Common Aussie mistake in last-minute Christmas rush has serious consequences
Aussies are urged to avoid gifting invasive species this Christmas
Australia, Invasive Species, Christmas, Native Plants, Pets, Environment
Melbourne: With Christmas just around the corner, Australians are being reminded to avoid giving invasive species as gifts. As people rush to find last-minute presents, it’s crucial to think about what we’re buying.
Jack Gough from the Invasive Species Council shared that this holiday season, we should choose native options instead of invasive ones. He emphasized that whether it’s plants or pets, we need to be mindful of our choices to protect Australia’s unique environment.
For instance, instead of gifting English ivy, which can harm our landscape, why not opt for a lovely creeping grevillea? It’s a much better choice that won’t wreak havoc in gardens.
Many shoppers don’t realize they might be giving a “ticking time bomb” that could lead to serious environmental issues. English ivy is just one of many invasive plants available in nurseries across the country.
Gough pointed out that the gardening industry has introduced a staggering 94% of non-native plant species into Australia. It’s a big deal, and we need to be aware of it.
When it comes to pets, cats can be a great gift, but they come with responsibilities. Too often, people let their cats roam free or even abandon them, which can have devastating effects on local wildlife.
During COVID, there was a spike in pet ownership, leading to more cats being abandoned. This has resulted in millions of native animals being killed by free-roaming cats each year. It’s a serious issue that we can’t ignore.
Gough stressed that if you have a cat, it’s your duty to keep it contained. He and other wildlife groups are advocating for clearer rules to ensure pet cats are kept safe at home, rather than out hunting wildlife.
In places like NSW and WA, outdated laws prevent councils from enforcing cat containment or curfew laws. By choosing non-invasive gifts, we can raise awareness and promote responsible consumer behavior.
This is also a great opportunity to educate others about the importance of protecting our native biodiversity. Managing invasive species comes with hefty costs, including habitat restoration and agricultural losses. Invasive species alone cost Australia billions each year.