This World Wildlife Day, we are highlighting work to protect Australia's native plants.
The 2026 theme focuses on medicinal plants. These plants support health, culture and local communities.
First Nations peoples have used native plants for food, healing and ceremony for thousands of years. Protecting these plants also supports healthy ecosystems.
Australia is home to more than 21,000 plant species. Almost all our flowering plants are found nowhere else on earth. But more than 1,500 native plant species are now listed as threatened.
The Australian Government's Saving Native Species program supports recovery projects for threatened plants. It is helping bring species like the waddy-wood and smooth Davidson's plum back from the brink of extinction.
The waddy-wood is culturally significant to First Nations peoples and is linked to stories, song cycles and traditional uses.
The smooth Davidson's plum is a native rainforest tree. It is valued for its fruit and genetic diversity. Recovery work is helping to strengthen populations.
The Australian Government is investing more than $700 million to protect threatened plants and animals.
This includes:
- collecting and storing seeds
- growing cuttings to improve genetic diversity
- repairing fencing to protect plants
- managing weeds, feral animals and habitat restoration.
These projects bring together First Nations organisations, scientists, communities and governments to help protect Australia's unique plants for the future.
Take some time this World Wildlife Day to learn about our native plants.
