Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is home to some of the world's most beautiful nature and iconic wildlife found nowhere else on the planet. However, Australia has the worst mammal extinction rate in the world, and over 2,000 of its animals and plants are at risk of extinction. There are many ways to help conserve Australian wildlife and the habitats in which they live. You can start by finding out which species are in your local area and learning about the threatened animals and plants in your area. You can also create a wildlife-friendly garden with native plants and provide safe havens for native animals. Joining local conservation efforts, supporting wildlife organizations, and advocating for stronger nature laws and funding are also effective ways to help protect Australian wildlife.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Organisations | WIRES, WWF-Australia, AWC, Animals Australia, Exceptional Kangaroo Island, Echidna Walkabout, Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, Boomerang Bags, Take 3 for the Sea |
| Ways to help | Donate, volunteer, create a wildlife-friendly garden, plant native flora, secure pet cats indoors, send a message to local members of parliament, sign petitions, participate in beach clean-ups, join eco-tours |
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What You'll Learn
- Donate to organisations like WIRES and AWC to support rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts
- Create a wildlife-friendly garden with native plants, ponds, and habitats for animals like bees, lizards, and birds
- Keep pet cats indoors or in enclosures to protect native wildlife, especially birds and small mammals
- Participate in volunteer programs and conservation tours to help monitor species, maintain ecosystems, and raise awareness
- Advocate for stronger environmental laws and increased government funding for conservation and species recovery
Donate to organisations like WIRES and AWC to support rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts
Donating to organisations like WIRES and AWC is a great way to support rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation efforts for Australian wildlife. WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc.) is a non-profit organisation that has been rescuing and rehabilitating sick, injured, and orphaned animals since 1985. With a 24/7 Wildlife Rescue Office and an Emergency Response Team, WIRES supports regions across NSW, South-East Queensland, and Tasmania. They work with thousands of volunteers and partner with wildlife rescue groups to provide food, training, and disaster relief. WIRES also focuses on conservation, habitat protection, and collaboration to ensure the long-term recovery and protection of native species.
You can support WIRES by donating, becoming a member of their National Wildlife Network, or volunteering if you live in NSW. They also offer further education through their National Training program, sharing stories of wildlife rescues and updates on wildlife issues. WIRES provides a monthly eNewsletter with rescue stories and information on their work.
The Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is another organisation dedicated to protecting Australia's biodiversity and ecosystems. AWC works through science, innovation, and partnerships to restore wildlife and landscapes, with a focus on conservation fencing and creating feral predator-free areas. They have projects in iconic places like the Kimberley, Cape York, Central Australia, and Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre.
You can contribute to AWC's efforts by donating, fundraising, or including them in your will. They also offer eCards as a way to support their conservation projects. By donating to organisations like WIRES and AWC, you can help conserve Australia's unique wildlife and ecosystems, ensuring a sustainable future for threatened species.
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Create a wildlife-friendly garden with native plants, ponds, and habitats for animals like bees, lizards, and birds
To create a wildlife-friendly garden, you should focus on planting native plants and providing water sources, food, and shelter for animals. Native plants are those that occur naturally in a region and are not imported from elsewhere. They are the core of a wildlife habitat garden and help improve biodiversity. You can also plant nectar-rich flowers to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects. Avoid using pesticides, as these can harm insects and lizards.
When it comes to attracting birds, a backyard brimming with botanic biodiversity is ideal. This can include a variety of locally native plants, such as Wallaby Grass, Banksia, Grevillea, Wattle, Bottlebrush, and Gum Trees. It's important to avoid invasive plants, especially those with bird-attracting fruits. You can also provide water sources, such as ponds or birdbaths, and consider joining a local bird group to learn more about attracting and identifying different species. However, if you have cats or your neighbours do, consider that cats kill thousands of birds every night. You can help mitigate this by making sure your cat wears a rainbow-coloured cloth collar with reflective strips, which has been shown to reduce bird kills.
To create a welcoming space for lizards, you should plant native grasses and mulch your garden with leaf litter. Provide shelter by including rocks, large pieces of bark, or logs. You can also use substitutes like PVC pipe, stacks of old bricks, or tiles. Spread leaf litter and compost veggie scraps to attract insects and snails for lizards to eat, and provide water in a shallow bowl with sticks or rocks to create a ramp for easy access.
In addition to plants and water sources, you can provide food for the bees and other pollinators by planting fruit and berry trees. Just be aware that this might also attract birds, so consider netting your fruit trees if necessary.
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Keep pet cats indoors or in enclosures to protect native wildlife, especially birds and small mammals
Cats are beloved pets, but they can have a devastating impact on native wildlife, especially when they are allowed to roam outdoors. Cats are natural predators and hunters, and when they are outdoors, they can wreak havoc on the local bird, mammal, and reptile populations.
In Australia, the impact of pet cats on native wildlife has been extensively studied. It is estimated that a single cat that roams outdoors, even for part of the day or night, kills an average of 186 reptiles, birds, and mammals annually. With a domestic cat population of 3.8 million across the country, this amounts to a staggering 390 million native animals killed by cats every year.
Cats pose a significant threat to birds, as evidenced by a Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute study, which found that roaming cats are responsible for the deaths of approximately 2.4 billion birds in the United States annually. Another study, where cats wore tiny video cameras, revealed that they killed an average of 2.1 animals per week, bringing home less than 25% of their victims. This indicates that cats may kill far more animals than their owners realize.
To protect native wildlife, especially birds and small mammals, it is crucial to keep pet cats indoors or in enclosures. This practice, known as "cat containment," not only keeps cats safe from injury and disease but also safeguards native animals in the surrounding area. By confining cats to indoor spaces or supervised enclosures, their hunting instincts can be curbed, and the local wildlife can flourish without the constant threat of predation.
Transitioning a cat from outdoor roaming to a contained lifestyle can be achieved gradually and humanely. Resources, such as guides from the RSPCA, can provide valuable advice on how to make this transition successful. Additionally, organizations like the American Bird Conservancy advocate for responsible pet ownership solutions and work to address the challenges posed by roaming cats through science-based policies and management.
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Participate in volunteer programs and conservation tours to help monitor species, maintain ecosystems, and raise awareness
There are several volunteer programs and conservation tours in Australia that allow you to help monitor species, maintain ecosystems, and raise awareness.
One such organisation is the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC). The AWC is a global conservation leader that restores landscapes and provides hope for Australian wildlife. As a volunteer, you can help with surveys, land management, events, and more. You can gain valuable experience, learn new skills, and work across incredible landscapes while delivering important conservation outcomes. The AWC owns, manages, or influences more land for conservation than any other non-government organisation in Australia.
Another organisation is WIRES, which stands for Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc. WIRES is a wildlife rescue organisation that has been helping Australia's wildlife for over 35 years. WIRES offers volunteer opportunities to help rescue and rehabilitate native animals in New South Wales and provides support options for people outside of NSW, such as joining their National Wildlife Network.
There are also several affordable volunteer programs in Australia that focus on wildlife and marine conservation. GoEco, for example, has a wildlife sanctuary project in Calga, just one and a half hours outside of Sydney. This program allows volunteers to experience the laid-back pace of life in a small town while also being able to easily access the excitement of city life in Sydney. GoEco also has programs based in Cairns, which is a great jumping-off point for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and contributing to coral conservation projects.
Volunteering Solutions also offers a Wildlife Conservation Program in Australia, where volunteers can contribute to protecting native animals at a local wildlife shelter. This program is located in a small town near Holbrook, NSW, and offers volunteers the chance to work with injured and orphaned animals, gain first-hand work experience, and meet people from all over the world.
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Advocate for stronger environmental laws and increased government funding for conservation and species recovery
Australia is home to an incredible array of unique wildlife, but human activity and environmental degradation have put many species at risk of extinction. To protect and conserve these precious creatures, stronger environmental laws and increased government funding are essential. Here are some ways to advocate for these much-needed changes:
Understand the Issues
Before advocating for change, it's important to educate yourself on the specific environmental issues facing Australia. Learn about the key threats to wildlife, such as habitat destruction, climate change, and invasive species. Understand the current state of environmental laws and the government's plans for reform. Stay informed about the latest scientific research and reports on Australia's biodiversity and the effectiveness of conservation efforts.
Support Environmental Organisations
Join and support organisations dedicated to conserving Australian wildlife and protecting the environment. These organisations often advocate for stronger environmental laws and increased funding for conservation. By becoming a member, you can add your voice to their campaigns and contribute to their lobbying efforts. Examples of such organisations are the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC).
Contact Government Representatives
Reach out to your local, state, and federal government representatives to express your support for stronger environmental laws and increased funding for conservation. Write letters, send emails, or make phone calls to convey the importance of these issues. Share your concerns, suggest specific actions, and request their commitment to implementing effective policies. Remember, elected officials are there to represent your interests, so make your voice heard.
Sign and Initiate Petitions
Petitions are a powerful tool to advocate for change. Search for existing petitions that align with your goals and add your signature to them. If you can't find a relevant petition, consider starting your own. Utilise online platforms to reach a wide audience and gather signatures. A well-supported petition demonstrates public sentiment and can influence policymakers.
Participate in Public Consultations
Keep an eye out for opportunities to participate in public consultations, hearings, and feedback processes related to environmental laws and conservation funding. Your input can help shape policies and ensure that the voices of those who care about wildlife are heard. Attend town hall meetings, join community forums, and respond to government surveys. By actively engaging in these processes, you can contribute to the development of stronger environmental protections.
Spread Awareness and Build Support
Engage your community, friends, and family in conversations about the importance of stronger environmental laws and increased funding for conservation. Utilise social media platforms and other communication channels to spread awareness, share credible information, and encourage others to take action. The more people understand the issues and the potential solutions, the greater the collective push for change will be.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some ways to help Australian wildlife from home:
- Plant native flora in your outdoor space.
- Create a wildlife-friendly garden with items you might already have at home, such as terracotta pipes for lizards to rest on and old bricks to make a bee hotel.
- Find out which species are in your local area. Learn about threatened animals and plants in your area by searching online or joining a local guided tour.
Here are some ways to help Australian wildlife in person:
- Join a local conservation tour, such as the Echidna Walkabout Nature Tour in Victoria’s East Gippsland.
- Volunteer with organisations such as WIRES, which offers rescue and rehabilitation services for native animals in distress.
- Pick up and dispose of rubbish when you visit a beach to help reduce the impact of plastic waste on marine life.
Here are some ways to financially support Australian wildlife:
- Donate to organisations such as WIRES and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) to help fund rescue and rehabilitation efforts, as well as conservation projects.
- Send an eCard to a loved one through AWC, which helps protect Australia's unique biodiversity through science, innovation, and partnerships.
