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Biodiversity is a vital aspect of our planet, encompassing all living organisms and their genetic diversity. It plays a critical role in mntning ecological systems that are essential for health, well-being, and the survival of countless species worldwide.
Australia boasts an incredible biodiversity hotspot with over one million known plant and animal species found nowhere else on Earth. These species include 82 of our mammals and a staggering 93 of frogs, making them emblematic of Australia's unique natural heritage.
Biodiversity provides essential ecosystem services such as r and water purification, food production, resource avlability, and the regulation of pests and diseases. It also contributes to cultural identity and aesthetic beauty in NSW and across Australia.
Climate change is threatening this rich biodiversity through several impacts:
Droughts: Increasingly severe and prolonged drought conditions exacerbate stress on ecosystems, making it challenging for many plant species and animals to adapt or migrate.
Bushfires: More frequent and intense bushfires can devastate habitats, leading to local extinction of species that are unable to escape the fires due to their size or inability to fly.
Storms Heatwaves: Catastrophic events like these not only damage ecosystems but also affect species' ability to recover from injuries or relocate for survival.
Sea Level Rise: Rising sea levels can lead to coastal habitat loss, pushing marine and terrestrial species towards the poles or higher elevations, causing stress on their populations.
Ocean Acidification Changing Ocean Currents: These impacts challenge aquatic organisms like coral reefs and fish, impacting entire marine ecosystems that dep on them for survival.
In recent decades, activities have significantly altered natural environments in NSW. Currently, over 1000 plant and animal species are under threat of extinction due to climate change alone, along with ecological communities affected by these changes.
It's crucial to prioritize biodiversity conservation strategies:
Resilient ecosystems need support through sustnable land use practices that reduce pressure from pollution, urbanization, and deforestation.
Implementing management interventions for priority species can help protect them agnst direct threats like habitat loss and climate impacts.
Identifying areas with climate refugia – places where species are more likely to persist due to their unique microclimates or topography - can provide habitats that are less affected by warming temperatures and other climate change impacts.
Mntning habitat connectivity is essential for species migration during times of stress, enabling them to reach suitable environments for survival.
Engaging local communities in conservation efforts through tools like Restore and Renew and NSW Niche Finder ensures informed decision-making based on science.
The Saving Our Species program under the NSW Department of Planning Industry and Environment plays a crucial role in protecting threatened species. The Australia's Strategy for Nature 2019–2030, along with its supporting website, Australia’s Nature Hub, outlines national strategies to conserve biodiversity across Australia.
We acknowledge and respect the Traditional Custodians and First Peoples of NSW and their ongoing connection to country and culture.
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Australian Biodiversity Hotspot Threats Climate Change Impact on Ecosystems Endangered Species NSW Conservation Resilient Ecologies and Sustainable Practices Protecting Natures Refugia from Warming Strategic Approaches to Biodiversity Loss