Fading Fauna

Abstract

We should take heart from the fact that the continuing decline of the Australian fauna is now well known in public circles. The pressure of human activities remains a formidable problem for those interested in the conservation of our animals ? but at least now very many people know about it. For this reason, there are some grounds for discussing further documentation and discussion of the decline in a celebratory fashion, and it is in this mood that I read the most recent special issue of the Australian Zoologist. No longer are we, the specialists, shouting into the void. Now, many others are listening, and we can anticipate that gradually they will also be roused to action.