Icons in Danger

We’ve covered the 2018 drought and how uncontrollable elements affect not only the individual or community but the entire country, but one of the lesser discussed issues is the list of Australian Endangered Species and whether that is an effect of human interference or simply the strong surviving in harsh times.

The Tasmanian Devil.

The Tasmanian Devil has experienced an approximate 80% decline in population over the last 30 years, with estimates reaching 10,000. This drastic drop is credited to a mix of road mortality and a surprisingly high percentage of cancer, caused by high levels of chemicals found in Tasmanian Devils.

The Southern Cassowary

The Cassowary is higher populated across Indonesia and New Guinea but in Australia, numbers were estimated to be between 1500 to 2500 in 2017, which is reported to be in continual decline due to loss of habitat, hunting and feral animals eating the Cassowary eggs

Bilbies

The Bilby is another widely recognised Australian native to be added to the endangered list, again mainly due to loss of habitat but also competing with other animals. Currently there is a national recovery plan developed to save the Bilby from joining another list along with the Tasmanian Tiger, Thylacine and other varieties of Wallaby, Bandicoots and the Big Eared Hopping Mouse.

Examining the 3 examples listed above, there is clear evidence of Human interference playing a hand in the decline of native wildlife more than natural elements but what can be done? As is the case with battles with disease or other epidemics, prevention is better than the cure. We must remain vigilant to ensure that our own footprint is not squashing what is ahead of us. Will you enjoy a future of only seeing these animals in books, our children may never get the opportunity to see and experience these animals for themselves…? They will be lost in time.

Where possible, protect our native species, check your surroundings and help others understand the importance of conservation. Look after the world and look after yourself.

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