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Media Alert: Christmas Island
Hey Rosemary,
A
few weeks ago we introduced
you to Christmas Island and it's unique wildlife, including the spectacular Abbott's Booby and Christmas Island Frigatebird.
Today
I want to fill you in on the immediate threats that endanger this Australian wonder enough
to garner global attention, including
a recent article from
BirdLife International.
Clearing
of forests for phosphate mining and the associated impacts of invasive species are the greatest threats to the wildlife of Christmas Island. The
island is deemed an "extinction hotspot" with 80% of it's unique mammal and reptile species already lost,
including
the most recent and infamous extinction
of the Christmas Island Pipistrelle, a
small bat species last
recorded in 2009.
Australia
has a responsibility to preserve this internationally recognised Key Biodiversity Area. It is critical
for conserving the diversity of life on Earth.
The
ecosystem cannot recover from destructive phosphate
mining. After the rainforest is cleared, the soil is dug up and exported, leaving vast barren scars in the landscape. Over
25% of the island has already been cleared for mining activities. To make matters worse, mining facilitates the
spread of invasive species into the remaining pristine rainforest.
Christmas
Island is at a crossroads, but
we still have time to safeguard
its unique plant and animal life.
A
decision regarding the proposed exploratory mining lease is imminent. Join
us in urging Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to end mining on Christmas Island and uphold his 2007 decision to protect
the plants and animals that call Christmas Island home.
Past governments have called for a sustainable future for the Island, the time has come to start the transition.
You can take action today by
signing and sharing the petition, forwarding this email to family and friends, or even
tweeting the Prime Minister directly.
Thanks for your support.
Andrew Hunter
Conservation Campaigner
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