Sydney Olympic Park Sydney Olympic Park

30-day challenge: Celebrate biodiversity!

Biodiversity – what does it mean?

Let’s break it down.

The prefix ‘bio-’ comes from the Greek word bios, which means ‘life’. 

Diversity means variety; a range of many things that are different from each other. 

Putting it back together – we have ‘biodiversity’ which refers to the variety of all life on Earth.

Biodiversity in Australia

Australia is one of 17 megadiverse countries that when combined only amount to 10% of the Earth’s surface but contain about 75% of Earth's total biodiversity.

Australia is home to at least 600,000 species which is almost 10% of all species known to humanity. 

Out of the diversity of life in Australia, 84% of our plant species, 83% of our mammals, and 45% of our birds are endemic, or therefore unique to Australia.

Let’s celebrate biodiversity this month (and beyond)

Biodiversity Month is celebrated every September – so why not join in?

Here at the Park, we have over 650 native plant and animal species to celebrate!

Biodiversity Month is the perfect excuse to take some time out of our busy schedules to learn about and appreciate the biodiversity that envelopes us.

 

One of the best ways to learn about and appreciate biodiversity is to connect with it. 

Ways to connect:

  • Walk alongside nature on paths and boardwalks that allow you to take a sneak peek into our Park’s biodiversity.
  • Find a bench to sit and take time to watch the variety of life fly, swim and slither by you; think about the world from their perspective.
  • Listen for the gentle hum of buzzing insects and count how many different birds you hear calling within earshot.
  • Smell the air this spring to experience the variety of perfumes our flowers in bloom are creating.
  • Person wearing a light-colored hat and dark clothing taking a photo on a wooden walkway surrounded by dense greenery and trees.
    Walk alongside nature on paths and boardwalks that allow you to take a sneak peek into our Park’s biodiversity.
  • Person in a red and black checkered shirt sitting on a bench in a park, with trees, greenery, and park equipment in the background.
    Find a bench to sit and take time to watch the variety of life fly, swim and slither by you; think about the world from their perspective.
  • Person in blue clothing walking away on a paved path through a forested area with tall trees and dense vegetation.
    Listen for the gentle hum of buzzing insects and count how many different birds you hear calling within earshot.
  • Person in a white jacket and dark pants walking on a boardwalk path through dense greenery and trees in a forested area.
    Smell the air this spring to experience the variety of perfumes our flowers in bloom are creating.

Let’s make sure when we connect – we show that we also care for biodiversity by protecting it. 

Make sure to:

  • Stay on pathways to avoid damaging habitat.
  • Keep the volume down so you don’t disturb animals from feeding, resting or nesting. 
  • Take your rubbish with you and properly dispose of it so it doesn’t end up harming wildlife.
  • Report any injured wildlife you see to Sydney Olympic Park Rangers: 0408 864 798  or WIRES: 1300 094 737

The importance of biodiversity

Biodiversity Month is also a time to learn about the importance of biodiversity and understand why it is important to safeguard it. 

Biodiversity is essential as it creates resilience, allowing ecosystems to better withstand and recover from various stressors, including natural events and human-induced pressures. If we don’t have resilient ecosystems, we jeopardise having a secure food supply, clean water, essential medicines and a habitable climate. Let’s face it – it would be pretty miserable without our plant and wildlife allies!

We need nature, and nature needs us. 

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