Landcare Australia is calling on residents who live in the Darling Mills Creek, Cumberland State Forest and Lake Parramatta area to volunteer during Landcare Week as a new study shows that wildlife species like the Koala, the Grey-headed Flying-fox and the Swift Parrot are under threat in the area.

The local component of the study covers land in the suburbs of Castle Hill, Northmead, North Rocks, West Pennant Hills, North Parramatta, North Rocks and Carlingford.

One in ten of Sydney’s wildlife species is under threat according to the City-wide study which was released yesterday to mark the start of Landcare Week.

The study was conducted for the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority (CMA) by the Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) with funding from the Natural Heritage Trust and catalogues over 550 native fauna species of which 53 are identified as threatened.

Brian Scarsbrick, Landcare Australia Chief Executive Officer, said: "I’m staggered that one in ten of our wildlife species are under threat in the Sydney area.

"This alarming study is a call to arms for anyone interested in preserving our wildlife to volunteer for their local urban landcare group and help protect and restore the natural habitat of our threatened indigenous wildlife.

"We need to act now if we’re going to save the 53 species under threat.

"A recent survey we released showed that 40 per cent of the Australian population was considering volunteering for a local environmental group. Well the moment has now arrived. Landcare Week is the perfect time to get involved and Sydney’s wildlife needs you."

Sydney Metro CMA Chairman Bob Junor backs Landcare Australia’s appeal for volunteers.

"Wherever you live in Sydney, you’re not far from bushland or native wildlife," he said.

"We need to work together to protect what we have."

The study lists some of the main threats to wildlife as habitat loss, water quality, bushfires, and weed infestation.