In a recent revelation, Australia has listed more threatened species in the past two years than it did in the entire previous decade. This significant increase highlights the ongoing impact of the devastating Black Summer Bushfires and the looming threat of similar conditions in 2023-24.
However, there is hope on the horizon, as new technology empowers Australians to transform their backyards and balconies into “recovery refuges,” potentially expediting the recovery of these species and bolstering resilience against future disasters.
A Sobering Reality
Exclusive findings from Conservation Volunteers Australia, powered by Provocate®, reveal a net increase of approximately 150 threatened species across the nation in the two years since the landmark 2021 State of the Environment Report.
This is in stark contrast to the approximately 130 species added between the editions of the report spanning from 2011 to 2021, which are released every five years.
The CEO of Conservation Volunteers Australia, Phil Harrison, expressed that this increase is not surprising. The 2021 State of the Environment Report disclosed that the Black Summer Bushfires claimed the lives of as many as one billion native animals and consumed a staggering 10.3 million hectares of native bushland.
“Last month Australia quietly passed 2000+ total threatened species for the first time in our history,” he said.
“The future of Australia’s threatened species continues to get worse, not better. This is backed by our finding the share of species now listed as critically endangered – the last step before extinction – has doubled the past decade.
Conservation Volunteers Australia, Phil Harrison
Federal Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek recently attributed “almost all” recent threatened species to the fires.
Preparing for the Triple Threat
Mr. Harrison, however, raised concerns about the readiness of governments to prevent a recurrence of such a disaster in 2023-24, a year marked by the convergence of disaster, housing, and climate challenges. The season is set to commence early, and the situation demands a proactive approach.
An example of this challenge is the Federal Government’s decision to quietly discontinue the nation’s natural disaster volunteer portal, which has played a vital role in the recovery and resilience of native wildlife and their habitats.
This portal was a crucial tool for both preparedness and response to the impending challenges of the summer ahead.
Half of the threatened species inhabit urban areas, alongside 96% of the population, highlighting the need for local involvement in conservation efforts.
“As our need for more urban homes grows, so do theirs. As little as 1 metre x 1 metre (1m2) in an unused corner of backyard or balcony could help fill critical missing links in urban wildlife habitat immediately.
“Particularly with smaller “building block” species like birds, bees, butterflies and other insects driving the rapid rise in threatened species in recent years.
“One-by-one we can all make a difference in our own backyards – and the world around us.”
Conservation Volunteers Australia, Phil Harrison
A Ray of Hope: Recovery Refuges
Mr. Harrison encouraged Australians to take action by creating their own “nature block” today, with the help of the mynatureblock.org.au website and app. Additionally, for more ideas and ways to get involved in nature repair and resilience, individuals can visit the Conservation Volunteers Australia website
Statistics and Trends
As of October 2023, the Commonwealth Threatened Species List has expanded from 1,918 to 2,064 species, marking a net increase of about 146 (an 8% increase) overall since the 2021 State of the Environment Report.
By comparison, there were 1,786 threatened species listed in the 2011 SOE Report. This represents a net increase of approximately 130 species (a 7% increase) between the 2011 and 2021 SOE Reports, which are released every five years. Consequently, Australia has listed more threatened species in the past two years than in the previous decade.
In September 2023, Australia surpassed a significant milestone, with over 600 animals and more than 2,000 species listed as threatened or extinct.
The proportion of living threatened animal species listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ has surged from 9% in the 2011 SOE Report to 20% in year-to-date 2023. Plant and total species have experienced a similar trend, underlining the urgency of conservation efforts.
The pressing need to address the escalating threat to Australia’s biodiversity is clear. Australians have the opportunity to make a difference by creating “recovery refuges” in their own spaces, contributing to the recovery and resilience of the nation’s endangered species.
With the challenges posed by disasters, housing, and climate change on the horizon, it is imperative that we act swiftly and decisively to protect our unique wildlife and natural heritage.
Further reading
See our Environment section
