This World Wildlife Day is an opportunity to reflect on the work being done across Australia to prevent the extinction of plant species that are culturally important to First Nations people.
This year's international theme highlights the vital role of medicinal plants in sustaining human health, cultural heritage and local livelihoods.
Through governments and communities working together, we are helping to protect and restore important and unique Australian species.
The Albanese Government's Saving Native Species program is supporting the recovery of 30 native plant types prioritised for recovery under the Threatened Species Action Plan, including the waddy-wood and the smooth Davidson's plum:
- The waddy-wood is found only in central Australia. It's associated with stories and song cycles in several First Nations languages, and is often used for making clubs and for carrying fire. The Albanese Government is working with the Northern Territory Government and Central Land Council and Apatula Rangers, to collect seeds and repair fencing to safeguard the species.
- The smooth Davidson's plum is a bushy rainforest tree that occurs only in north-east NSW and south-east Queensland. A project is underway to collect cuttings from wild trees to support conservation translocations and improve its genetic diversity.
- Seed banking is another critical tool helping safeguard Australia's flora for future generations. The National Seed Bank at the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra was recently upgraded with $5.7 million funding from the Albanese Government. The purpose-built facility plays a vital role in protecting more than 4000 species through seed storage and research, providing long-term insurance for plant species and supporting future restoration and recovery projects.
Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt said Australia's plant species are a key part of the nation's unique identity.
"This World Wildlife Day it's important that we reflect on the work being done to protect and preserve our precious plants and animals in partnership with governments, First Nations people and experts," Minister Watt said.
"Our country is home to more than 21,000 plant species, and almost all our flowering plants can't be found anywhere else on earth. Sadly, more than 1500 native plant species are on Australia's list of threatened species.
"That's why the Albanese Government is investing more than $700 million to better protect our threatened plants and animals and tackle the feral animals and weeds devasting our native species.
"I encourage people to take some time this World Wildlife Day to learn about our native plants and find out how you can help get involved in local recovery efforts."
