Author Description

Most of the land animals of Australia, the mammals, birds and reptiles, are to be found nowhere else on earth. Yet since the days that Captain James Cook sailed up our eastern coast two hundred years ago on his voyage of discovery a number of animal species have become extinct. Early settlers found such an abundance of wildlife that they used them for food, clothing, blankets, rugs and simply as sport for themselves and their dogs. Trees were ruthlessly felled, not just to provide building materials, but to make way for grazing areas for animals new to the country?sheep and cattle. Extensive clearing of bushland has been mostly responsible for the disappearance of our native animals as farm stock has taken over their territories. While it is too late to save some species, scientists are now realizing the need to set aside large areas of bushlands asNational Parks and other kinds of reserves to preserve our wildlife. Laws have been passed and many of these sanctuaries have been proclaimed. A new science called Ecology has arisen in which animals and their surroundings are studied together. This has resulted in the replanting of trees in many areas and the reintroduction of some kinds of animals.