Threatened Species Day 2012
In NSW, over 880 species of native plants and animals are threatened with extinction, including the endangered swift parrot. Threatened Species Day is a national day held each year on 7 September to commemorate the death of the last remaining Tasmanian Tiger (also known as thylacines) at Hobart Zoo in 1936.
View film clips of thylacines in captivity including the last film footage of the species.
Why are threatened species important?
Threatened species are an important component of biodiversity, which is short for biological diversity. Biodiversity 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, soil, clean air and water that support human life.
Without appropriately managing and protecting 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 we 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.
Key threatened species activities for September 2012
OEH is celebrating a number of key threatened species initiatives throughout September.
Find out more about these initiatives.
September is also National Biodiversity Month
Biodiversity month is held in September each year. It 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 many things you can do to help threatened species and other native plants and animals.
Web of Life
Web of Life is a film showing the relationship between humans and nature. It was awarded a special prize in 2002 at the prestigious Sondrio Film Festival in Italy. The film documents the diverse and rich landscapes of NSW and the importance of conserving biodiversity. It contains magnificent scenery and wildlife, interwoven with stories of culture and nature.
Page last updated: 05 September 2012
