The health of the world's biodiversity is under considerable threat, and Australia is no exception, with more than 2,000 Australian species featuring on the latest annual Red List of Threatened Species. Twenty per cent of Australia's wildlife is now classified as threatened. Australia's biodiversity is unique and globally significant. Australia is home to many endemic species of plants and animals which are under increasing threat from multiple fronts, including habitat degradation from human activity, native vegetation clearance, deterioration of water and soil quality, increased dryland salinity, the spread of feral pests and weeds, and climate change. This book examines the global rate of species extinction, and explains the importance of biodiversity conservation. What are Australia's most endangered species? What legal and practical measures is Australia taking to conserve its threatened species? Is the planet on the brink of an extinction crisis? |