Platypus are thought to have declining populations due to habitat changes and non-native predators. These declines are poorly defined, because they are difficult to survey and there are few actual assessments of population size, especially outside of Victoria

A 2-year James Cook University project, in conjunction with Yungaburra Landcare and the Australian Platypus Conservancy aims to address these information gaps.

This research, near Atherton in Queensland is in an area with little quality data for over 20 years. It will utilise a variety of methods including eDNA sampling, a citizen science observation process, cameras and live trapping.

Research funds, James Cook University. $2,500, January 2025

Our wildlife, environment and economy is facing a huge challenge. The red imported fire ant is one of the worst invasive species in the world, and they are here in big numbers.

In Australia there are concerns for many native species that are declining already from other impacts, including threatened turtles, crocodiles, lizards, frogs, and ground-dwelling birds such as the malleefowl, black-breasted button-quail and plains wanderer, among many others.

The Federal Environment Department says that, if established, the economic impact of fire ants “is predicted to surpass the combined effects of pests regarded as Australia’s worst invasive species—feral cats, feral pigs, foxes, camels, rabbits and cane toads.”

Australia has a record of success in combating several invasive species if tackled early. The Invasive Species Council is leading the advocacy for an aggressive campaign to tackle this current and growing environmental threat. This includes a citizen science mobile app so you can do your own ID.

Campaign support, The Invasive Species Council. $2,000, December 2024.

Learn more at https://invasives.org.au/

Some of the world’s finest wild marine habitat is under threat in Tasmania

Foreign-owned Atlantic open-pen salmon companies are releasing tonnes of antibiotics, chemicals, feed waste and faeces into waterways, creating an industrial biomass that; suffocates marine life and habitat and contaminates beaches and bays. This is in addition to staff firing underwater grenades at native wildlife.

Soon one of the world’s most endangered and rare sea animals - the Maugean Skate will be lost. Forever.

To tackle this, volunteer-led Neighbours of Fish Farming is campaigning to remove salmon feedlots and hatcheries from the vulnerable, shallow coastal waters and rivers of Tasmania.

Campaign funds, Neighbours of Fish Farming. $5,000, November 2024.

Learn more at https://www.noff.au/

Preserving habitat is the key to species protection and climate action.

That’s why preserving the last of our great national native forests is both essential and sensible.

However rather than use plantation logging the Tasmanian government subsidise foreign-owned timber companies to log and then incinerate native forests. 80% of these ancient timbers are used for wood pulp. Native species are wiped out in bulk in both the logging process and post-logging napalm fire-bombs released to clear remaining habitat. So how do we change minds and encourage more professional government choices?

Forest Watch has been established by the Bob Brown Foundation to share logging industry data to provide both transparency and data-driven conversations about this poorly managed industry.

Program support, Bob Brown Foundation. $5,000. November 2024

Learn more at https://forestwatch.org.au/

Remarkably, logging continues in NSW native old growth forests. Safeguards to survey and map greater glider habitat within these areas are poor and routinely ignored by loggers. So how do we address this?

Wilderness Australia and partners (WWF and South East Forest Rescue) has been conducting glider surveys, where they bushwalk through dense forest areas, locating pockets of old, hollow-bearing trees, and then wait for nightfall to see whether the marsupial emerge from the hollows. When they do, they record the den trees on the government’s database, which immediately establishes logging exclusion zones. This work is now being supplemented by thermal drones.

This work is highly successful in establishing large swathes of protection zones. Without this grassroots work this habitat and these animals would be flattened.

Direct action, Wilderness Australia. $2,500, October 2024.

Learn more at https://www.wildernessaustralia.org.au/

Karst is a type of landscape where the dissolving of the bedrock has created sinkholes, sinking streams, caves, and springs. They are unique and fragile places in their own right - but also contain unique flora and fauna.

The Australian Speleological Federation aims to protect the cave and karst environment of Australia.

Projects have including protection of fragile landforms, and supporting research on unique fauna. An area of specific interest is Tasmanian Karst systems - some of the most geologically developed in the country.

Project grant to support Tasmanian projects. The Australian Speleological Foundation. $3,000, September 2024.

Learn more at https://caves.org.au/

There are about 120 Wedge-tailed Eagle breeding pairs left in Tasmania, less than 110 pairs of Grey Goshawks and less than 200 pairs of White-bellied Sea Eagles

Funds for rehabilitation and release of native raptors, Raptor Refuge. $3,000, September 2024.

Learn more at https://www.raptorrefuge.com.au/

Wildlife carers play an invaluable role rescuing and rehabilitating native fauna. Often a key role is providing authentic food sources - such as Koala's preferred gum leaves.

But what happens when the carers properties are burnt clean by high intensity bushfires?

Gippsland Wildlife Rescue Group have a project to re-vegetate properties of wildlife carers in their group who have lost vegetation due to bushfire. This will produce feed for the animals in their care prior to release.

Funds for revegetation works and plantings, Wildlife Rescue & Protection (Gippsland Group). $1,000 September 2024.

Learn more at their Facebook Page.

All native animal rescue centres seek to provide exceptional care for rescued wildlife. But many also play a very important role in advancing research to improve their survival rate.

Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue (SKER) based in South Australia is such a centre. It operates science-driven advocacy, rescue and rehabilitation for a broad variety of species - specialising in koalas and echidnas. Importantly they partner with other organisations and universities to grow our collective knowledge.

SKER has a wholistic approach to their mission - also supporting habitat revegetation and education projects.

Funds for veterinary equipment and testing, Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue. $2,000, August 2024.

Learn more at https://www.sker.org.au/

Urban remnant vegetation plays a crucial role in our cities, serving as pockets of biodiversity that offer numerous benefits to both humans and wildlife.

These patches of native vegetation are often the last remnants of once extensive ecosystems, providing critical habitat for many rare plant and animal species.

Conserving these green spaces is essential for maintaining biodiversity and sustainable cities for the future.

The national seed-banking programme in an initiative of The Australian Seedbank Partnership - an alliance of 14 organisations, bringing together expertise from Australia’s leading botanic gardens, state environment agencies and NGO. This project aims to stop threatened species extinctions and assist in the recovery of others. One of the ways this is achieved is to collect and store seed in seed banks. Globally this is one of the most powerful ways to combat the decline of plant diversity.

Direct action, Australian Seedbank Partnership. $4,000. July 2024

Learn more at https://www.seedpartnership.org.au/

Four mega-threats are the major drivers of Australia’s extinction crisis: invasive species, climate change, adverse fire regimes and habitat destruction.

Right now, invasive species are driving more than 80 per cent of Australia’s most vulnerable native plants and animals towards extinction.

Century-old Moreton Bay Fig trees have been cut due to a new tree-killing invasive – the bullet beetle. Another 1 billion animals – some critically endangered, like the numbat – will be killed by cats each year.

Unique animals like koalas, echidnas and loggerhead turtles will be harmed by fire ants if they are not stopped.

The Invasive Species Council focuses on strengthening laws and policies to prevent future invasions and better protect the Australian environment against these threats.

Grant for advocacy and direct program support, Invasive Species Council. $2,500 June 2024.

Learn more at https://invasives.org.au/

Queensland’s wet tropics have suffered immense land clearing - much of it in the last generation. However rainforest rehabilitation is possible and can be remarkably successful. But how do we help everyone do it in the most effective way?

Recently Rainforest Rescue began a new research programme with their in-house team and researchers from James Cook University to answer this question and help the many farmers and other landowners to rebuild lost rainforest ecosystems.

The research will establish new regeneration protocols - including analysis of the types of soil at each site, and how many trees (and of what species) will be required to create a healthy rainforest. In short - moving away from a ‘one size fits all’ approach that at the moment is cost prohibitive for many landowners.

Research Seeding Partner, Rainforest Rescue. $7,000. April 2024

Learn more at https://www.rainforestrescue.org.au/

People are key to the ongoing protection of our natural environments and bringing the bush back to good health.

The Bush Heritage Seeding the Future Program offers aspiring conservationists pathways to learn and hone best-practice skills and approaches.

The program offers various entry points into environmental careers and participants are provided with mentoring and skill development in office- and field-based roles, both in science and conservation management, and broader business functions.

The program supports participants working in a range of fields in the conservation sector, from data spatial analysis to invasive species management.

Grant to support program, Bush Heritage Australia. $5,000 February 2024.

Learn more at https://www.bushheritage.org.au/

For a number of years Inala Foundation has worked in partnership with Australian National University (ANU) to monitor a population of endangered forty-spotted pardalotes on the Inala Nature Reserve, a 1500-acre conservation covenanted property on Bruny Island, Tasmania.

Their work has included bespoke nesting boxes to replace lost habitat. But what’s the best box that lets in just this bird - and not others?

Initial results have indicated an optimal size to comfortably allow forty-spotted pardalotes to enter the nesting boxes and exclude other birds. But further monitoring from specialist tree climbers is required to make a more comprehensive assessment.

Grant for ongoing work at nesting box sites, Inala Foundation. $5,000. December 2023.

Learn more at https://inalanaturefoundation.com.au/

Tasmania/lutuwita has some of the most beautiful waterways in Australia. From the wild ocean beaches and cliffs of the Tasman peninsula to the world heritage value Macquarie Harbour, these waterways are home to incredible animals, some found only here like the Maugean Skate or the Red Spotted Handfish.

However, these waterways and animals are under threat from toxic inputs and outputs that large scale salmon farming employs. Excess nutrients used produce algal blooms, reducing oxygen levels and suffocating all other sealife.

The Bob Brown Foundation conducts education and advocacy to protect the rare sealife here.

Grant for education and advocacy, Bob Brown Foundation. $5,000, November 2023

Learn more at https://bobbrown.org.au/

Koalas in far north Queensland have not previously been studied but may be a ‘refugia’ population with unique genetics.

This project aims to fill this critical knowledge gap, establishing baseline information on the biology and health status of koalas of far north Queensland and providing the basis for further research that may benefit koalas throughout Australia

The Tree-Kangaroo and Mammal Group (TKMG) is an incorporated community group based on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, Australia. The group is a strong and active advocacy, education and conservation group..

Second grant, this for operational activities, The Tree Kangaroo and Mammal Group. $1,000, October 2023

Learn more at https://www.tree-kangaroo.net/

Anbinik (Allosyncarpia ternata) has been described by Northern Territory Nawarddeken Elders as ‘the tree from the very beginning.’ Anbinik is a proto-eucalypt, meaning it is the ancestor to the eucalypt species found across Australia today. Anbinik is endemic to the Kuwarddewardde where it grows in dense monsoon rainforest communities, forming pleasant cool areas in an increasingly hot climate.

Anbinik are also slow-growing, fire-sensitive trees that have adapted to care, meaning they take decades to recover from the damage of uncontrolled wildfires.

They are a deeply important cultural asset to Nawarddeken whose protection is an extremely high priority during key seasons.

Active traditional fire management at 26 key sites. Karrkad Kanjdji Trust. $5,000. October 2023

Learn more at https://kkt.org.au/

Climate change has had an increasing impact on the ocean environment with rising numbers of sick and injured marine reptiles being rescued and requiring rehabilitation.

Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue are a grass roots organization that rescue and rehabilitate sea turtles, seabirds and sea snakes along the NSW coast, largely through volunteer effort.

In addition they actively engage in community education by inspiring and engaging with the public to minimise the impact we have on wildlife.

This grant was specially chosen by nieces and young conservationists, Arwen and Lowenna Walton.

Funds to purchase veterinary and food supplies, Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue. $2000. September 2023

Learn more at https://seabirdrescue.org.au/

Weedwalkers Top End Landcare Group (Weedwalkers) is a group of community volunteers who undertake invasive species survey and control within Litchfield National Park,.

They particularly target one of the “super-weeds” gamba grass. This is considered a key threat to the park's habitats. It can transform ecosystems and burns very, very hot.

Volunteer efforts focus on the many scattered, remote and difficult-to-access infestations which are time-consuming and costly for rangers and contractors to address.

Funds to support operational and safety costs, Weedwalkers Top End Landcare Group. $1500. August 2023

Learn more at :https://landcarent.org.au/groups/weedwalkers-top-end/

One of our most important but overlooked ecosystems are native grasslands.

Grasslands are under threat from climate change, land use change, and invasive species. In fact, only a small percentage of Australia’s grasslands remain intact.

The national seed-banking programme in an initiative of The Australian Seedbank Partnership - an alliance of 14 organisations, bringing together expertise from Australia’s leading botanic gardens, state environment agencies and NGO. This project aims to stop threatened species extinctions and assist in the recovery of others. One of the ways this is achieved is to collect and store seed in seed banks. Globally this is one of the most powerful ways to combat the decline of plant diversity.

Direct action, Australian Seedbank Partnership. $2,500. August 2023

Learn more at https://www.seedpartnership.org.au/

Wetland Revival Trust is a culmination of thirty years’ experience restoring wetlands and other habitats, 10 years in the Northern Victoria and the wider southern Murray Darling Basin.

Over this period the team have developed a detailed understanding of wetland condition and ecological issues affecting the area, developed relationships with local farmers and Traditional Owners, and implemented restoration projects in a variety of habitats covering over 1000 hectares.

At their Wirra Lo Sanctuary they are protecting and growing populations of rare native animals and fauna including the Growling Frog and Magpie Geese

Advocacy and education support, Wetland Revival Trust. $4,000. July 2023

Learn more at https://wetlandrevivaltrust.org/

In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are at the forefront of climate change, and their young people are the generation with the most at stake.

That’s why Seed was launched : Australia’s first Indigenous youth ­led climate network. They are building a movement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people for climate justice. Their vision is for a just and sustainable future with strong cultures and communities, powered by renewable energy.

In 2023 they are launching an ambitious programme of regional training for First Nations youth. What makes this training powerful is that it is focused on empowering young people to be change makers for life.

Funds to launch initial regional training, Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network $4000. June 2023.

Learn more at https://www.seedmob.org.au/

Poor economic and environmental decision making continues in parts of Australia. No more so than clear-felling of Australia’s remaining ancient pristine rainforests. In the process priceless ecosystems are lost and carbon is emitted from firebombing of felled areas .

The Bob Brown Foundation organises protests and scientific, cultural and adventure events in takayna / Tarkine. They broadcast the threats to this wild place with films, images and literature and prepare compelling economic arguments in favour of protection.

General campaign support, Bob Brown Foundation $6,000. May 2023.

Learn more at https://bobbrown.org.au/

Far North Queensland is home to the UNESCO protected Wet Tropics World Heritage Area - famous for its extraordinarily diverse wildlife, including dozens of endemic species found nowhere else on this planet.

Far North Queensland Wildlife Rescue has been providing an essential service to this wildlife for over 30years. They have over 160 members covering an area from Mission Beach, west to Mt Surprise and north to Weipa. They also maintain a Rescue Centre in Cairns which is staffed by volunteers.

A current project is to support carers with supplies for their successful native bird rehabilitation and release. Recently members took into care over 360 birds in just 4 weeks.

Funds to purchase key veterinary products for bird rehabilitation and release, FNQ Wildlife Rescue $1500, April 2023.

Learn more at https://www.fnqwildliferescue.org.au/

Koalas in far north Queensland have not previously been studied but may be a ‘refugia’ population with unique genetics.

A new project aims to fill this critical knowledge gap, establishing baseline information on the biology and health status of koalas of far north Queensland and providing the basis for further research that may benefit koalas throughout Australia

The Tree-Kangaroo and Mammal Group (TKMG) is an incorporated community group based on the Atherton Tablelands in Far North Queensland, Australia. The group is a strong and active advocacy, education and conservation group..

Funds to purchase bioacoustics recording units, The Tree Kangaroo and Mammal Group $3,000, March 2023

Learn more at https://www.tree-kangaroo.net/

The Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater (FoHH) engages in conservation activities in and around the Yellingbo Nature Conservation Area, east of Melbourne, Victoria. This area is home to one of the last remaining wild populations of Helmeted Honeyeater and the only population of Leadbeater’s Possum (Lowland genetics) existing in the wild today. Their purpose is to secure the future of these and other endangered species through habitat restoration and community engagement.

FoHH offers a unique Ambassador Program for primary school children to learn about conservation, with an emphasis on the Critically Endangered Helmeted Honeyeater. The project embodies a ‘whole-of-habitat’ approach.

The team works with teachers and small groups of primary school students from grades 4 and 5 at 4 schools in curriculum-linked, place-based learning opportunities.

Funds to support Ambassador Program at Patch Primary $2,000, February 2023.

Learn more at https://www.helmetedhoneyeater.org.au/

Rainforest Rescue is a not-for-profit organisation that has been protecting and restoring rainforests for over 22 years.

Their projects re-establish rainforests through planting, maintenance, and restoration programs, as well as purchasing and protecting high conservation value rainforest and preserving its biodiversity

The big challenge for Rainforest Rescue (and others) is how to accurately calculate the carbon sequestration of restored land. Current methods are known to be unreliable.

To address this they are working with James Cook University to trial world-leading arboreal LIDAR technology to laser-map ecosystems from the ground. This process should produce high quality carbon data but also also has the potential to assist describe how well regenerated eco-systems are performing under different conservation approaches.

Research Seeding Partner, Rainforest Rescue $5,000, January 2023

Learn more at https://www.rainforestrescue.org.au/

Bush Heritage is an independent not-for-profit that buys and manages land, and partners with Aboriginal people to protect irreplaceable landscapes and native species forever.

Recently Bush Heritage established a new programme, Seeding The Future.

The program provides opportunities for early-career conservationists to gain paid work experience through internships, traineeships, and PhD placements across all areas of Bush Heritage’s work.

Specific Aboriginal-identified positions and traineeships have been established within the Seeding the Future program, in an effort to actively increase conservation career opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Funds to support Seeding The Future programme $5,000, December 2022

Learn more at www.bushheritage.org.au

The Karrkad Kanjdji Trust (KKT) works to protect, restore and enhance the unique natural environment of West and Central Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. They act as the philanthropic arm of the region’s Indigenous ranger groups, partnering with on-ground land management organisations.

Warddeken rangers are working to protect native mayh (animals), especially small and medium size mammals, populations of which are in serious decline due to a combination of threats including feral predators and herbivores, weeds, cane toads and inappropriate fire regimes and potentially disease.

The project combines long-term ecological monitoring, landscape-scale fire and feral animal control and targeted management of sites where significant species have been recorded

Grant to support Warddeken Ranger programme $5000, November 2022.

Learn more at https://www.kkt.org.au/

Quoll Headquarters is a high conservation value privately-owned property registered by the NSW Government Biodiversity Conservation Trust.

This location is prime refuge for Quoll. Threats to the species include habitat destruction and fragmentation, predation and competition from wild dogs, foxes and feral cats, human persecution, motor vehicles and disease. Quolls are now listed as endangered with the last count at less than 5000.

After devastating regional fires in 2019, Quoll HQ has undertaken a bigger and broader project to support endangered species recovery. This includes the perilously low regional Koala population.

Personal donation for predator-proof pre-release pens, Quoll Headquarters $6,000, October 2022.

Learn more at https://www.quollheadquarters.com.au/

The Great Barrier Reef is our planet’s largest living organism and a barometer of world environmental health. It has significant cultural value particularly for Indigenous Australians, and supports the direct employment of more than 64,000 people

The Reef Restoration Foundation successfully regenerates damaged coral reefs by establishing ocean-based coral nurseries.

The team is supported by scientists from James Cook University's TropWATER and volunteers to grow coral and re-plant it to regenerate damaged high-value coral reefs.

Coral Nursery Expansion, Reef Restoration Foundation $1500, October 2022.

Learn more at https://reefrestorationfoundation.org/

The Clarence Environment Centre (CEC) helps private landowners, local residents, council and government agencies to improve, protect and maintain the natural resources, wildlife habitats and unique biodiversity of the beautiful Clarence Valley for future generations.

One of their many successful projects is the control and removal of invasive species that choke native habitat. This grant supports a targeted area of known koala habitat being overrun by the South African Cat Claw Creeper.

Grant for invasive species control, Clarence Environment Centre $2,000, September 2022.

Learn More at https://cec.org.au/

The focus of the 2022 Youth Summit 'Youth Leading the Way' is to empower 150 young students in NSW to tackle the challenges of plastic pollution in their community while also embarking on a personal journey to develop their leadership skills.

This event is organised by Australian Charity Take 3 For The Sea and feeds their long term target to educate 1 million students and remove 50 million pieces of plastic from the environment by 2030.

Event Partnership, Take 3 For The Sea $6,500. August 2022.

Learn More at https://www.take3.org/

Due to habitat loss and bushfires more and more koalas are going into metropolitan areas and getting run over or mauled by dogs

1300KOALAZ are the largest group of experienced dedicated volunteer koala carers and rescuers in South Australia.

They rescue, rehabilitate and release wild koalas. In addition they work to help regenerate the local bushfire zone through donations of native vegetation to re-establish lost koala habitat.

General operational funds, Adelaide & Hills Koala Rescue - 1300KOALAZ Incorporated $1,500. July 2022.

Learn More at https://www.1300koalaz.com/

Over 90% of the natural values in takayna / Tarkine in Tasmania are largely intact.

But these values are under threat from acid mine drainage, deforestation and contamination of waterways by proposed new mines.

Ancient rainforests are being flattened by logging and wildlife-rich ancient eucalyptus forests clear felled for woodchips.

The Bob Brown Foundation organises protests and scientific, cultural and adventure events in takayna / Tarkine. They broadcast the threats to this wild place with films, images and literature and prepare compelling economic arguments in favour of protection.

General campaign support, Bob Brown Foundation. $6,000. June 2021.

Learn More at https://www.bobbrown.org.au

Native forests on public land, wherever they remain, need secure and permanent protection in Commonwealth law. Australia needs nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crisis that includes protection of native forests and pro-forestation of logged and degraded native forests.

General campaign support, Bob Brown Foundation. $7,500. May 2021.

Learn More at https://www.bobbrown.org.au