While much of Australia is desert or semi-arid, there exists a great diversity of habitats, from alpine heaths to tropical rainforests. Due to the great age of the continent, low soil fertility, the different climates vary and their long isolation from other continents, the Australian biota is unique and diverse. About 85% of flowering plants, 84% of mammals, over 45% of birds, and 90% of fish in temperate coastal areas are endemic. Many of Australia's ecoregions and native species that live there are threatened by human activities and the introduction of exotic species. Minutes of Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation 1999 is the legal framework used for the protection of endangered species. Many protected areas have been created by the Action Plan of Biodiversity to protect and conserve the continent's unique ecosystems, 64 wetlands are registered under the Ramsar Convention and there are also 16 sites declared World Heritage Site. Australia is ranked No. 13 in the world in the Environmental Sustainability Index 2005.
The Koala, symbol of Australia
