2023 environmental snapshot: Unprecedented increase in threatened species in Australia
In 2023, Australia saw a rise in species added to the threatened list, five times the annual average and double the previous count, increasing the need for conservation efforts. Healthy Land & Water is working hard to turn around this trend in South East Queensland.
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144 species and ecological communities added to the threatened list in 2023. |
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Australia is facing sharper declines in biodiversity than anywhere else in the world - more efforts are needed to ensure the future of our unique flora and fauna. |
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Healthy Land & Water has some impactful projects which are directly conserving threatened species and ensuring habitat restoration. |
A recent investigation by the Australian Conservation Council brought to light that 144 animals, plants, and ecological communities found their place on the list in 2023, marking an unprecedented record since its inception. This figure stands at five times the annual average and is double the count recorded in the previous peak year of 2009.
Key findings:
Source: Extinction wrapped 2023 – Australian Conservation Foundation. The graph shows Australian Government data of additions and uplistings to the EPBC Threatened Species and Ecological Communities lists, minus deletions and downlistings, for each year after the list was established.
- 144 species and ecological communities joined Australia's threatened species list, bringing the overall count to 2,212.
- 11 species were 'uplisted,' indicating a higher risk of extinction.
- Meanwhile, two species were downlisted, but not due to genuine recovery efforts.
The increase in species additions to the threatened list in 2023 is indicative of a deepening extinction crisis. Although the listings reflect a backlog-clearing effort, they also underscore the deteriorating state of Australia's natural environment.
As reported on the Australian Conservation Council document, the total numbers on the EPBC threatened species list as of 17 January 2024, are:
Total = 2,212 |
It is important to highlight that despite the concerning habitat destruction statistics, there is a slight positive note as the rate of approved destruction has slowed compared to the previous decade's average. The animal impacted by the most approvals was the koala, which was affected by 10 projects with approval to clear a total of 1,071 hectares of its habitat.
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Our conservation efforts in South East Queensland
In the small footprint of South East Queensland alone, we have over 2400 native plants and 6000 native animals and for others whose survival is threatened, a range of management and conservation measures are in place. This is where Healthy Land & Water comes in and works tirelessly with its team on an array of projects to stop and turn around this decline, to protect the diverse native flora and fauna for which South East Queensland is known. Our projects involve:
We work with multiple stakeholders including universities, local governments, non-government organisations, Traditional Owners, and communities to achieve results and outcomes that reduce the threats to our fauna and flora from fire to habitat loss and all in between. Here are just some of our recent exciting projects in this space! They are a great insight into how fascinating and pivotal these conservation efforts are:
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Pressures on Australia's natural ecosystem
The pressures on Australia's natural ecosystems are increasing and there are many reasons why this can happen. Changes to the land and native habitat and waterways as a result of human activity has put increasing strain on our habitats and the species that rely on them.
Just some of the key threats to species are:
- Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation.
- Invasive species.
- Altered fire regimes.
- Unsustainable use and management of natural resources.
- Changes to the aquatic environment and water flows.
- Climate change.
In addition, the data snapshot sparks conversation about the environmental challenges brought by Australia's nature laws in 2023.
| Australia will host the Global Nature Positive Summit, providing an opportunity for a global conversation on nature conservation. Collaborative efforts are crucial to protect the thriving wildlife in Australia and to undertake restoration initiatives for damaged ecosystems. |
Australia already faces one of the highest rates of extinction globally, and unfortunately, the current trend is worsening the situation. The existing laws, are criticised for being poorly monitored, infrequently enforced, and riddled with loopholes that permit environmental degradation by businesses.
Looking ahead, the road to conserve not only South East Queensland but Australia’s flora and fauna requires a delicate balance between conservation efforts, regulatory improvements, and sustainable practices to ensure the well-being of our unique and diverse ecosystems.
https://assets.nationbuilder.com/auscon/pages/23029/attachments/original/1705544289/Extinction_wrapped_report.pdf?1705544289
https://www.acf.org.au/record-number-of-species-added-to-threatened-list-in-2023
https://www.climatechangeauthority.gov.au/annual-progress-advice-0
