Biodiversity: Warning Signs

Warning: Signs of Change

Biodiversity_map_sm.gif (16474 bytes)

"Extinctions are happening today at a greater rate
than any time in the past 65 million years."
Professor Harry Recher,Edith Cowan University

Australian biologist Professor Harry Recher has warned that many Australian bird species will probably be extinct within 50 years if rapid habitat loss continues. We have all heard reports of the disappearance of some frog species. Freshwater fish such as Murray Cod are also suffering. Off the coast some eastern fisheries have virtually collapsed - all signs that our biodiversity is suffering from human disturbance.

Things are also turning bad for Australian Honeyeaters, whose numbers have been dropping for some years. These birds depend on coastal heathlands in winter but move inland to woodlands in summer. Although coastal heathlands still flourish, the widespread clearing of inland woodlands is now threatening their survival. The warning signs are there that Australia's biodiversity is feeling the strain. Some of the casualties are:

Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) - last seen 1936.

Lesser Bilby 0 last seen alive 1931.

Pig Footed Bandicoot - last seen early 1900s.

Broad-faced Potoroo - last seen about 1875.

Paradise Parrot - last seen 1922.

Robust White Eye

Acacia prismifolia

Diuris bracteata

Society is placing increasing pressure on the biodiversity that maintains ou lifestyles.

Students at Woodbridge District High School in Tasmania are helping re-establish habitat for the threatened Swift parrot with the help of Greening Australia and Tasmania Parks and Wildlife. The parrot relies on Tasmanian Blue Gums which were disappearing from the area. Students are now growing tree seedlings to plant around the school in the hope of establishing future habitat for the parrot.

This section of my environment web site is based upon a booklet produced by the Department of the Environment and Heritage, Environment Australia. This material can be freely reproduced for non-commercial purposes provided Environment Australia is acknowledged. Their logo appears at the bottom of this page.