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https://theconversation.com/saving-species-starts-at-home-how-you-can-help-australias-1-000-threatened-invertebrates-258285>
"When we think about animals, we tend to think of furry four-legged mammals.
But 95% of all animal species are invertebrates – bees, butterflies, beetles,
snails, worms, octopuses, starfish, corals, spiders and many many more. These
creatures make us happy, pollinate flowers, keep soils healthy, clean water,
build reefs, maintain oceans and bring colour and wonder to our homes, cities,
farms and wild places.
Sadly, almost 1,000 Australian invertebrates are threatened with extinction and
need protecting. These species are on one or more official lists, including the
International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Species
IUCN
Red List, Australia’s national list of threatened fauna, and state and
territory lists. Many more unnamed and unassessed species are likely in
trouble.
When a mammal or bird goes extinct in Australia, it’s big news. But
invertebrates have gone extinct much more frequently – and with much less
attention. Since colonisation, an estimated 9,000 invertebrates have gone
extinct – and one or two more go extinct every week.
Invertebrates face five big challenges: climate change, habitat destruction,
natural resource extraction, pollution and invasive species. For the most part,
efforts to conserve them are in their infancy in Australia, likely due to the
historic undervaluing of smaller animals and little critters. There are shining
exceptions such as the incredible conservation success of the Lord Howe Island
stick insect, but such examples are vanishingly rare.
The good news? Because invertebrates live everywhere, the opportunity to help
is often literally on our doorsteps. Simple actions can help, such as planting
native species, leaving logs in the garden and avoiding insecticides."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
