Mission Statement
The mission of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy is the effective conservation of all Australian animal species and the habitats in which they live.
Australia's Biodiversity Crisis
Short-Tailed Hopping-mouse
Extinct.
Australia is one of only 17 countries recognised as "mega-diverse", meaning we support a significant proportion of the world's biodiversity.
Over 80% of our mammals, reptiles and flowering plants are endemic (found only in Australia).
However, the destruction and fragmentation of habitat, particularly as a result of clearance of vegetation for agriculture, and the impact of feral animals and invasive weeds has had a substantial impact on our biodiversity.
Australia has the worst mammal extinction rate in the world. Altogether, 27 mammal species have become extinct since the arrival of European settlers a little more than 200 years ago. Nearly 25% of our remaining mammal species are threatened with extinction.
Australia has more threatened reptile species than any other country in the world. Nearly 15% of our bird species are also threatened with extinction.
More than 500 vascular plants are listed as endangered or vulnerable.