It's hard to think of Australia without thinking of kangaroos and sharks, wombats and snakes.
From the giant humpback whales to the smiling quokka, the country-continent is one of those that concentrate the largest number of animal species in the world.
Some inspire us with an almost irrational sympathy, such as the famous koalas with the false air of teddy bears.
Others, a little more logical jitters.
Some of the most feared animals on the planet inhabit this piece of Oceania, from saltwater crocodiles to the world's most venomous snake, the desert taipan, and a whole range of giant spiders, including the Atrax robustus, nicknamed "
megaspider
", the only tarantula whose venom can be fatal.
This natural wealth places the country on the list of the 17 “
megadiverse
” nations identified by the United Nations program for the environment, with a large number of so-called endemic species, which do not exist anywhere else in their natural state.
This is the case for almost all of its reptiles (93%) and mammals (87%).
“
This exceptional character is due to the fact that the continent is very isolated geographically.
Its fauna was able to evolve without outside influences
says John Daw, co-founder and managing director of Australian Wildlife Journeys.
This organization brings together responsible animal tourism players in Australia.
In particular, they offer eco-participatory stays in small groups: the traveler leads, alongside scientists, conservation and preservation missions, such as listing a population or clearing a land.
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Global warming at work
Because however extraordinary it may be, Australian nature is in danger: a third of its species is in danger of extinction (compared to 21% of its endemic animals), including some of its emblems such as the Tasmanian devil or the platypus.
A sad world record and a consequence, among other things, of global warming which threatens their ecosystems.
During the gigantic fires of 2019, 5.8 million hectares of forest went up in smoke.
How can we forget the cries of pain of burnt koalas, filmed by all the television channels in the arms of their saviors?
This summer, it was the rains that fell on Sydney, and tens of thousands of people had to be evacuated.
Like yet another reminder of an ecological emergency that the country has long been happy to ignore.
Need we recall the reputation of the world's leading coal exporter as a polluting state?
A paradox when you know that the first environmentalist party was created in Tasmania in 1972!
However, there are reasons for hope: on September 8, the government passed a law committing it to reduce its CO2 emissions by 43% by 2030, to reach "zero emissions" by 2050. The first major piece of legislation along these lines in ten years.
Good use of tourism in Australia
But since we are here in a travel section, a question arises: what to do, as a tourist, to preserve this country so extraordinary that it justifies crossing the planet – with a carbon slate in proportion?
“
A stay in Australia from France is, in itself, polluting, concedes John Daw.
To compensate, you can choose to stay on site longer, to opt for committed actors and to apply certain main principles with regard to animals.
In addition to the fifty or so players listed by Australian Wildlife Journeys, labels are also a good way to identify tour operators who work to preserve the environment.
Let us quote the very demanding Ecotourism Australia (or ECO).
As for the rules of good conduct, John Daw defends the Don't feed, don't touch.
Australian Wildlife Journey prohibits approaching koalas within 10 meters.
“
You have to leave the choice to the animals, above all never force contact.
It requires restraint, because some are cute, but it is essential
.
