Bushtracks Autumn 2018

I’m often asked: What difference will losing one species make in the overall scheme of things? But I feel the real questions are:

What value do we place on the diversity of life? And are we willing to risk losing that diversity because of our inaction?

In this edition of our newsletter, we speak with renowned ecologist Prof. Lesley Hughes. The antithesis of inaction, Lesley was the keynote speaker at the 2018 Women in Conservation Breakfast, which we jointly hosted in early March with Trust for Nature. In Weathering the change, her passion is palpable as she warns of a future in which many native species will find their environments increasingly uninhabitable.

I’m proud that the actions of Bush Heritage’s conservation community are helping to give native plants and animals the best possible chance at adapting to climate change.

By increasing Australia’s network of protected areas, reconnecting habitats, and returning the bush to good health, we’re tipping the odds in the favour of our native species.

Equally as important as our on-and off-reserve work is the support we offer to others through our Aboriginal Partnerships program, such as the Arafura Swamp Rangers Aboriginal Corporation.

Indigenous communities have been caring for this land for tens of thousands of years and have developed solutions to many of the environmental problems we face today. Yet, these same communities will be among the hardest hit by climate change. It's vital they're well-resourced and supported to face that threat, and others.

Also in this issue, we head to Pullen Pullen Reserve, Queensland, where a new research project promises to give us a greater understanding of the threat that feral cats pose to Night Parrots.

The recent sighting of a young Night Parrot on Pullen Pullen only emphasises how vital our continued threat management is to the survival of these endangered birds.

Gerard O’Neill, Chief Executive.