Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia is home to some of the world's most beautiful nature and iconic wildlife found nowhere else on the planet. However, over 2,000 Australian animals and plants are at risk of extinction. There are many ways to help Australian wildlife without spending money, such as planting a native Aussie garden, turning off bright lights at night, signing up for wildlife conservation tours, and reporting injured wildlife to local rescue organizations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Turn off bright lights at night | To keep native wildlife safe and prevent them from getting confused or disoriented |
| Keep cats indoors and dogs on a leash | To keep pets and native wildlife safe |
| Put a makeshift ramp in pools or ponds | To help animals get in and out safely |
| Put out bowls of water | To help wildlife stay hydrated in summer |
| Send a message to your local member of parliament | Calling for stronger nature laws and adequate funding to protect threatened wildlife |
| Keep an eye out for wildlife when driving | To keep them safe |
| Call your local wildlife rescue if you see an injured animal | To give injured wildlife the best chance at survival |
| Plant a native Aussie garden | To help threatened animals that live on the urban fringe |
| Visit the Tasmanian Devil Unzoo in Taranna | To observe free-ranging wildlife and support conservation efforts |
| Join eco-tourism operator Exceptional Kangaroo Island | To support endangered species |
| Join the Echidna Walkabout Nature Tour | To support a variety of Australian animals |
| Pick up and dispose of rubbish when visiting the beach | To help reduce the impact of plastic waste on marine life |
| Volunteer at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary | To help monitor and identify species, maintain the sanctuary's ecosystem, or host educational tours |
| Report dolphin sightings in northern New South Wales and southeast Queensland | To contribute to the existing body of scientific knowledge |
| Support the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) | To help protect Australia's unique wildlife through science, innovation, and partnerships |
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What You'll Learn
- Turn off bright lights at night to avoid confusing wildlife
- Keep cats inside and dogs on leashes to protect native wildlife
- Plant native Australian flowers and grasses to support pollinators and nesting birds
- Put out bowls of water to help wildlife stay hydrated during hot summers
- Lobby your local member of parliament for stronger nature laws and funding
Turn off bright lights at night to avoid confusing wildlife
Light pollution is a significant issue that affects wildlife in Australia. Artificial light at night can have harmful consequences for wildlife, disrupting their natural behaviours and life processes. Many animals are instinctively drawn to light, and even faint light sources can affect them.
To help keep Australian wildlife safe, it is important to turn off bright lights at night. This is because wild animals are not used to seeing fluorescent lights, and the bright lights can cause them to become confused or disoriented. Artificial lighting that is excessive or poorly designed can spread into unwanted places, disrupting the health and wellbeing of wildlife.
Turning off bright lights at night can help prevent wildlife from becoming disoriented and confused. It can also reduce the number of bird collisions with buildings, which can be fatal. Bright city lights can cause birds to fly off course, leading them to collide with brightly lit buildings or windows.
In addition to turning off lights, you can also reduce light pollution by using orange, red, or amber-coloured lights, which wildlife are generally less sensitive to. These simple measures can help protect Australian wildlife and reduce the harmful effects of light pollution.
By taking these steps, individuals and communities can work together to minimise light pollution and create a safer environment for native wildlife in Australia.
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Keep cats inside and dogs on leashes to protect native wildlife
Australia's wildlife is incredibly diverse, with many unique species found nowhere else on Earth. However, it is facing increasing threats, and over 2,000 Australian animals and plants are at risk of extinction. One of the greatest impacts on Australian wildlife is attacks by pet cats and dogs.
Cats are instinctive hunters, and even well-fed cats roaming at night will hunt and kill small native mammals and birds, especially at dawn and dusk when birds are most active. Cats can also become prey for larger predators such as mountain lions, coyotes, and foxes. Therefore, it is advisable to keep cats inside, especially at night and during dawn and dusk.
Dogs, too, can harass and even kill native animals as they search for food and shelter. They may also be viewed as predators by wildlife, especially when they enter areas where young wildlife are present. Dogs should be kept on leashes in nature reserves or bushland where native animals are likely to be vulnerable. Keeping dogs confined in a backyard or fenced area is also recommended, especially when unsupervised.
By taking these simple steps, you can help protect Australia's precious native wildlife while also keeping your pets safe from potential harm.
In addition to these measures, there are several other ways to help Australian wildlife without incurring financial costs. These include:
- Volunteering for organisations such as WIRES, which provides rescue and rehabilitation for native wildlife.
- Participating in beach clean-ups to reduce the impact of plastic waste on marine life.
- Planting native Australian gardens to support pollinators and provide habitat for small birds.
- Joining conservation tours and experiences to support endangered species and monitor their populations.
- Driving carefully and keeping a lookout for wildlife, especially between dusk and dawn when many animals are most active.
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Plant native Australian flowers and grasses to support pollinators and nesting birds
Planting native Australian flowers and grasses is a great way to support local pollinators and nesting birds. It is a simple, effective method to help protect Australian wildlife.
Firstly, it is important to research the types of plants that are native to your region of Australia. There are a variety of native plants that can be added to your garden to support pollinators and nesting birds. Flowers that are blue, purple, violet, white, and yellow are particularly attractive to bees. Grevilleas, for example, are some of the most bird-attracting plants, producing clusters of brightly coloured, nectar-rich flowers. Grevilleas are a great option for hedges or feature plants, and they can also be used to create safe nesting habitats for small birds. Similarly, Lilly Pillys are versatile and attractive plants that can serve as hedges, feature plants, or potted specimens. They are known for their glossy leaves and vibrant berries, which are a favourite among many native birds, including rainbow lorikeets, silvereyes, and parrots.
Additionally, consider planting structural, spiky plants and grasses, as these provide great habitats for small birds to nest and find shelter in. Plants like Brachychiton acerifolius, acacias, and correas are great options for this. Acacias, in particular, are self-fertilizing and improve the soil for other plants, while also supporting soil health.
To further support pollinators and nesting birds, it is beneficial to provide a water source, such as a birdbath or small pond, and to avoid the use of pesticides, as these can harm the insects that birds rely on for food.
By planting native Australian flowers and grasses, you can create a wildlife-friendly space that supports the local ecosystem and contributes to the conservation of Australian wildlife.
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Put out bowls of water to help wildlife stay hydrated during hot summers
Water is essential for wildlife to survive, and it isn't just for drinking. During hot summers, it is important to provide water for animals and birds to drink and cool off in. However, it is crucial to be aware of the potential risks associated with providing water, as stagnant water can be a breeding ground for bacteria and diseases that can be deadly for animals.
If you decide to provide water for wildlife, it is important to take precautions to minimise the risks. Place bowls of water around your home or property, ensuring that they are in shaded areas and not directly exposed to the sun to prevent the water from heating up too quickly. Place them near shrubs or trees, as animals will feel safer approaching from a hidden spot. You can also place them near a patch of grass or natural terrain, providing a more natural environment for the wildlife.
It is important to use multiple shallow bowls or dishes rather than a single large container. This will help prevent the water from stagnating and reduce the risk of bacterial growth. Additionally, you can add rocks, twigs, or gravel to the bowls to provide perching or resting spots for smaller creatures and to prevent pollinators from drowning.
Make sure to refill the bowls with fresh water daily and clean them regularly to prevent the spread of diseases. It is also important to keep the water topped up during the winter months, as sources of water can freeze, making it more difficult for wildlife to find something to drink.
Remember to be mindful of the potential risks and take the necessary precautions to provide a safe and healthy water source for the Australian wildlife.
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Lobby your local member of parliament for stronger nature laws and funding
Lobbying your local member of parliament is a powerful way to help Australian wildlife without spending money. By advocating for stronger nature laws and increased funding, you can make a significant impact on a larger scale. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through this process:
Identify Your Concerns
Before reaching out, it's essential to clearly understand your specific concerns and objectives. Identify the issues that are most important to you regarding nature conservation and the protection of Australian wildlife. This could include topics such as habitat destruction, species endangerment, or insufficient environmental protection laws. Having a well-defined understanding of your concerns will enable you to articulate them effectively to your local member of parliament.
Gather Information and Evidence
Strengthen your case by gathering relevant information and evidence to support your arguments. Conduct research on the current state of Australian wildlife, including any scientific studies, reports, or statistics that highlight the need for stronger nature laws and funding. Seek out success stories or best practices from other regions that have implemented effective conservation measures. This demonstrates a well-informed approach and provides a compelling rationale for your requests.
Prepare Your Communication
You can contact your local member of parliament through various means, such as writing a personal letter or sending an email. A well-written and personalised message will often have a more significant impact than a template. Explain how the issue affects you or your community and why it deserves their attention and support. If possible, include local petitions or surveys that demonstrate community support for your cause. Remember to provide your contact information and any relevant affiliations to help establish your connection to the matter.
Engage in a Mass Lobby
Consider joining forces with others who share your concerns. Collaborating with like-minded individuals or organisations can amplify your voice and increase the likelihood of being heard. You can participate in a mass lobby, where a large number of people contact their members of parliament and arrange to meet with them at parliament on the same day. This coordinated effort demonstrates widespread support for your cause and adds weight to your lobbying efforts.
Host Informative Events
Another effective strategy is to hold events where your local member of parliament can listen to informed speakers or engage with local constituents who share your concerns. These events can foster a deeper understanding of the issues and showcase the level of community support behind your cause. Ensure that you follow any guidelines and protocols for arranging such events, including any weight and size restrictions on deliveries to the mail screening facility.
Follow Up and Persevere
Lobbying is often an ongoing process, and it's important to maintain persistence and follow up on your initial efforts. If you don't receive a response or your requests are not addressed, continue to engage with your local member of parliament. Seek opportunities to meet with them, attend town hall meetings, or participate in public forums where you can raise your concerns directly. Remember, creating meaningful change takes time and consistent advocacy.
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