National Threatened Species Day is commemorated across the country on 7 September, to raise awareness of plants and animals at risk of extinction.

Image: Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) eating fresh eucalypt leaves Credit: J Lemon/DPIE

Australia is home to more than 500,000 animal and plant species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Over the last 200 years, more than 100 animal and plant species have become extinct.

In NSW alone there are close to 1000 animal and plant species at risk of extinction.

Threatened Species Day is when we turn the spotlight on native plants, animals, and ecosystems that are under threat and reflect on how we can protect them now and into the future. To learn more about activities you can participate in check out this link to the NSW Dept Plaaning Industry & Environment.

The day also celebrates the amazing work that is being done to save them by passionate conservationists, researchers, volunteers, and community experts.