdLife Australia’s backyard bird count, the Australian Koala Foundation’s koala surveys, or FrogID allow everyday Australians to contribute to important scientific data. These efforts help researchers track changes in populations and better understand the needs of threatened species.

What is Citizen Science graphic

Advocate for Stronger Environmental Laws

While individual actions are important, systemic change is essential for long-term conservation success. Stay informed about environmental issues and advocate for stronger environmental protections, particularly when it comes to land clearing, mining, and deforestation. Contact your local representatives, sign petitions, and participate in community meetings where decisions about land use are being made.

A Shared Responsibility

Saving Australia’s threatened species is a shared responsibility. Each one of us has a role to play, whether it’s through everyday actions like reducing waste, getting involved in local conservation projects, or speaking up for stronger environmental protections.

Threatened Species Day is a moment for reflection, but it’s also a call to action. Together, we can ensure that future generations have the chance to witness the beauty and diversity of Australia’s wildlife—not just in pictures or history books, but in the wild, where these creatures belong.

Let’s make a difference, today and every day.

Australian Environmental Education logo with dragonfly

Biodiversity Month: Every Species Matters

September marks Biodiversity Month, a time dedicated to appreciating and understanding the incredible variety of life on Earth. From the tiniest microorganisms to the largest mammals, biodiversity encompasses the entire range of species that inhabit our planet. This month offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the importance of preserving biodiversity and to recognise the intricate relationships that sustain our ecosystems.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in a particular habitat or ecosystem. It includes the diversity within species (genetic diversity), between species (species diversity), and the diversity of ecosystems themselves. These elements work together to create the complex web of life that supports all living beings, including humans.

Why is Biodiversity Important?

Biodiversity is crucial for maintaining ecological balance. Each species plays a specific role in its ecosystem, contributing to functions like pollination, nutrient cycling, and pest control. The loss of even a single species can disrupt these processes, leading to unforeseen consequences.

Biodiversity also directly impacts human health and well-being. Many of our medicines, foods, and materials are derived from natural sources. A diverse ecosystem also provides clean air, water, and fertile soil, all of which are essential for our survival.

Many cultures around the world have deep connections with nature. Biodiversity is woven into traditions, spiritual beliefs, and practices that define cultural identities. Protecting biodiversity is also about preserving this cultural heritage.

Ecosystems with high biodiversity are more resilient to environmental changes, such as climate change. A diverse gene pool allows species to adapt to new conditions, ensuring the survival of ecosystems even in the face of challenges.

    Threats to Biodiversity

    Despite its importance, biodiversity is under threat from various human activities. Deforestation, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation of natural resources are leading to habitat loss and species extinction at an alarming rate. According to the United Nations, around one million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction.

    How Can We Protect Biodiversity?

    Supporting conservation projects, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, is a powerful way to protect biodiversity. This includes preserving natural habitats, supporting wildlife protection laws, and creating more protected areas.

    Adopting sustainable practices in our daily lives can significantly reduce our impact on the environment. This includes reducing waste, conserving water, choosing sustainably sourced products, and supporting eco-friendly companies.

    Educating ourselves and others about the importance of biodiversity is crucial. The more people understand the value of biodiversity, the more likely they are to support conservation efforts and make environmentally conscious decisions.

    Advocating for policies that protect biodiversity, such as stronger environmental regulations and support for renewable energy, can lead to significant positive changes on a global scale.

    Whether you’re planting native species in your garden, participating in a local clean-up, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the natural world, every action counts.

    Let’s commit to making small changes that contribute to a more sustainable future. By working together, we can ensure that the incredible variety of life on Earth continues to thrive for generations to come.

    Australian Environmental Education logo with dragonfly

    Celebrating Biodiversity Month

    September is Biodiversity Month, a time to celebrate our natural wonders and diverse ecosystems. Biodiversity Month offers us the perfect opportunity to pause and appreciate the beauty, complexity, and importance of biodiversity. Biodiversity Month also encourages us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world and take action to protect it.

    Images representing 3 years of AEE

    Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth and is typically a measure of variation at the genetic, species, and ecosystem level.

    Genetic diversity

    Genetic diversity is the variety of genes within a species. Each species is made up of individuals that have their own particular genetic composition. This means a species may have different populations, each having different genetic compositions. To conserve genetic diversity, different populations of a species must be conserved.

    Species diversity

    Species diversity is the variety of species within a habitat or a region. Some habitats, such as rainforests and coral reefs, have many species. Others, such as salt flats or a polluted stream, have fewer. In Australia, more than 80% of plant and animal species are endemic, which means that they only occur naturally in Australia.

    Ecosystem diversity

    Ecosystem diversity is the variety of ecosystems in a given place. An ecosystem is a community of organisms and their physical environment interacting together. An ecosystem can cover a large area, such as a whole forest, or a small area, such as a pond.

    Biodiversity Month serves as a reminder of the extraordinary diversity of life on our planet and the importance of preserving it. Biodiversity is not just a concern for scientists and conservationists; it’s a global responsibility that each of us can contribute to in our own way. Whether through education, advocacy, or personal lifestyle choices, we can all play a role in safeguarding the web of life that sustains us. So, this September, let’s celebrate and protect the incredible biodiversity that enriches our world.

    Uncropped AEE logo with dragonfly icon