Threatened Species Day 2011

Threatened Species Day

Threatened Species Day is a national day held each year on 7 September to commemorate the death of the last remaining Tasmanian Tiger at Hobart Zoo in 1936. In NSW over 880 species of native plants and animals are threatened with extinction, including the eastern pygmy possum which is listed as Vulnerable.

Why are threatened species important?

Threatened species are an important component of biodiversity. 'Biological diversity' or 'biodiversity' for short, encompasses the variability among living things from the genetic diversity within species, and the diversity between species, to the diversity of ecosystems. 

Biodiversity is essential for our existence; it contributes to the healthy ecosystems, clean air, water and healthly soils that support human life.

Without the appropriate management and protection of biodiversity, important components may be lost forever, while others struggle to survive. This in turn reduces the ability of ecosystems to function, jeopardising the processes that humans rely on for survival.

Learn more about threatened species, the threats they face, and how we are working to protect them, or search for more information about a particular threatened species.

Celebrating the wonderful world of nature

September is National Biodiversity Month

Biodiversity Month is held in September each year and aims to promote the importance of protecting, conserving and improving biodiversity both within Australia and around the world. Find out more about protecting Australia's biodiversity.

What can you do?

There are a number of things you can do to help threatened species and other native plants and animals.

• Visit Communities in Landscapes, a project with partners including OEH and Landcare to find out the latest biodiversity related news and upcoming events you can participate in.
• Head to one of NSW's beautiful national parks. Visit Wild Wild World to find out what's on near you.
• Visit the Zoo! Both Taronga and Western Plains Zoo have active conservation and captive breeding programs for Australian and internationally threatened species.
• Adopt a corroboree frog! The Southern Corroboree Frog is threatened with extinction and needs your help.
• Find out how you can Save a Species by supporting the NSW Seedbank, part of a conservation program run by the Botanic Gardens Trust.
• Check out the Australian Museum's ALIVE program for a range of events and exhibitions which celebrate biodiversity.
• Visit the Foundation for National Parks website to discover how you can become a Backyard Buddy and help biodiversity in you own backyard.
• Consider entering into a Voluntary Conservation Agreement or making your property a Wildlife Refuge if you own land with suitable habitat for threatened species and other native plants and animals.

Fun facts

Can the Grassland Earless Dragon hear?

Yes, the Grassland Earless Dragon can hear! Earless dragons have no external ear opening but do in fact have ears. The ear opening is hidden below the skin and covered by scales.

They are listed as Endangered, both under NSW and Commonwealth legislation. The Grassland Earless Dragon is rarely seen and is restricted to grassland areas around Canberra and Queanbeyan, and on the Monaro Basalt Plains between Cooma and south-west of Nimmitabel.