Transcript Slide 2 - Ward off Climate Change

Biodiversity…
• Is all life on earth and the genetic
material it contains at 3 levels:
– Genetic
– Species
– Ecosystem
• Increases with evolution, decreases with
extinction
• Important because we depend on it for
life + has intrinsic value
• Importance because gives resilience to
Slide 1
changes (eg climate)
SW Australia
• Global biodiversity hotspot. Only one
in Australia.
• Definition of hotspot: over 1500 higher
order plants and lost over 70% of
original habitat
• There are 7380 known plant species in
southwestern WA of which 79% are
endemic (ie grow naturally nowhere
else in the world)
• Only 7% of the original vegetation
remains in the southwest of WA Slide 2
Main threats to biodiversity
•
•
•
•
•
•
Clearing for agriculture and development
Climate change
Weed invasion – often from gardens
Salinity
Feral animals – or domestic pets
Dieback
Slide 3
What you can do...
• Plant local native plants (not Eastern
States) adapted to our poor soils and
rain/water regime – links: water, energy
• Find (or start) a bush care group and
work with them – links: community, health
• Remove potential weed species from your
gardens(Arum lily, alyssum, gazania,
fountain grass...) – links: health
• More...?
Slide 4