Every year on September 7, National Threatened Species Day is commemorated across Australia to raise awareness of plants and animals at risk of extinction. There are currently 457 species of fauna and 1348 species of flora listed as vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered under Australia’s Environment and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Many of these are found nowhere else in the world.

We asked students at four primary schools around Australia to illustrate some of the threatened species found in their region. This beautiful art gallery shows that our native wildlife are in trouble across the length of the country.

With threats to our natural environment continuing to accelerate, it is more important than ever to recognise species at risk and put efforts into action to protect them.

SEE THE GALLERY HERE

What can you do to help?

• Call for stronger action to address threats like climate change and habitat destruction.
• Provide or support areas exclusively for wildlife. Revegetate areas along creeks and fence lines so that animals can use them to move between bushland remnants. Plant local native trees and make your backyard wildlife-friendly.
• Avoid using pesticides and herbicides.
• Minimise plastic use and take action to reduce pollution, including marine debris.
• Support the work of ecological researchers and practitioners trying to understand and address threats to native species.
• Volunteer for or donate to an organisation working to protect the natural environment.
• Become a citizen scientist and find a project you enjoy!
• Research threatened species in your local region and tell others about them – the more people who know about them, the more people who might step up to help!