How can it be that, in one of the richest countries in the world, 500 fauna species found nowhere else on Earth are threatened with extinction? That's the question before the Senate Environment Committee which is inquiring into all aspects of Australia's faunal extinction crisis -- what's happening, what are its wider ecological impacts, who is responsible, what's failing and why.  Get involved -- make a submission before 10 September 2018. 

This is the first opportunity for a long time to bring Australia's extinction crisis to national attention. It is a chance to think big about what is really needed to turn around the unfolding disaster in our forests, outback, rivers and oceans, what would really make a difference to those 500 species already sliding towards oblivion, and the many more on the brink. Don't hold back!

The inquiry will be chaired by Greens Senator Janet Rice and is due to report by 4 December. The terms of reference are broad including the adequacy of federal laws, the reserve system, funding, compliance, monitoring; the Commonwealth's international and domestic obligations; the use of traditional knowledge and management and opportunities for expansion.

Diary date: Stand Against Extinction rally, Friday 7 September, parliament house lawns, Canberra.

Image: Swift Parrot, critically endangered. Judith Deland