The Hidden Dangers: Threats facing Australian Wildlife

Australia is home to some of the most unique animals on the planet—from bouncing kangaroos and sleepy koalas to colorful parrots and curious echidnas. But while these native species are iconic, many of them are in serious trouble. A number of human-made and environmental threats are having a huge impact on Australia's precious wildlife.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the biggest issues:

Habitat Loss and Land Clearing

Every year, more bushland and forest are cleared for agriculture, housing, roads, and industry. When this happens, animals lose their homes, food sources, and safe breeding areas. Some species, like the Greater Glider and the Leadbeater’s Possum, are now struggling to survive simply because their habitat is vanishing.

Introduced Predators

Cats and foxes might seem cute to some, but they’re deadly to native wildlife. Feral cats alone are estimated to kill over a billion Australian birds, reptiles, and mammals each year. These predators weren’t part of the original ecosystem, and many native species don't have defenses against them.

Road Collisions

Australia’s roads crisscross natural habitats, and sadly, many animals are hit by vehicles every day. Kangaroos, wombats, echidnas, and even reptiles often get caught on the roads—especially at dawn and dusk when they're most active. Roadkill not only affects animal populations but also leads to many orphaned joeys and injured adults needing care. All of our current orphaned joeys are a result of road collisions, which is a big reminder to us that if you see a kangaroo hit, don't forget to check the pouch... you could just save a life!

Pollution and Litter

Pollution affects wildlife in countless ways. Plastic waste, in particular, can be deadly. Animals may mistake plastic for food or get tangled in it, leading to injury or starvation. Chemicals and pesticides used in farming can also poison waterways and kill off the insects, frogs, and small mammals that rely on clean environments to survive. Reducing your waste by using more eco-friendly and reusable products can make a big difference to the amount of rubbish going into landfill.

Bushfires

Even though bushfires are a natural part of the Australian landscape, increased human activity and land mismanagement have led to more frequent and intense fires in some areas. Fires can wipe out whole populations of animals, destroy their food supply, and leave them exposed to predators and the elements during recovery.

Invasive Species

It’s not just cats and foxes—plants can be invaders too. Weeds like lantana, blackberry, and gamba grass spread rapidly and take over native ecosystems. They change the landscape and push out the plants that local animals depend on for food and shelter.

Human Interference

Feeding wildlife, disturbing nests, or keeping native animals as pets can do more harm than good. Even well-meaning actions like feeding birds bread or picking up a baby animal can disrupt natural behaviors and cause long-term harm.

At Sunset Creek, we're a dedicated wildlife sanctuary with a mission to protect and care for Australia's unique native animals. Every guest who visits helps us do more for the creatures who call this land home. Here's how we're working to counter some of the biggest threats facing Australian wildlife:

Providing Safe Habitat

Much of the land at Sunset Creek has been left untouched or is being carefully restored to support native species. We’ve created safe nesting areas, and ensured our grounds offer refuge to animals big and small. This includes habitat for kangaroos, wallabies, birds, lizards, and more.

Building a Macropod Nursery

One of our current goals is to expand our care capacity by building a macropod nursery and rehabilitation centre. Orphaned joeys and injured kangaroos and wallabies will have a safe, quiet place to grow and heal. This will directly combat the impacts of road collisions, habitat loss, and predation.

Predator Control & Awareness

We actively discourage feral predators on our property and educate guests about the importance of keeping pets under control—especially near bushland. By promoting responsible pet ownership and feral animal awareness, we help reduce pressure on vulnerable species.

Roadside Rescue & Education

We’re working to offer advice to locals and visitors on how to drive safely in wildlife zones. Plus, we’re often the first call when someone finds an injured animal nearby—and we’re always ready to help.

Spreading Awareness Through Connection

Every guest at Sunset Creek gets the chance to connect with nature in a meaningful way. Whether it’s spotting kangaroos at dusk, hearing the call of a kookaburra, or learning about our sanctuary’s work, we believe education through experience is one of the most powerful tools for conservation.

Keeping It Clean & Eco-Friendly

We’re committed to reducing pollution by using eco-friendly products, minimizing plastic, and encouraging guests to do the same. We run regular clean-up efforts and educate our visitors on the dangers of litter to wildlife.

At Sunset Creek, we're not just observing wildlife—we're giving it a future. And with your support, we can continue to grow our sanctuary, care for more animals, and inspire others to do their part.

What can you to to help?

Protecting Australian wildlife doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple actions like driving carefully in wildlife zones, keeping pets indoors, reducing waste, and supporting rescue centers and sanctuaries can make a real difference. Another thing you can do is to save used pillow cases and bedding to donate to your local sanctuary. These items can be used to make pouches and bedding for our joeys and keep them warm and cozy through the coming winter.

At the end of the day, many of the threats our wildlife face are preventable—and together, we can help ensure that Australia’s wild creatures continue to thrive for generations to come.