Natural Heritage - Number 5
The Journal of the Natural Heritage Trust
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Australia
Department of the Environment and Heritage, Spring 1999
ISSN 1440-7256
PDF file
About this document
Australia has more species of birds than any other continent on earth, with more than 1000 varieties currently gracing our skies, waterways and landscape. Regrettably, 23 species are presumed extinct, having not been sighted in Australia for more than 50 years. Intense community efforts supported by the Federal Government are underway to save those that are rare or endangered. For several years now, the Natural Heritage Trust has been funding local community and larger regional projects aimed at securing the future of our unique birdlife.
This edition of Natural Heritage takes a look at some of our special birds, and the people behind their salvation.
Millions of dollars of Natural Heritage Trust money is being spent on projects helping our birds. One particular highlight is the development of a national bird atlas that is being coordinated by Birds Australia. Once complete, this valuable resource will provide the best chronicle of Australia's birdlife ever produced. We are grateful to Birds Australia and the thousands of volunteers who are actively taking part in surveys across the country to provide information for this project.
It is not surprising that efforts to ensure the survival of rare species and to improve the habitat of Australia's native birds have many "spin-off" benefits, including increased native vegetation, conservation of important areas of remnant bushland, and an unprecedented level of community involvement. While the stories in this issue focus on " bringing back the birds", the projects profiled come from a wide range of Natural Heritage Trust programs - from Coasts and Clean Seas, to Wetlands, to Bushcare, and Endangered Species to Landcare, to name just a few.
The activities associated with preservation of our birds are equally varied: from increasing vegetation for food and habitat, to reducing feral pests which prey on eggs and chicks, to fencing off important nesting areas, to establishing wildlife corridors and even protecting our seabirds from the man-made threat of longline fishing.
Birdlife plays an important role in both sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation for example, keeping insect pest numbers down and transferring seeds and pollens. It is also playing an increasing role in tourism with international visitors travelling halfway around the world to get a glimpse of our spectacular array of feathered creatures. Just as importantly, our native birds such as kookaburras, cockatoos and parrots have a special place in the hearts of all Australians.
Scientists are warning us that we need to act now, otherwise we could lose half of Australia's native bird species within the next century.
Let's work together to make sure that doesn't happen. If you have an idea for a project that will contribute to securing the future of Australia's birdlife, (or any other worthwhile environmental activity), we urge you to consider applying. Applications for new funding from the Natural Heritage Trust open in November.
Robert Hill
Minister for the Environment and Heritage
Warren Truss
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Before you download
Most publications are downloadable as PDF files. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF files.
If you are unable to access a publication, please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format.
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window