Minister for Climate Change and the Environ-ment, Frank Sartor, encouraged the entire NSW community to log on and share their knowledge of the animals in their neighbourhood.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to help us learn more about our native animals to assist us ensure their protection,” Mr Sartor said.

“This includes kangaroos and wombats as well as threatened birds such as the barking owl.”

The online survey follows data gathered in a 2006 postal survey to locate animals in areas where they have not been identified before.

This may help conservation scientists determine areas where the occupied habitat is shrinking.

The online survey is fast and easy to use with questions including:

• What animals have you seen in your local neighbouurhood over the last 2 years?

• Have you seen wombats, koalas, emus, kangaroos or threatened birds such as the bush stone curlew or barking owl?

• Have you seen flying-foxes or kangaroos to help establish where they live and feed?

• Have you seen pests such as feral cats or cane toads?

Two maps are provided for people to mark the locations of animal sightings

“I encourage the community to play their part in caring for our animals,” Mr Sartor said.

This data will inform efforts to meet NSW State Plan targets of an increase in the recovery of threatened species, populations and ecological communities and a reduction in the impact of invasive species by 2015.

To participate go to www.environment.nsw.gov.au/survey s/StatewideWildlifeSurvey.htm