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The Plight of Endangered Australian Wildlife
Over 80% of Australia’s mammals, reptiles and flowering plants are endemic, i.e. found only in Australia.
Australia has experienced enormous loss of biodiversity since the arrival of European settlers 200 years ago. In fact, Australia has the worst mammal extinction rate in the world. Some 125 flora and fauna species have become extinct including 22 of Australia’s known mammal species. Between 1993 and 2003 the number of animals in Australia listed as threatened rose by 40%.
Over time various pressures have left our ecosystems vulnerable. Land clearing, degradation and fragmentation of habitats, introduced predators and feral animals together with drought, wildfire, disease and climate change have had a devastating impact on the natural habitats of our native species.
In NSW threatened species are listed as either presumed extinct, endangered or vulnerable.
The Threatened Species Conservation Act (TSC Act) protects all threatened plants and animals native to NSW. It provides for the identification, conservation and recovery of threatened species and their populations and communities.
Recovery of a threatened species occurs when the decline of populations is reversed and threats to survival are reduced or eliminated so the long-term survival of the species in nature can be assured.
Recovery Plans set out what needs to be done to ensure the survival of a native species under threat of extinction. They look at the biological and ecological needs of a species by looking at its habitat requirements, distribution and threats.
Recovery Plans that identify priority recovery actions for a number of Threatened Species (including the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby) have been approved by the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) and other state wildlife agencies and are now in place for individual species.
What you can do
Successful conservation and recovery of threatened species relies on a cooperative approach by all landowners across all landscapes. Every one has a role to play in protecting the natural environment and is encouraged to take long-term responsibility to safeguard our natural resources.
Clearing of native vegetation including selective harvesting of trees, removal of ground cover such as rocks or fallen timber and disturbance to native grasslands has the potential to impact on native species and their habitats.
How you can help
- Join your local land management group.
- Find out more about habitat management on your land and take action to safeguard natural resources.
- Become a member, volunteer or make a donation to support local conservation groups working to protect the environment.
© 2007 Waterfall Springs Wildlife Sanctuary