This rate has increased as even more bush is cleared in Queensland. Each year, land clearing kills millions of birds, reptiles and other animals, either immediately or soon after their habitats are destroyed, from starvation or injury. We are increasingly understanding more about the benefits of conserving biodiversity and the increasing risks and costs of not reducing threats and doing more to protect our species and ecosystems. For example, 2.5 million hectares of land is already affected by salinity but is projected to increase to more than 15.5 million hectares unless we act. Left unchecked, salinity will have huge impacts on our agricultural industry, water quality, and wildlife habitats.
Land clearing is a major driver of dry land salinity.
Communities are working around Australia to help protect and restore bushland and wildlife habitat. Tens of thousands of Australians are now involved in Bushcare, Coastcare, Landcare, and bush regeneration groups. The Strategy, with funding from the Natural Heritage Trust, has seen 1.8 million hectares of important lands added to the national parks system, and a variety of incentives put in place to encourage land holders to conserve remnant bushland and grasslands.