Protecting 1,000 Threatened Australian Invertebrates Starts in Your Backyard
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📰 The quick summary: Nearly 1,000 Australian invertebrates face extinction, but everyday actions like planting native flowers and avoiding pesticides can help protect these essential creatures.
📈 One key stat: An estimated 9,000 invertebrate species have gone extinct in Australia since colonization, with one or two more disappearing every week, highlighting the urgent need for conservation.
💬 One key quote: “Invertebrates bring us delight and wonder. Here’s how we can help those in trouble.“
1️⃣ The big picture: Australia faces a critical conservation challenge with almost 1,000 invertebrates currently threatened with extinction. These species, including bees, butterflies, snails, spiders, and corals, make up 95% of all animal species and play vital roles in our ecosystems. They pollinate plants, maintain soil health, clean water, build reefs, and contribute to ocean health. Since European colonization, an estimated 9,000 invertebrates have already gone extinct in Australia, with the rate continuing at one or two species every week. Climate change, habitat destruction, resource extraction, pollution, and invasive species pose significant threats to these often-overlooked creatures.
2️⃣ Why is this good news: Conservation efforts can begin right at home since these threatened invertebrates live everywhere, including in major cities. Simple actions like planting native flowers provide essential food for pollinators and other insects. Keeping parts of your garden wild with logs, leaves and open soil creates habitats for beetles, crickets, and native bees. Restoring local waterways and creating ponds supports aquatic invertebrates. Reducing light pollution at night helps nocturnal creatures like moths and spiders. Avoiding broad-spectrum pesticides and using critter-friendly alternatives protects the entire food chain, allowing these remarkable creatures to thrive and continue providing their essential ecosystem services.
3️⃣ What’s next: Citizens can contribute to invertebrate conservation by documenting sightings on platforms like iNaturalist, providing scientists with valuable data. Joining local events to tackle invasive species directly impacts threatened invertebrates like the Tasmanian live-bearing sea stars. Supporting habitat restoration projects, particularly along waterways, helps species like the Giant Gippsland earthworm recover.
Read the full story here: The Conversation – Saving species starts at home: how you can help Australia’s 1,000 threatened invertebrates
