Biodiversity Day 2022
22nd May, 2022
Today is the United Nations 2022 International Day for Biodiversity, which should have a special meaning for Perth and Western Australia.
It is often said that Perth is unique in that it is a biodiversity hotspot *within* the internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot that is Southwestern Australia: but what does that really mean?
First of all, there are only 36 internationally recognised biodiversity hotspots remaining in the world.
However, it is important to remember that the term biodiversity hotspot means TWO things.
- The region must be home to a substantial number of endemic species (>1,500). Endemic means native to a specific region, which also means these regions represent irreplaceable habitat, due to unique species or unique combinations of species.
- The region must be under significant environmental threat, with no less that 70% of the natural habitat already removed, with the remaining 30% under threat.
It is not enough to celebrate our unique ecosystem unless we also recognise the threats and take action.
Perth NRM is responsible for two important programs in this area: Living Landscapes (Threatened Ecological Communities) and Back from the Brink Stage Two (Threatened Species).
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- Black-flanked Rock Wallaby (Moorang) Conservation Status: Endangered. (Image: Ry Beaver)
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- Western Ringtail Possum (Wawding). Conservation Status: Critically endangered. (Image: Ry Beaver)
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- Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo (Ngolark). Conservation Status: Endangered Threats: Illegal shooting, car strikes, introduced species, habitat clearing Distribution: Widespread throughout the South West and Perth region. Image: Georgina Steytler
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- Chuditch. Conservation Status: Vulnerable. (Image: Georgina Steytler)
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- Woylie. Conservation Status: Critically Endangered.
Each of these programs undertakes a range of on-ground and education/awareness activities to protect our unique environment, whether it be through community support, feral animal control, revegetation works, research and monitoring, or technical workshops.
These programs would not be possible without the engagement of a huge, dedicated cohort of volunteers and organisations.
At Perth NRM, that means supporting community groups looking after threatened ecological communities like Brixton St Wetlands, native plants and weed ID workshops, and working with a variety of government agencies and organisations like Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary and Karakamia Wildlife Sanctuary to support their on-ground and educational works.
Back from the Brink Stage Two and Living Landscapes are supported by Perth NRM through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.
Partners
We acknowledge and appreciate the support of all our partners, supporters, funding bodies and sponsors.
