Along Australia’s heavily populated east coast, population declines have been noted for common bird species, including the rainbow bee-eater. Photograph: Gary Meredith Across parts of Australia, vast areas of native vegetation have been cleared and replaced by our cities, farms and infrastructure. When native vegetation is removed, the habitat and resources that it provides for native wildlife are invariably lost. Read more here.

More than 240 scientists have written to the PM, saying Australia is facing an extinction crisis primarily because of habitat destruction. Hear full interview here.

Two-hundred-and-fifty Australian scientists have written an open letter to Prime Minister Scott Morrison today, warning that Australia is in the midst of an "extinction crisis" and calling on him to strengthen Australia's environment laws. The scientists have timed their letter to coincide with a Federal review of Australia's key environmental protection law. They say that government action is urgently needed to stop the destruction of habitat that is now threatening even onc

Dear Prime Minister, We the undersigned are scientists who every day study, catalogue and document Australia's unique native species and ecosystems and work out the evidence base needed to save them. Through our work we know intimately just how important the diversity of Australia's natural world is to the fabric of our nation and our social and economic prosperity. Sadly, our work also tells us Australia is amid an extinction crisis. We are documenting a rapid decline in the

More than 240 conservation scientists sign open letter warning PM that 17 Australian native species face extinction in next 20 years. Read more here.