Caring for wildlife
Like people, plants and animals have a right to exist. Wild animals give pleasure to many people watching them. Simply knowing that these animals exist is enough for others.
Australia's native wildlife is particularly interesting because many species are unusual and found nowhere else in the world. Our native plants and animals are part of our folklore and help make Australia special.
Saving individual species from extinction makes good sense. Apart from the potential economic value of a species for food, medicine, eco-tourism and other productive uses, each species has an important role to play in maintaining the balance of nature.
The department protects our wildlife in many ways. Protected areas like national parks provide vital habitat for native plants and animals. Community co-operation is sought to keep native bushland and replant degraded areas. Human activities like hunting animals and harvesting plants, which could harm our native wildlife, are controlled through a system of permits.
Everyone can help protect our native plants and animals.
Last updated: 14 August 2009