October 4 is World Animal Day (WAD) and the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) is asking the community to respect and protect our unique coastal wildlife.
WAD started in 1931 at a convention of ecologists in Florence as a way of highlighting the plight of endangered species and is now a day for remembering and paying tribute to all animals and the people who love and respect them.
According to Naturewatch UK, the aim of the day is to encourage everybody to commemorate their love and respect for animals by doing something special to highlight their importance in the world because increased awareness will lead the way to improved standards of animal welfare.
Our coast is home to a range of threatened and endangered species including the:
- Hooded Plover
- Southern Brown Bandicoot
- Swift Parrot
- Swamp Antechinus
- Rufous Bristlebird and many more.
GORCC has a native wildlife care plan in place to protect our coast’s unique indigenous fauna against threats including:
- Loss of habitat due to invasive weeds
- Climate change impacts
- Impacts of people and their pets using the coast.
- Impact of feral animals such as foxes and rabbits.
How you can help:
- Visit the GORCC website to find out how you can aid in the protection of our unique coastal wildlife and what to do when you find a sick or injured animal.
- To get involved in volunteering along the coast to help our wildlife visit GORCC’s volunteer page.
Tell us below what your favourite coastal animal is and why you love them?
Related blogs:
 Volunteer saves injured Hoodie |
 Endangered species spotted on coast |
 Spotlight on the Rufous Bristlebird |
 Fluffy ferals prey on fauna |
 Top tips to care for the coast |
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Blog 