Recently ACF published Extinction Wrapped 2024, an exclusive analysis of Australia’s extinction crisis. Included were the number of species and habitats newly added to the threatened species list.
But what does it mean to be added to the threatened species list and why do we sometimes want species added?
Let’s explain.
How does the threatened species list work?
Species and ecological communities are added to the threatened species list in one of the following categories:
- Extinct
- Extinct in the wild
- Critically endangered
- Endangered
- Vulnerable
- Conservation dependent
The list itself is actually a series of lists, covering threatened plants, animals, ecological communities, marine species and migratory species. Sometimes, entries on these various lists overlap.
The process for adding to the threatened species list is via a nomination system. In short, anyone can nominate a native species or habitat for listing and the nominations are then considered by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee for inclusion. From here, the committee’s advice is forwarded to the Federal Environment Minister who must decide whether a species is eligible for listing.
Amendments can also be made to the list. For example, if a species needs to be uplisted (moved to a category closer to extinction) or downlisted (moved further from extinction).
In 2023, we saw a record number of species added to the threatened species list. While this reflects Australia’s worsening extinction crisis, it’s also because the Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek and her department cleared a backlog of nominations that hadn’t been actioned by the previous government and updated the list to better reflect reality.
Just because a species isn’t on the national threatened species list it doesn’t mean it isn’t threatened. Many species are classified as threatened on a state or territory level. And for some, their nomination may have been rejected on the grounds that there is not enough data about them. This is why citizen science initiatives like ACF’s platy-project are important. We gather data on platypus populations with the aim of getting them added to the threatened species list.
So, while we are fighting to keep species from being threatened, if they are in danger we want them added to the list so they can (in theory) be afforded proper protections.
What happens when a species is added to the threatened species list?
When a species is added to the list under the EPBC Act, the Threatened Species Scientific Committee develops conservation advice, and recommends whether a recovery plan and a recovery team are needed.
Importantly, once a species or ecosystem is added to the list is becomes a ‘national matter of environmental significance’. Australia’s nature laws say that a person must not take an action that could have a significant impact on a national matter of environmental significance. This means, the Federal Environment Minister must give approval for any action or project that could have an impact on the plants, animals and ecosystems on our threatened species list.
In theory, this is a good thing, but the reality can look different. Australia’s current nature laws are broken and doing little to protect our threatened species and places from being destroyed. In fact, in 2024, the Albanese Government approved the destruction of more than 25,000 hectares worth of habitat for threatened species via our national nature laws. This included more than 3,000 hectares of koala habitat – an endangered species!
Officially recognising the plight of threatened species can afford them greater visibility and protection, but this protection will only improve once Australia gets its long-promised new nature laws.
How many species are on Australia's threatened species list?
There are now 2,245 Australian ecosystems, plants and animals recognised nationally as being threatened with extinction. Some of these include the Grassland earless dragon, the regent honeyeater, swift parrot, Northern hairy-nosed wombat and koala.
Nature needs us, now
Australia’s extraordinary landscapes, once teeming with life, are being pillaged by climate pollution and habitat destruction. Our beautiful native wildlife is being pushed to the brink and Australia’s nature laws are failing them.
We need the Australian government to deliver strong new nature laws to protect Australia’s unique wildlife and the places we love.
What can you do?
With an election looming, we need our representatives to deliver strong new laws and an environmental protection agency (EPA).
The legislation is on the table, the solutions are at hand.
Let’s send the message loud and clear.
Sign the pledge for climate and nature and tell the people that want to represent you they must be ready to solve the extinction crisis to get your vote.