By
Charish
History
On September 7 in 1936, Australia’s Thylacinus cynocephalus – most commonly known as the Tasmanian tiger – sadly went extinct. Each year on the anniversary of this date, many people choose to reflect and commemorate the loss of this incredible species, acknowledging the need for global environmental awareness.
Sixty years after the extinction, the Threatened Species Network by WWF-Australia and the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust launched National Threatened Species Day to remember the death of the last Tasmanian tiger at Hobart Zoo.
People and organizations have since taken the National Threatened Species Day as an opportunity to highlight other native animals and plants species in Australia that are also at risk of going extinct.
The difference between endangered and threatened species
According to the Endangered Species Act (ESA), animals and plant species can be listed as either “threatened” or “endangered.” The term endangered means that a species is in danger of extinction for all or a significant portion of its class. The term threatened means a species is expected to be endangered within the foreseeable future.
Importance
It is reported that there are over 518 native species listed as threatened by Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999. After the tragic bushfires in 2019-20, there are nearly 3 billion animals impacted, pushing more animal and plant species towards extinction.
The National Threatened Species Day allows us to observe the many species we need to care for and protect. This is also a day where we can celebrate all the amazing work of passionate conservationists, researchers, volunteers, and community experts. Their contribution to saving animal and plant species from going extinct will not only help the present generation but will also benefit the generations to come.
A Global Issue
While National Threatened Species Day is primarily recognized in Australia, the issue of endangered and threatened species is a global one. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) publishes their Red List, indicating the species that are threatened, endangered, and critically endangered around the world. The latest estimates for 2021-22 suggest 41% of amphibians, 34% of reptiles, 33% of corals, and 26% of mammal species are threatened with extinction.
How to observe the day
Donate: There are several charitable organizations that aim to conserve and protect threatened animal and plant species. Your donation can help in launching projects that will protect species from extinction. Check-in with your national and local organizations to find out how you can support their cause; your money can go a long way in conserving our valuable wildlife, no matter the amount.
Walk: You may like to observe the day by taking a nature walk to spot all the creatures you can find while walking. See if you can name the species that you find and note how their existence helps our ecosystem. Think about the possible ways you might be able to support your local ecosystem in aid of the surrounding wildlife.
Volunteer: Another great option is to find a local or national nature center where you can do volunteer work. This will expand your knowledge on the different species that co-exist with us, and how these species contribute to our lives in different ways. Most nature centers are more than willing to share helpful resources and show you the work they do. You may even find that volunteering becomes a new hobby in your spare time.
Support: You can start showing your support through social media. By simply sharing helpful insights about animal and plant conservation and protection, more and more people will get engaged in observing the National Threatened Species Day. Spread the word on your Facebook timeline or tweet about the plight of threatened and endangered species. You never know how far your posts might reach.
Conclusion
With understanding, compassion, and the use of our collective voices, we can raise awareness about threatened species and how we can help in our own way. Let’s use National Threatened Species Day to remind each other that we only have one planet where humans, animals, plants, and our other living species can live together in harmony. Together, we can show support and love for the species which make our environment the beautiful place that it is.