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Biodiversity in our Backyard
Citizen Science Project  Photos: M. Owen Become a citizen scientist and help us find out more about Western Australia's unique biodiversity! During Conservation Week the Biodiversity in our Backyard Project will engage citizen ‘scientists’ in Perth to investigate the factors that influence the biodiversity of our backyards and local communities using common birds as an indicator. To register send an email to clo@conservationwa.asn.au with Biodiversity in our Backyards Citizen Science Project in the subject line. What is biodiversity?
Why protect biodiversity?
Why is my backyard important?
Who can take part?
How to participate
How will the results of the survey be used? What is biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the variety of life forms, the different plants, animals and micro-organisms, the genes they contain, and the ecosystems they form. Western Australia is home to some of the most unique biodiversity on Earth which can be attributed to the size of the state, its age and isolation and the range of geographical, soil and climatic conditions that are found throughout. Terrestrial ecosystems range from rainforest, savanna woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, heathlands, tall forests, woodlands and wetlands. Our marine environments include coral reefs, intertidal mangrove forests, seagrass beds, sandy beaches, coastal salt marshes, rocky shores, algal reefs and kelp forests. An increasing population in Western Australia is leading to urban sprawl, particularly in the Perth metropolitan region and in regional centres in the South West. As a consequence our unique biodiversity is being lost at an alarming rate. The biodiversity of an area is highly dependent on the amount and distribution of vegetation and resultant habitats within an area. If we destroy the natural environment in an area we will also lose the biodiversity that is supported by it. back to top Why protect biodiversity?
Biodiversity is important to humans for many reasons. It provides services which we often take for granted, for example, drinkable water, clean air and fertile soils. A loss of biodiversity from an ecosystem can upset its normal function and disrupt these ecological services. Biodiversity has intrinsic, cultural, educational and recreational value.
Many people depend on biodiversity and other natural resources for their livelihoods, people in cities depend on biodiversity for their well-being. Imagine a city with no bushland, parks or nature strips. No trees, no birds or insects, just people, cars and buildings - it wouldn’t be a very nice place to live. back to top Why is my backyard important?
Development in urban areas can fragment patches of bushland which ultimately has an impact on the biodiversity of an area. However these patches of bushland are important as many birds and animals are able to move through urbanised areas to areas of remnant native vegetation.
Creating suitable habitat or biodiversity in backyards and open spaces can provide local wildlife with increased opportunities to survive within these altered landscapes. The Biodiversity in our Backyard Project will use a simple survey to investigate some of the factors that may be used to enhance backyard biodiversity such as
- the amount of native vegetation (shrubs and trees) in the garden
- the age of the suburb
- the distance to retained bushland or vegetation corridors
- the historical use of organochlorine pesticides or exposure to other contaminants
- pets as predators back to top
Who can take part?
During Conservation Week, the Conservation Council of WA in collaboration with Birds Australia, Birds in Backyards and the Australian Museum is conducting surveys of the biodiversity in backyards in and around the Perth metropolitan region. Schools, community groups, youth groups, wildlife centres, conservation organisations and individuals can take part in the survey of biodiversity in backyards. back to top How to participate
To participate in the Biodiversity in our Backyard survey, send an email to clo@conservationwa.asn.au with BIOB Citizen Science Project in the subject line and we will send you further information on how to complete the survey on the Birds in Backyards website. back to top How will the results of the survey be used?
The results of this short survey will provide an understanding of the factors influencing bird distribution within our settled areas and will inform planning, design and landscape (including garden) management decisions towards better retention of biodiversity in urban areas.
Participants will be able to view the results of this short survey on the Conservation Council website later in 2009. .
back to top Find out more about bringing biodiversity into your backyard
Visit the Birds Australia website
http://www.birdsaustralia.com.au/
http://birdswa.com.au/
To find out what plants to use to encourage local birds into your garden go to:
Wildflower Society of Western Australia Inc.
http://members.ozemail.com.au/~wildflowers/
Or check your local government’s website as many provide lists of local species suitable for their area. The Biodiversity in our Backyards Citizen Science Project is supported by:
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