Australia wants to stop species extinction

Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek’s ten-year plan initially focuses on 110 species and 20 areas of particularly high nature value, such as South Australia’s Kangaroo Island and Kakadu National Park in the tropical north. AAP news agency reported that the species to be prioritized were selected by independent experts.

These include koalas and endemic marsupials such as wombats, possums, the red-tailed black cockatoo, the Australian sea lion and the brush-tailed rock kangaroo. Various fish, frog and reptile species and 30 plant species are also listed.

Introduced cats cause problems

It aims to better protect species threatened by climate change and loss of their natural habitat, and to revive endangered populations. Small animals in particular are preyed upon by wild cats (Felis catus), which were introduced during European settlement and now contribute to the extinction of various species.

“Our previous approach didn’t work,” Plibersek said Tuesday. “Australia World Leader in Mammal Extinction.” The need for action has never been greater.

39 species have become extinct since colonization

Only in July did the Minister deliver a report on the state of Australia’s environment (Environment Report 2021) – with shocking statistics: since its colonization in 1788, 39 species of mammals have become extinct on the Red Continent, more than on any other continent.

Since the previous report was published in 2016, 17 species of mammals, 17 species of birds and 19 species of frogs have been added to the threatened species list or are now classified as “endangered”. (sda/dpa)