World Wildlife Day

World Wildlife Day History

World Wildlife Day aims to celebrate and raise awareness of the world's wild fauna and flora. The purpose of this event is to accentuate the intrinsic value of wildlife and its contribution to the sustainability, diversity, and beauty of our planet. It takes on various annual themes emphasising certain aspects of wildlife, such as conservation importance, threats to wildlife health, and the critical role of indigenous and local communities in wildlife stewardship.

World Wildlife Day was decreed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 20, 2013, as a response to a proposal from Thailand. For Australians, this day holds considerable significance as the country is renowned for its unique assemblage of marsupials, monotremes, birds, and reptiles, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. However, it's also recognised that Australia's wildlife faces ongoing threats from habitat loss, climate change, and invasive species, making this day a vital rallying point for action.

In Australia, World Wildlife Day is marked by various activities aimed at raising awareness about native wildlife and the unique challenges they face. Events include seminars, exhibitions, and film screenings, in addition to social media campaigns and outdoor activities such as birdwatching and bushwalking. These events provide an opportunity for Australians to learn about, appreciate, and take action to conserve their remarkable biodiversity. World Wildlife Day takes place on the 3rd of March, offering a focal point in the year to celebrate Australia's wildlife and draw attention to the conservation efforts needed to protect it.

Facts about World Wildlife Day

• The theme for World Wildlife Day in 2024 was Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation. In 2023 the theme was Recovering key species for ecosystem restoration.
• Elephants, pangolins, rhinoceros, sharks and tigers are among the most critically poached and trafficked species in the world.
• According to the UN, the biggest threat to wildlife is habitat loss. Other threats include overgrazing, farming, and development. Habitat loss accounts for 80% of the loss in biological diversity.
• The dingo is Australia's largest terrestrial predator and is believed to have arrived in the country around 4,000 years ago. It's believed to be descended from the Asiatic wolf and plays an important role in controlling populations of feral animals, such as rabbits and rats.
• Predators under Threat.” While Australia does not have native big cats, the day served as an opportunity for Australians to learn about global big cat conservation efforts and consider their roles in protecting wildlife both locally and globally.

In the News and Trending in Australia for World Wildlife Day

Top things to do in Australia for World Wildlife Day

• Enjoy the planet’s biodiversity by visiting the zoo or by going on a safari. You could also visit a nature museum, a botanical garden, or a national park to see the wide variety of flora and fauna.
• Volunteer to help clean up trash and other debris along a beach, park or stretch of road. Garbage and debris pollute the water and land habitats of our planet's plants and animals. In addition to polluting, garbage and debris can be ingested by animals or can act as a net and trap them.
• Watch a documentary to learn more about Wildlife in Australia:
  The Wild Life: Australia - A BBC series that explores the unique fauna and animal behaviors in Australia.
  Wildest Australia: The Land Of Oz - It provides an encompassing look at Australia's diverse habitats and wildlife.
• Visit the Australian Zoo: Originally founded by Steve Irwin, also known as "The Crocodile Hunter," the Australia Zoo is a must-visit on World Wildlife Day. It's home to a comprehensive collection of both native Australian species and animals from around the world.