Australia Adds New Species to List of Threatened Plants and Animals.
In the past month, more than a dozen new animals and plants have been added to Australia’s list of threatened species, sparking renewed calls for stronger federal environmental laws.
The new listings include eight animal species, ranging from vulnerable to critically endangered. Among them are the pig-nosed turtle, Pugh’s sphagnum frog, three freshwater fish, and three lizard species, one of which was only classified as a distinct species in 2022. The newly recognized plants include several flowering shrubs, a rainforest tree, a daisy, and an orchid species.
According to the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), these species face threats primarily from habitat destruction and climate change.
With these additions, the total number of Australian species recognized as threatened with extinction has now reached 2,224.
Darcie Carruthers, a nature campaigner with the ACF, stated that the new listings highlight the inadequacy of current environmental laws. “Australia’s forests, lizards, wetlands, and frogs need stronger laws and an independent Environmental Protection Authority to enforce them,” she said.
The federal government plans to establish Australia’s first national environmental protection body in the coming months to enforce decisions made under environmental laws. This new body, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), will have the authority to issue stop-work notices, impose fines, and audit businesses for compliance with development approvals. The EPA will also oversee enforcement of laws related to animal trafficking, recycling, and sea dumping.
Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting Australian wildlife. “No one wants to see another of our precious plants or animals go extinct,” she said. “We’re establishing Australia’s first national Environment Protection Agency—a strong body with the authority to enforce environmental laws.”
Plibersek added that listing native species under national environmental law will provide better protection for them. “Labor is investing more money in the environment than any government in Australian history, including efforts to control feral animals and weeds that threaten native species, as part of a $550 million investment,” she noted.
A study conducted by the ACF last year revealed that more species were added to the threatened list in 2023 than in any previous year. The study found that the number of new additions was five times the average for previous years and double the number added in 2022.
The report stated, “Australia has one of the worst extinction rates on Earth, and it is getting worse. The laws meant to protect Australia’s nature are failing.”