The last safe haven

The island of Tasmania was once part of a large peninsula that extended from the southeastern region of the Australian mainland into the Southern Ocean and shared a common floral and faunal community with the larger continent, but following a sea level rise around ten thousand years ago, the lower-lying areas of the peninsula were flooded by the rising waters of Bass Strait, creating the island that we know today.

The animals that had already colonised Tasmania now found themselves isolated - but safe from environmental changes that swept over the greater Australian landmass. Consequently, many species that have become extinct on the mainland have survived into modern times only in Tasmania.

For these survivors, this island remains as their last secure haven and respite from extinction, but only for as long as we can continue to maintain, nurture and protect their fragile environment.