The oldest rainforest on earth is under threat

The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest surviving tropical rainforest on earth and contains some of the most biologically diverse flora and fauna. Containing 80% of the world's fern family, 40% of Australia's bird species and 35% of Australia's mammals, it is vital to keep this ecosystem thriving. Rainforests like the Daintree are increasingly threatened by climate change and development and need protection.

Within the Daintree rainforest there are 122 animal and plant species listed as threatened. The Daintree rainforest contains many breeds that are not found anywhere else in the world which rely on the rainforest habitat for food, and which certain tree species within the Daintree rely on for survival.

Australia has already lost 75% of its rainforests and nearly 50% of all forests in just over 200 years, and as a result has had a high rate of species extinctions. The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife (FNPW) is currently appealing to the public in a bid to raise funds to protect Australia's national parks including Australia's oldest and most well-known national park, the Daintree. Ian Darbyshire, CEO of FNPW states that through public donations the not-for-profit organisation has been able to secure and protect sections of the rainforest that were under threat, but there is still much to be done.

For more information visit www.fnpw.org.au.