Lyla Lindsey
Australia is facing an extinction crisis, with more biodiversity lost than any other developed nation in the past 200 years. The country has one of the worst extinction rates in the world, and the situation is worsening. In 2023, 144 new species were added to the national list of threatened wildlife, the highest number since the list was established in 1999. This is due to a combination of factors, including climate change, extreme weather events, government-backed habitat destruction, and the introduction of non-native predators.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of endangered species | 86 animal species considered critically endangered by IUCN Red List |
| Unique and rare animal species | Yes |
| Loss of biodiversity | More than any other developed nation in the past 200 years |
| Habitat destruction | Widespread |
| Non-native predators | Cats, foxes, dingoes, birds of prey |
| Climate change | Extreme weather events |
| Disease | Devil facial tumour disease, Chlamydia infection |
| Human activity | Roadkill, dog attacks, persecution by humans, land clearing, deforestation, urbanisation, agricultural activities, fossil fuel projects |
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Impact of climate change
Climate change is a significant contributor to biodiversity loss worldwide, and Australia's high greenhouse gas emissions are leading to severe changes in the climate system, resulting in the deterioration of its environment. Amphibians are highly vulnerable to climate change due to their small and fragmented distributions and reliance on specific moisture regimes and aquatic habitats. Australia's Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea) is one such threatened frog species, where potential solutions include manipulating water sources or providing artificial water points.
Plants are also vulnerable due to their low dispersal ability and reliance on specific soil types. To address this, habitat restoration and corridors to counter fragmentation are necessary to protect critical refuges for as many plant species as possible. Additionally, microhabitat refuges, such as fallen logs and cover boards, can increase moisture in the environment, benefiting amphibians.
The Carnaby's black cockatoo is highly susceptible to heat stress, and climate change is exacerbating the intensity of heatwaves, further endangering this species. Similarly, green turtles in the northern Great Barrier Reef are in grave danger, as warming has resulted in 99% female hatchlings, threatening the complete 'feminisation' of the population.
Fires, which are necessary for the reproduction of some species and maintaining suitable habitats, also play a role in increasing the climate change vulnerability of species along Australia's southeast coastline. Australia has already witnessed the extinction of the Bramble Cay melomys, a native rodent, due to climate change, and without rapid and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, more species will be lost.
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Habitat loss
Australia has experienced widespread habitat destruction and degradation since European settlement in 1788, causing more than 100 endemic species to go extinct over the past 200 years. The country has lost more biodiversity than any other developed nation in that time. The main causes of habitat loss in Australia include land clearing, deforestation, urbanisation, and bushfires.
Land clearing and deforestation have destroyed vital eucalyptus tree forests, which provide koalas with homes and food. The koala is one of Australia's most iconic species, and its protection is crucial for preserving the habitat of hundreds of other plants and animals. In addition, the introduction of non-native predators, such as cats and foxes, has led to the decline of small marsupials like the numbat and woylie.
Climate change further exacerbates the problem, with extreme weather events, such as droughts and heatwaves, impacting vulnerable species like possums and koalas. The numbat, for example, is dependent on finding hollow logs or burrows to protect itself from predators at night. During heatwaves, possums are susceptible to burns on their paws as they cross hot surfaces, impacting their movement and climbing ability.
The greater glider, Australia's largest gliding mammal, is also endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation caused by land clearing and bushfires. The Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020 destroyed much of their habitat in southern New South Wales. Similarly, the woylie, a rabbit-sized marsupial, has declined by more than 80% in the past 40 years due to various factors, including habitat loss and invasive species.
To address these issues, organisations like WWF-Australia and The Nature Conservancy Australia are working to restore habitats and improve land management practices. They aim to transform Australia from a deforestation to a reforestation nation and protect vital landscapes and species.
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Invasive predators
Australia's wildlife has experienced unprecedented losses, with 202 new animal and plant species added to the threatened species list between 2016 and 2021. The country has lost more biodiversity than any other developed nation in the past 200 years. This is due in part to invasive predators, such as cats and foxes, which have been introduced since European settlement in 1788. These predators have caused more than 100 endemic species to go extinct over the past two centuries.
Feral cats and foxes are among the most destructive invasive predators in Australia. They are highly adaptable and efficient hunters, capable of causing rapid declines in native populations. Other invasive predators, such as dingoes and birds of prey, also contribute to the threat faced by Australia's small marsupials. These predators have a significant impact on species that fall within a critical weight range of 35 to 5,500 grams, as they are easy prey for these invasive species.
The impact of invasive predators is further exacerbated by other factors such as disease, competition with introduced species like rabbits, and the impacts of agricultural activities. For example, the woylie, a rabbit-sized marsupial, is endangered due to predation from foxes and cats, as well as competition with rabbits for food. The eastern curlew, a large shorebird, has declined by more than 80% in the past 40 years due to habitat loss and the impact of invasive species.
Conservation efforts are crucial to protecting Australia's endangered species from invasive predators. Organisations like WWF-Australia and IFAW are working to restore habitats and protect threatened wildlife. Through partnerships with Traditional Owners, communities, and individuals, these organisations aim to address the threat posed by invasive predators and prevent further extinctions.
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Disease
Australia is home to many unique and rare animal species. However, since European settlement in 1788, the country has experienced widespread habitat destruction and degradation, and the introduction of non-native predators such as cats and foxes. These factors have contributed to the extinction of over 100 endemic species in the last 200 years. Climate change, including unprecedented droughts and bushfires, has also driven some already struggling local populations to near extinction.
The Orange-bellied Parrot, one of only three migratory parrot species globally, is facing risks of extinction due to habitat loss, increased predators, noxious weeds, and disease in its breeding region. Similarly, the Eastern Curlew, the largest shorebird in the world, has been impacted by disease, competition with rabbits for food, and the effects of grazing animals from agricultural activities.
In addition to introduced predators, invasive diseases can have detrimental effects on native Australian wildlife. The complex relationships between plants, animals, soils, water, climate, and landscape are disrupted by these diseases, causing native species populations to decline or major changes to occur within ecological communities.
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Human activity
The introduction of non-native predators, such as cats and foxes, has also had a devastating impact on native Australian wildlife. These invasive species have caused the rapid decline of many small marsupials, such as the woylie, numbat, and eastern quoll, through predation. In addition, disease transmission, such as devil facial tumour disease in Tasmanian devils, has further endangered wildlife populations.
Climate change, exacerbated by human activities, is another significant threat. Extreme weather events, including unprecedented droughts and bushfires, have pushed many species to the brink of extinction. The Black Summer bushfires of 2019-2020, for example, destroyed habitats and contributed to the endangerment of species such as the greater glider.
Human-induced threats also extend to roadkill and dog attacks, with Tasmanian devils being particularly vulnerable to these dangers. Furthermore, inappropriate fire practices and grazing animals accompanying land clearing have negatively impacted some species.
The Australian government has been criticised for its inadequate enforcement of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999), which is meant to protect threatened species. Loopholes in this legislation have allowed businesses to continue destroying nature, particularly for agricultural land clearance and fossil fuel projects.
Conservation efforts are being made to protect and restore habitats and save endangered species. Organisations like WWF-Australia and IFAW are working with communities and traditional owners to address these human-induced threats and help Australia's unique wildlife.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia has lost more biodiversity than any other developed nation in the past 200 years. This is due to a combination of factors, including habitat destruction, invasive predators, inappropriate fires, and the increasing impacts of a changing climate.
Some of the invasive predators that have been introduced to Australia include foxes and cats, which have caused the rapid decline of many small Australian marsupials.
There are many endangered animals in Australia, including the Koala, Mountain Pygmy-possum, Eastern Curlew, Woylie, Regent Honeyeater, and Greater Glider.
