Australia has one of the world's highest rates of species extinction, with climate change and natural disasters threatening the survival of many iconic native animals. To address this critical issue, Amazon Australia has announced an AU$2.5 million investment to help save some of Australia's most endangered species.
The three-year project is made possible by Amazon's Right Now Climate Fund and will be carried out in collaboration with Odonata Foundation, an organisation that is pioneering an innovative species recovery model called "500-in-5." This approach improves the chances of survival for threatened species by maintaining at least 500 animals across a minimum of five different locations.
"By helping rebuild healthy populations of threatened species, we're investing in the future of Australia's unique wildlife," said Janet Menzies, Amazon Australia Country Manager. "What's exciting about Odonata's approach is that it can be scaled up to help endangered species around the world. The project will combine the latest genetic research with climate data to give these species the best chance of survival as temperatures rise, and extreme weather events increase."
The "500-in-5" model serves two crucial purposes: the population size helps maintain genetic resilience, while multiple sites provide redundancy should a climate-related disaster occur. If one location faces challenges like fire, flood, or drought, the other sites can continue supporting the species.
Nigel Sharp, Founder and Chair of the Odonata Foundation, explained the urgency of their mission: "Australia has one of the world's highest rates of species extinction. With climate change and natural disasters increasing, we must act now to protect our iconic native animals. Our innovative recovery model represents a world-first in species conservation."
Conservation in action
Amazon's funding will enable Odonata to expand their recovery programs at Mt Rothwell Sanctuary, located 50km from Melbourne, and other sites they operate across Australia. The investment will support key conservation activities including:
- Breeding programs, to boost population numbers
- Maintenance of wildlife sanctuaries
- Movement of animals between sites
- Educational tours to raise public awareness about endangered species conservation
In August, Odonata celebrated a milestone when six critically endangered southern brush-tailed rock-wallabies were safely relocated by small plane to establish a new colony in the Australian Capital Territory.
More than just saving species
These native species play a vital role in maintaining healthy Australian landscapes. The conservation of each species delivers significant ecological benefits beyond their individual recovery. For example, the eastern barred bandicoot naturally turns over three tonnes of soil each year, which helps spread seeds and makes the land more resistant to floods and droughts.
This marks Amazon's first Australian project funded through its Right Now Climate Fund, a $100 million initiative supporting climate resilience and nature conservation in communities around the world. Since the fund was created in 2019, Amazon has disbursed US$67.4 million to finance 20 projects across 15 countries.
Through this partnership with Odonata Foundation, Amazon is taking meaningful action to help ensure Australia's unique wildlife survives and thrives for generations to come.
Meet our marsupial mission: Here are some fascinating facts about the nine core species Odonata is working to protect with our support:
- Eastern quoll: Once widespread across southeastern Australia, these carnivorous marsupials are now extinct in the wild on mainland Australia. Odonata maintains two of only three wild, self-sustaining populations on the mainland.
- Eastern barred bandicoot: This small digger was once declared "Extinct in the Wild" but now survives thanks to reintroduction efforts. Odonata's sanctuary network supports around 80% of the mainland population!
- Southern brush-tailed rock-wallaby: Critically endangered, these agile wallabies play an important role in shaping vegetation dynamics and plant biodiversity within their rocky habitat.
- Bush stone-curlew: This ground-dwelling nocturnal bird is known for its haunting cries that were once heard across most of Australia. It's now listed as Critically Endangered in Victoria.
- Eastern bettong: An important "ecosystem engineer" that improves soil health and plant diversity. This species had completely disappeared from mainland Australia but is being reintroduced at Odonata's sanctuaries.
