Over the last seven years, the BG Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition has become one of the most popular exhibitions hosted by the Australian Museum. It is also one of our most important exhibitions as it is a striking reminder of the treasures of our natural environments. It aims to promote an appreciation of the natural world as well as create an awareness of environmental issues through photographs taken by amateur and professional photographers. The adult photography section of the exhibition is divided into 12 categories ranging from 'Wild Places' and 'Animal Portraits' to 'Composition and Form', while the junior section is divided into three age categories competing for the BG Young Photographer of the Year title.
One of the most important aspects of this exhibition is its focus on the impact of humans on our wildlife, presented in the category 'The World in Our Hands'. The vivid photographs displayed in this section on threatened species, such as a Great White Shark caught in a drift-net, make us realise that even the most powerful animals are vulnerable to the many threats we impose today.
The number of threatened species throughout the world is growing and this is particularly true in Australia where activities such as land clearing and the introduction of exotic species are having a detrimental effect on our plants, animals and micro-organisms. The need to raise awareness of our threatened species is so acute that 7 September has been nominated as National Threatened Species Day. This day marks the death of the last Tasmanian Tiger which died in Hobart Zoo on 7 September, 1936.
The extinction event of the Tasmanian Tiger is just one of many examples of species loss that has resulted from irreversible environmental change. Long-term solutions need to be sought to halt the loss of biodiversity and threatened species. Many countries are engaging in active breeding programs for animals that are close to extinction, such as China's Molong Nature Reserve where a breeding program for the Giant Panda is in place. There are also a number of breeding programs taking place in Australia, especially for many of our small mammals such as the Bilby, the Kowari and the Greater Stick-nest Rat. Breeding programs are, however, a last resort and more active management of biodiversity needs to occur in order to slow the rate of species extinction and the rate at which our wildlife is being placed on the threatened species list.
The focus of threatened species for many people tends to remain on our furry friends. However, animals that are not always regarded as 'cuddly' are also under threat. The Broad-headed Snake, for example, is currently in decline due to the removal of 'bush rock' from the wild for use in suburban backyards.
Community involvement and education need to work hand in hand with government support and funding to manage our threatened species and conserve biodiversity in general. There are many positive steps being taken, including many organisations working together to ensure that threatened species are being protected.
The successes of these projects, however, depend on the general appreciation of our wildlife and, in this respect, the BG Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition has an invaluable role. The photographs are spectacular, inspiring and moving. Unfortunately, if we don't protect our threatened species we may only have these wonderful images with which to remember them.
The 2000 BG Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition opens on 20 October and continues until 2 December 2001. Admission is free with general Museum entry.
Fara Pelarek
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