Wildlife of Australia

Australia contains some of the most exotic and rare plants and creatures in the world. It is home to many unique and beautiful animals. Click here to see a list of some of the common birds of the Blue Mountains.

However, because of urban development, many of our native animals are quickly disappearing. Their natural habitats are being destroyed and therefore their food supplies are also becoming harder to find. Large areas of land that used to be home to many species is being cleared for housing developments. In addition, introduced species, such as foxes and rabbits, are contributing to the deterioration of our native fauna. The natural habitat for the native animals is quickly disappearing. The other great threat is the illegal trapping and smuggling operations of native live birds. This problem has contributed greatly to the decrease in the Australian parrot populations; the removal of eggs from the nests, poses an even bigger threat. It is easier to obtain and transport eggs than adult birds. All parrots are legally protected throughout Australia by the National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974.

Above: A male King Parrot showing off its bright colour plumage. King Parrots are unique to Australia and are common in the Blue Mountains of Australia.

How you can help

There are many things that each of us can do to help. Here are some basic steps that you can take (to help save our native fauna):

• Become a local Wildlife Rescue Volunteer

  As a volunteer you can directly help by creating awareness and protect Australia's precious wildlife by educating the public. Some wildlife rescue organisations offer training programs that are run by experts in the field. The training will enable you to rescue and rehabilitate native wildlife.

  
  
• Recycle whenever possible, especially plastic bags which are not biodegradable

  However, if you can't recycle them, then make sure you throw them into bins (appropriately).

  Plastic bags are a danger to our wildlife because they can cause suffocation and if swallowed will eventually kill the animals.

  
  
• Plant native flowers and trees in your gardens and schools.

  Native plants are a natural food source for our native animals. Therefore, you will be helping to preserve our native wildlife. You will find that many different species of birds will come to feed in your garden, including the rainbow lorikeets. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of some nocturnal creatures such as the Brushtail or Ringtail Possums.

  
  
• Put bells on cats and keep your cats in at night time, or better still, install a cat run. Try to confine your dogs in your yard during the night to prevent them from hunting our native wildlife.
  
  
• Save Water.

  Fresh water is the most precious substance on Earth. It is the only natural resource that all creatures rely on for survival. Fresh water can only come from rain, which in turn fill our rivers and streams. Without water, nothing will survive, not even human beings.

  
  
• Do not destroy the environment.

  There are many things that we can do to prevent the destruction of our environment. If we all use bio-degradable products, then we can eliminate contaminating our environment. We should also stop flushing waste and other pollution down our drainage system. All materials being flushed into the drain will eventually end up in our water ways. Materials such as paint, oil, grease and non-biodegradable detergent should never be washed down the drain system. They should be wrapped up in paper and disposed of in the bin.

  
  
• Install a nest box in your backyard tree for possums or birds

  Birds and Possums sometimes need an extra helping hand from people. As we continue to demolish their natural habitat, the least we can do is to supply them with artificial homes. 

   

• Use leaf mulch on your garden

  The natural leaves will attract worms, bugs and other tiny insects to your garden, which in turn will attract birds.

  
  
• Place rocks in your garden

  The rocks will provide a perfect home for lizards such as Skinks and Blue Tongue Lizards.

  
  
• Do not use pesticides in your garden

  Pesticides are poisonous to our native animals. Not only do pesticides kill harmful insects, they will also kill other useful insects such as Butterflies and ladybirds which thrive on the harmful insects such as Aphids.

  
  
• Avoid feeding native birds and animals

  Animals and Birds obtain their nutrients and dietary supplements from native plants. The nectar and seed from flowers contain the correct concentration of all their dietary needs. Giving them the incorrect food can cause malnutrition and death.

  
  
• Call your local wildlife preservation organisation for help on saving native fauna.

  What do you do if you find injured wildlife? Call a Wildlife Rescue Organisation for help. If you find native animals or birds that need rescuing or you simply want to know more about how you can help save our native wildlife, then just get in touch with these local organisations.