About Australian Wildlife Conservancy
AWC Facts

•AWC became a public charitable organisation in 2001, although its origins can be traced back to the initial purchase of land by Martin Copley, AWC’s founder, in 1991.
•AWC now owns 21 sanctuaries covering more than 2.5 million hectares (6.2 million acres) around Australia .
•AWC sanctuaries protect at least:
◦300 ecosystems
◦100 threatened ecosystems
◦170 threatened animal species.
•AWC has approximately 80 staff, with around 80% of these based in the field.
•AWC’s operational budget for 2008/2009 was AU$10.27 million.
•Around 90% of AWC’s overall expenditure is on conservation programs, with less than 5% incurred on administration (source:AWC audited financial statements).

AWC is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation of Australia’s threatened wildlife and ecosystems.

Funded by tax-deductible donations, AWC is taking action to protect Australia’s wildlife by:

1.Acquiring land to establish sanctuaries for the conservation of threatened species and ecosystems.
2.Implementing practical, on-ground conservation programs such as the eradication of feral animals and the reintroduction of endangered species.
3.Conducting scientific research into key issues affecting biodiversity in Australia.
4.Undertaking public education programs to promote awareness of the plight of Australia’s wildlife.

Although AWC is a relatively young organisation, we are making significant progress in helping to save Australia’s threatened wildlife.

•AWC now owns and manages for conservation more land than any other non-government environment organisation in Australia.
•AWC sanctuaries protect over 100 threatened ecosystems and 170 threatened wildlife species, also more than any other non-government conservation group in the country.

Traditionally, the implementation of on-ground conservation programs in Australia has been left to the Government sector. However, with more than 1,500 animals and plants threatened with extinction, it is now clear that the challenge of saving Australia’s biodiversity is too great for Governments acting alone.

A new approach to conservation is needed. As a non-government organisation with an overwhelming focus on the implementation of practical, on-ground programs, AWC is helping to define a new model for conservation in Australia.

Our continued success will depend upon the support of donors from across Australia – so, please become an AWC supporter and help us define a new path for conservation in Australia.