Our biodiversity is in decline. Last year 12 species were declared extinct and 34 species were added to the national Threatened Species List - a 2.3% increase from 2020 and a 39% increase from 2000. If we don't act now, further extinctions are inevitable.
But there is hope. We have the tools to restore biodiversity, and by scaling up our conservation efforts we can build a brighter future for Australia's threatened wildlife and habitats.
© Joey Clarke/AWC Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) is very pleased to announce a new $3 million Matching Challenge - by taking part and scaling up your gift, you will help AWC to scale up conservation. Please help AWC take advantage of this incredible opportunity.
Gifts of $500 or more will be matched 100% by seven generous foundations and philanthropists under the Matching Challenge. Donations of any level are hugely appreciated and could mean the difference between survival and extinction for some of Australia's most threatened species.
Brad Leue/AWC For the last six years, AWC's strategy has deliberately involved establishing innovative partnerships to create replicable templates for conservation management and deliver better outcomes for biodiversity at scale. This year has seen the announcements of the AWC-NAPCo partnership (Qld and NT) and the Ngalurrtju partnership (NT), propelling the area over which AWC works alone or in partnership to more than 12.9 million hectares.
Excitingly, AWC is now in negotiations to acquire a property in New South Wales that will protect critical forest habitat for the endangered Koala. Koalas are thought to have declined across the state by as much as 41% since 2018 and this new sanctuary will provide a major contribution towards their conservation. We look forward to sharing more with you later in the year.
Brad Leue/AWC AWC is working hard to protect and restore some of Australia's most endangered species. AWC is a new partner in the Queensland Department of Environment and Science-led - supported by Glencore and the Wombat Foundation - Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat recovery program. This critically endangered species has a global population of just 315 animals. Collaborative efforts will deliver crucial on-ground actions to support extant wombats and contribute towards the reintroduction of the Northern Hairy-nosed Wombat to an additional site.
In May, AWC's extensive reintroduction program saw the return of Bilbies and Burrowing Bettongs to Newhaven Wildlife Sanctuary (NT). AWC is now working closely with the NT Government to establish a secure population of the critically endangered Central Rock-rat (Antina) at Newhaven. This small (up to 150 grams), stocky, soft-furred animal is threatened by predation from feral cats and the impacts of altered fire regimes.
Brad Leue/AWC In Queensland's Wet Tropics, construction of the first fenced feral predator-free area in northern Australia is about to commence at AWC's Mount Zero-Taravale Wildlife Sanctuary. On completion, this will be a safe haven for the endangered Northern Bettong.
Please help AWC take advantage of this incredible opportunity, and double the impact of your gift. From 1 June, gifts of $500 or more will be matched 100% under the $3 million Matching Challenge that has been generously put forward by the JAAM Foundation, Martin Copley Will Trust, Spinifex Foundation and four philanthropists. Donations of any level are hugely appreciated and will help to AWC protect Australia's wildlife and habitats.
Wayne Lawler/AWC You can donate online or call our office on 08 9380 9633.
If you have already donated - thank you so much for your support.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible gift this tax season, please consider scaling up your gift to help AWC scale up conservation where it counts - in the field.
