Please amend the example below for your organisation’s needs. For maximum
impact, we ask that media releases be published between August 24 and September
7 (Threatened Species Day). If you prefer to write your own media release, please
see our list of key talking points at www.thebrink.org.au/media-guide-2015.html - we
recommend having your spokesperson add their own quotes to make the media alert
more localised.
Template follows:
YOUR ORGANISATION CALLS FOR ACTION THIS THREATENED
SPECIES DAY, SEPTEMBER 7 *
DATE: (Insert date of your media release)
CONTACT: Name and contact details of contact person in your
organisation
YOUR ORGANISATION supports the BRINK, which is an initiative from
an alliance of conservation organisations speaking with one voice on the
need for decisive action this Threatened Species Day, September 7.
This year, the focus of The BRINK is on the critically endangered
Northern Hairy Nosed Wombat. In the 1980's there were only 35 left ,
but after decades of hard work, there are now about 200 Northern Hairy
Nosed Wombats. Despite this, the species remains at risk of extinction.
Currently most of these wombats live in one location in Queensland and
could literally be wiped off the face of the earth if there was a disaster
such as a devastating bushfire or contagious disease.
The fate of this species is of national significance. It is Queensland’s
most endangered mammal and it is listed as endangered under national
legislation. Captive breeding is currently not an option for the species there are no Northern Hairy nosed wombats in captivity anywhere in the
world.
Action is urgently needed to secure new habitat for the species to bring
them back from the brink of extinction; It is their best chance of ensuring
their survival.
We call on the Commonwealth Government to work collaboratively with
the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection to
secure a suitable reintroduction site for the Northern Hairy-nosed
wombats - in line with the species recovery plan currently under revision
by the Department.
We encourage everyone to contact the Federal Minister for the
Environment, The Hon Greg Hunt MP. Let him know that ordinary
Australians love our unique wildlife, and want him to work with the
Queensland Environment Minister to ensure the recovery of these
critically endangered wombats.
People can go to the IFAW Website to see a sample letter at
www.ifaw.org/australia/get-involved/help-save-wombats-extinction
For further information, please see www.thebrink.org.au or
www.wombatfoundation.com.au.
ENDS
*Use any heading you like. Other suggestions:
"Finding a new home for the Northern Hairy Nosed Wombat"
"Helping save Queensland's most endangered mammal"
"Northern Hairy Nosed Wombats in search of a new home"
"(Your Organisation) Calls for Action on Threatened Species Day "
For the information of Organistions issuing media releases, did you know that:

Australia has the dubious honour of having one of the worst species extinction
rates in the world.

Since European settlement began, just over 200 years ago, 18 species of
mammals and about 100 species of plants have become extinct.

Currently about 40 species of mammals and many hundreds of species of plants
are threatened with extinction.

The IUCN Red List shows 916 Australian plants and animals listed internationally
as threatened species These species are listed as being vulnerable,
endangered, or critically endangered. Another 459 species are listed as 'near
threatened’ – the time to act is NOW.

The Northern Hairy Nosed Wombats are one of the rarest mammals in the world.
Image source: The Eco Experts