Going, Going, Gone

By Rose-Marie Dusting

These three words explain a lot about our extinct and endangered species.

I can’t stand by and see this continuing to happen, so I came up with the ‘Love an endangered Aussie species’ revolution.

I want all Australians to get on board and say, ‘I stand up for our endangered wildlife’.

Australia is home to some of the world’s most unique and rare species.

However, since European settlements in 1788, the country has experienced widespread habitat destruction and the introduction of non-native predators such as cats and foxes, causing more than 100 endemic species to go extinct over the past 200 years.

According to a recent study, Australia’s wildlife has also experienced unprecedented losses with 202 new animal and plant species making the list of threatened species between 2016 and 2022.

Many more animals are currently threatened or at risk of extinction as urban development, bushfires and flood events persist.

Here are just a few: bilby, koala, platypus, long-footed potoroo, greater glider, numbat, orange-bellied parrot, regent honeyeater.

Our children and their children deserve a thriving planet.

It’s not too late to make changes for a better environment for them.

I am just one person.

I need all Aussies to say, ‘I stand up for our unique wildlife.

‘I am for environment, education and action.’

The thing our children are worried about most is the environment.

So, what are we going to do to put their minds at ease?

Love and protect our precious, unique wildlife.

My much-loved character Paddles the Playful Platypus is now an endangered species. 4.5 species have become extinct every century.

It’s time for action now!

My quote of the week: I can’t be everything to everyone; I am not chocolate.

About Rose-Marie: Rose-Marie is an author, journalist, mum and nanny. She is married to Anthony and has two children, Chloe and Samuel, and grandsons Levi, Gatlin and Henry, with a new grandchild due next March.

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