Perth is part of an internationally recognised biodiversity hotspot! We have thousands of plant and animal species, with many found no where else. But, being a biodiversity hotspot is both good news and bad news.
Perth is Unique
We are mega-diverse!
Our native plants and animals are found nowhere else. Sadly, these plants and animals are rapidly disappearing across our city as we knock down trees, install fake turf, and fast track development. Habitat loss is one of the reasons why Perth sits in an international biodiversity hot spot.
All this is resulting in our native plants and animals becoming less common and on the edge of extinction!
The lasting impact to our communities is devastating, as we continue to lose our biodiversity. Surely, no one wants this to continue happening.
Biodiversity is Valuable
Biodiversity is the variety of all living things. It’s complex, but stay with us… it includes all the different plants, fungi, and animals, their genetics, and the ecosystems they collectively form. And when we say animals, we mean all of them: birds, bees, and even bacteria. If you’ve ever heard of the ‘web of life’, that’s what we’re talking about.
In the Perth region, many forms of life have evolved – and coevolved – specifically for our environment, which is significantly harsher than the Western/European regions Australia’s ‘modern’ residential and agricultural practices are based on.
On a personal level, biodiversity is critical for our health, well-being, and economic prosperity.
Biodiversity grows our food, cleans our water, rids pests, improves our health, controls our weather, and supports our outdoor lifestyle. It creates a sense of place, resonating a deep sense of natural heritage, spirituality, art, history, and connection. Biodiversity is scientifically valuable too (including medicinal). Any loss of our biodiversity can seriously impact our well being.
The Bad News
Well, since colonisation, we have removed local biodiversity without any consideration for intrinsic value, cultural connection, nor personal well-being. In some Perth suburbs, less than 10% of our natural vegetation and its biodiversity remain.
Many species have been bought to the edge of extinction. This legacy of loss requires us to help preserve the biodiversity we have remaining. In a city like Perth, much of our unique biodiversity cannot be replaced, or replicated, if it’s lost.
Natural ecosystems are complex and the state of biodiversity in Perth is pretty grim.
The Good News
There is one solution everyone can get behind, ReWild Perth. We need anyone and everyone to improve biodiversity around their home, school, or business. Bringing nature home is easier with help from ReWild Perth.
It is completely free to sign up and you can access tools, tips, ideas, and personalised plant lists to design a space you and local wildlife will enjoy. You can ReWild no matter the size of your yard or balcony.
We have even prepared style advice to have the garden you always wanted (from the quaint cottage to a lush green paradise) all with biodiversity in mind.
