Most threats to Australian wildlife come from a handful of causes. Scientists remember the big ones with the word HIPPO.
| Threat | What it means | Real example |
|---|---|---|
| Habitat loss | Clearing land for farms and cities | Koala forests cleared in QLD & NSW |
| Invasive species | Introduced animals that prey on or out-compete natives | Feral cats kill ~1.5 billion native animals a year |
| Pollution | Chemicals, plastic and runoff harming habitats | Fertiliser runoff onto the Great Barrier Reef |
| Population (human) | More people needing more space and resources | Coastal development on shorebird nesting beaches |
| Overuse | Taking too much, too fast | Overfishing reducing fish stocks |