Australia’s unique wildlife: what makes it special and what’s at risk

Australia is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, home to wildlife and plant species found nowhere else on the planet. In this episode of Australia Explained you’ll learn about what makes Australia’s biodiversity so special, the threats it faces and how we can all help protect it.

The Great Desert Skink or Tjakura. Credit: Nicolas Rakotopare

Key Points

• Australia is a megadiverse country and due to our isolation, we have many species found nowhere else on earth.
• Australia has the worst record in the world for mammal extinction: over 2,000 species of mammals, birds and invertebrates are under threat of extinction.
• Everyone can help protect Australia’s precious wildlife and habitats, through supporting conservation organisations and natural history groups.

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