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threatenedspeciesstrategyacknowledgementof traditionalowners and countryThe Department acknowledgesthe traditional owners of countrythroughout Australia and theircontinuing connection to land,sea and community.We pay our respects to them andtheir cultures and to their eldersboth past and present.page3threatened species strategy

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from theministeraustralia is home tosome of the world'smost amazing andunique species.page5More than 80 per cent of our mammalsand 90 per cent of our trees, ferns andshrubs occur nowhere else on earth. Butsince European settlement, in just over200 years, over 130 of Australia’s knownspecies have become extinct, lost to usand to the world forever. The list of thosethreatened with extinction continues togrow.Australia’s threatened species are oursto protect and we all have a role to play.Clearly ‘business as usual’ for threatenedplants and animals in Australia wouldmean more extinctions. As Minister forthe Environment, I am drawing a linein the sand and asking the communityto join me. This Strategy outlines theGovernment’s new national approachto threatened species and how we canall take decisive action to protect andrecover our plants and animals at riskof extinction.Through the four pillars of the Planfor a Cleaner Environment —Clean Air,Clean Land, Clean Water, and HeritageProtection—the Australian Governmenthas set a clear direction for the way weprotect the environment. The Plan for aCleaner Environment helps to promotea resilient environment that can adaptto challenges like invasive species andclimate change.The Australian Government hasestablished a new national approach tothreatened species, and this Strategy is aplan for how we will prioritise effort andwork in partnership with the communityand state and territory governmentsover the next five years.threatened species strategyOur approach is based on science,action and partnership. To facilitatethis, we have appointed a ThreatenedSpecies Commissioner in theDepartment of the Environment andsince 2014 have directly committedmore than $80 million to projectswith threatened species outcomes.This Threatened Species Strategy andaccompanying Action Plan sets out ourplan to win the battle against extinctionand includes hard and measurabletargets to ensure accountabilityfor outcomes.New Government initiatives, suchas the Green Army, 20 Million Treesand National Landcare Programmes,ensure we are working better with, andinvesting more in, local communities toreduce threats to our plants and animals,create safe havens and new habitat forthem and improve the quality of thehabitat that already exists. Through ourcommitment to take decisive actionon feral cats and other invasive species,we will significantly reduce the impactof feral predators and increase theresilience of our native species.Based on science and focused onaction and accountability, this Strategyis a call for action in the fight againstextinction. Halting the decline ofAustralia’s threatened plants and animalsand supporting their recovery requires acoordinated team approach. We callon Australians from all sectors to joinus and commit to this cause withrenewed effort.The Hon Greg Hunt MPMinister for the Environment

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from the threatenedspecies commissionerthis is australia'sfirst threatenedspecies strategy.it sets out anambitious planto turn speciestrajectories around.Given the animals and plants at risk,and losses we have already endured,a strategic response is required. Ourthreatened species deserve no less,and by working on the basis of science,focusing on practical action, andpartnering with state and territorygovernments and the community,it’s possible.Over the past year my office and I havereached out to the community, forgedpartnerships and worked collaborativelywith all levels of government, scientists,‘Friends of’ groups, the non-profit sectorand industry. Together, we have beenable to secure more resources, buildinnovative approaches, encouragebetter coordination of conservationefforts, share information and promoteaction. I have been particularly humbledbut also enthused by the effort and carethat so many Australian communitieshave for our unique animals and plants.This Strategy reflects the conversationsI have been having around Australia. Itexplains why Australia should care aboutour threatened plants and animals, whywe should be prioritising resources andeffort more effectively, how we can dothis, and what we will do differently. Itreflects the need for collaboration andcoordination of the many initiatives,programmes and opportunities forspecies conservation, building on (andcelebrating) success to date, while alsorecognising new and reinvigoratedapproaches are needed to better delivereffective outcomes.The Strategy outlines the AustralianGovernment’s priority actions andtargets to incentivise threatened speciesrecovery and ensure accountability.It is an invitation to state and territorygovernments, the non-government andprivate sector and local communities tojoin us.Australians can have developmentthat is sustainable and at the sametime protect our remarkable animalsand plants. But with one of the highestrates of extinction in the modern world,we can’t win the war on extinction bydoing more of the same. We need to actdifferently, adaptively, and decisively.We need to learn from our mistakesand build on our successes.A strategic approach, with action areasand targets, underpinned by principlesfor prioritisation, give us the best chanceof success. I look forward to workingwith the community to implementthis Australian Government Strategy.Gregory AndrewsThreatened Species CommissionerDepartment of the Environmentpage7threatened species strategy

contentsthreatened species strategyAcknowledgment of traditional owners and country 3From the Minister 5From the Threatened Species Commissioner 7Introduction 10Ours to protect – Australia’s threatened species 12Our goal 14Our approach – science, action, partnership 16Science 16Action 17Partnership 17Science based management 18Focusing our effort – principles for prioritisation 20Prioritisation in action 22National systems for protection and recovery 24Listing 24Effective planning to recover species 24Regulatory protection 24Australian Government programmes, policies and the Threatened Species Commissioner 26Valuing science – the Threatened Species Recovery Hub 29Actions in Australia’s protected areas and reserves 31Essential partnerships – we all have a role to play 32State and territory governments 32Local Landcare, community groups and regional natural resource management organisations 32page 8threatened species strategy

Essential partners 34Supporting Indigenous peoples’ protection of plants and animals 34Working with farmers and private landholders 35Business protecting threatened species 362015/16 action planFour key action areas 41Tackling feral cats 41Safe havens for species most at risk 42Improving habitat 42Emergency intervention to avert extinctions 43targets Tackling feral cats and their impacts 4820 mammals by 2020 5220 birds by 2020 54Protecting Australia’s plants 56Improving recovery practices 58accountability, monitoring and reporting on actionMeasuring progress 62Related links 64Image credits 65page9threatened species strategy

introductionthe australiangovernment'sthreatened speciesstrategy outlinesa bold, new andaction-basedapproach toprotecting andrecovering ournation's threatenedplants and animals.page 10This Strategy sets out a road map andhighlights how our approach of science,action and partnership can be used toachieve the long-term goal of reversingspecies declines and supportingspecies recovery.Australia is a country rich in uniqueplants and animals. They are core toour identity, culturally significant toIndigenous peoples, important to thehealth of our environment and a strongcontributor to our economy.Our distinctive plants and animalsare a gift and ours to protect.To address the decline of Australia’sthreatened species, the communityhas called for a more action-based,prioritised, targeted, and coordinatedapproach to managing the threats andconserving the habitat of our animalsand plants, thus giving them a betteropportunity to survive and thrive.The Australian Government’sStrategy involves:• y Pursuing a science-based approach;by engaging the best scientistsand using evidence-based decisionmaking, we ensure the actions wechoose are the ones most likely tosucceed.• y Setting out clear actions; theGovernment is supportingcommunities to take practicalaction, streamlining the regulatoryframework and setting hardmeasurable targets to directaction and ensure accountabilityin actions taken.threatened species strategy• y Building partnerships; we allhave a role to play to ensure thatthreatened species are protectedfor the future and only by workingtogether can we use resources totheir best effect in protecting andrecovering threatened species.Giving weight to the science, action andpartnership approach in this Strategyis an Action Plan with practical andmeasurable action areas and targets.THE STRATEGYThe first section sets out why we shouldall be working to protect threatenedspecies and the Australian Government’scommitment to science, practical actionand working in partnership. Importantly,it also outlines key principles forprioritisation of resources and effort toensure maximum results for each dollarinvested in the fight against extinction.THE ACTION PLANThe Action Plan is the first installmentof a five-year Australian Governmentresponse. It starts now, with hard andmeasurable targets from year oneonwards. It will be reported on andupdated annually.Key action areas that are priorities for theAustralian Government are:• y Tackling feral cats• y Safe havens for species most at risk• y Improving habitaty • Emergency intervention to avertextinctions

Targets to measure success are:• y 2 million feral cats culled by 2020• y 20 threatened mammals improvingby 2020• y 20 threatened birds improvingby 2020• y Protecting Australia’s plants• y Improving recovery guidanceThe future for threatened speciesaction and recovery is one fuelled bygenuine collaboration and concertedeffort between all players: the AustralianGovernment, state and territorygovernments, Indigenous groups,community groups, non-governmentorganisations, business, scientificorganisation, private landholders andothers. It is only together that wecan protect the future of Australia’sthreatened species.page11threatened species strategy

ours toprotectAustralia’s threatened speciesaustralia is acountry rich inunique plants,animals andecosystems.We have more endemic mammals andreptiles than any other country in theworld and more unique plants than98 per cent of the world’s countries—species which occur nowhere else onearth. These plants and animals are asmuch a part of our heritage and identityas Kakadu, Ningaloo, Uluru and theGreat Barrier Reef.For many thousands of years beforeEuropean arrival, Indigenous Australiansworked to shape the landscape and toprotect and conserve the plants andanimals found here. They are still doingthis. Today, Australia’s unique speciesand ecosystems remain central to ouridentity and well-being and are soculturally significant they are part of ourevery day lexicon, used as names for oursporting teams and appearing on ourmoney and official coat of arms.But so many of our species havebecome so rare that many Australianshave never heard of or seen them.We need to grow awareness in theAustralian community of our threatenedanimals and plants, and the value andsignificance they have to our nation.The Australian Government’s visionis for everyone to understand andidentify with our native species; to knowthat reversing our species declinesgoes hand-in-hand with sustainabledevelopment; and for everyone to play arole in the fight against their extinction.Our plants and animals contributesignificantly to our economy. Morethan 3.3 million people visit Australiaeach year to experience and celebrateour natural wonders, contributing anestimated $23 billion to the Australianeconomy each year. Australia’s protectedareas, including our national parks andmarine protected areas, are crucial tothe survival of our biodiversity; they alsoprovide enormous dividends for theAustralian economy.For example, the tourism on theGreat Barrier Reef, genetic resourcesderived from biodiversity, andemployment through protectedarea management all contributeto Australia’s economic prosperity.Our native species existence also confersbenefits on the environment that allowus to profit from the landscape. Forexample, our native bats and birds helpcontrol pest insects, spread seeds andmaintain our forests. Our plants providefood and shelter, while also capturingand storing carbon, combating salinity,keeping river banks stable, reducingerosion and improving water quality.Tasmanian devils, quolls and othernative predators help to control invasivespecies such as rabbits, foxes and catswhich damage the productivity ofAustralia’s farming sector. The diggingsof small mammals like bettongs andbilbies help maintain healthy soils: thefoundation of our ecosystems.page 12threatened species strategy

Australia is one of only two developedmega-diverse countries in the world—countries with extraordinarily highlevels of biodiversity. This carries aresponsibility but also an opportunityto lead the world in effective andpractical approaches to environmentalmanagement. It provides a livinglaboratory for world-leading scienceand education services in demand bythe rest of the world. It is an incubatorfor environmental services and naturalresource management knowledge thatAustralia uses domestically andexports internationally.species endemic to australiaAustralia’s biodiversity is under threat.Many plants and animals are in dangerof extinction. The key threats are wellknown and include: pressures frominvasive species such as feral cats andweeds, inappropriate fire regimes, lossof habitat and a changing climate.This Strategy responds to the needfor a more prioritised, targeted andcoordinated approach to managingthese threats, giving our native speciesa better opportunity to survive andthrive in their natural environment.Australia’s native species are a gift.They are ours to protect now and forfuture generations. We all have a roleto play.page13threatened species strategy

our goalaustralia currentlyhas a growing listof almost 1800plants and animalslisted nationallyas threatened.Now is the time to work togetherand act to stop the decline and turnaround the trajectory of species at riskof extinction.The Australian Government’s long-termgoal is to halt the decline of Australia’sthreatened plants and animals andsupport their recovery. We aim to do thisby addressing the threats and by actingto support recovery, while at the sametime ensuring that the developmentthat underpins our economic andsocial wellbeing is sustainable. We arecommitted to using the best availablescience, taking action and workingin partnership with the states andterritories and the broader communityto achieve this goal. Winning the battleagainst extinction requires team work.Australia takes an active roleinternationally and is party to a numberof significant international treaties thatguide and influence the way we protectour native plants and animals.• y The Ramsar Convention onWetlands commits Australiato protecting our wetlands ofinternational importance.• y The Convention on theConservation of Migratory Speciesof Wild Animals and three bilateralmigratory bird agreements guideour protection of species thattravel across vast oceans or flyfrom country to country.• y The Convention on InternationalTrade in Endangered Species ofWild Fauna and Flora ensuresthat international trade does notthreaten species with extinction.• y The International Convention for theRegulation of Whaling directs effortsto conserve whale populations.• y The Convention on BiologicalDiversity directs our conservationefforts and sustainable use ofnatural resources, and the sharingof the benefits from use ofgenetic resources.• y The World Heritage Conventionsets out our duties in identifyingand protecting world heritage andnational heritage locations.As a party to the Convention onBiological Diversity, Australia has agreedwith other countries to implement theStrategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020,including its Aichi Biodiversity Targets.The Aichi Biodiversity Targets are a setof 20 targets which recognise the urgentneed for action by everyone to helpreduce, and eventually halt, the lossof biodiversity at a global level.page 14threatened species strategy

Aichi Biodiversity Target 12 aims toprevent threatened species extinctionand improve their conservationstatus: By 2020 the extinction of knownthreatened species [will have been]prevented and their conservation status,particularly of those most in decline, [willhave been] improved and sustained.As Australians, we are stewards of ourbiodiversity and ecosystems, not just forourselves but also for the world. ThisThreatened Species Strategy providesa plan of action towards meeting theAustralian Government’s contributionto the commitments Australia has madeto protect our unique biodiversity andhalt extinction.The key action areas and targets in theAction Plan show how the AustralianGovernment is contributing to AichiTarget 12. Australia’s overall response isdependent on all levels of governmenttaking action and working in partnershipwith business, the non-governmentsector and the broader community.mammal extinctions - australia vs the worldpage15threatened species strategy

our approachScience, action, partnershipthe australiangovernment'sapproach toprotectingand recoveringaustralia'sthreatenedplants andanimals.scienceactionpartnershippage 16Our approach is based on the firstprinciples of scientific evidence,on-ground action and collaborativepartnerships with state and territorygovernments, community groups,Indigenous groups, non-governmentorganisations, business, scientificorganisations, private landholders, localgovernment and others - we all havea role to play. The principles cannotbe applied in isolation. The sciencedirects and informs the action andevaluates the management response,but the success of the action dependson effective collaboration betweenthe partners. A genuine integrationof science, action and partnershipwill achieve the greatest benefits forthreatened species.State and territory governments playan integral role in protecting andrecovering threatened species andare critical partners in the AustralianGovernment’s approach. Theyadminister their own threatened speciesprogrammes under state legislationand collaborate with the AustralianGovernment and other key participantsin jointly implementing many recoveryprogrammes for nationally listed species.States and territories manage nationalparks and other threatened speciesconservation programmes, using theirregional knowledge and expertise.The Australian Government relies onstate and territory governments, andkey non-government and communitygroups, to help deliver on-groundactions. Existing and future partnerships,are thus fundamental to achieving thetargets set out in this Strategy.threatened species strategyscienceKnowledge is key. By engagingthe best scientists and usingevidence-based decision making,we can be confident the actions wechoose are the ones most likely tosucceed. By monitoring results, we learnwhat works and adapt interventions toget the best outcomes. Recognising andincorporating Indigenous Australians’unique knowledge of the environment,gained and passed down over countlessgenerations, adds another dimension tothis growing scientific base.At the core of the Government’sscience-based approach is a dedicated$30 million Threatened SpeciesRecovery Hub under the $142.5 millionNational Environmental ScienceProgramme (NESP). A partnership withsome of Australia’s leading scientistsand institutions, the Hub is investing inon-the-ground science-based actions tosupport species recovery, measuring theeffectiveness of actions, and chartingthe recovery of threatened species inthis Strategy.

Our science must take account ofclimate change and its impacts.Climate change is a fundamentallydifferent biodiversity threat to existingenvironmental stresses due to itsgeographic extent, magnitude andspeed of potential changes, also inthe way that it can exacerbate otherthreats such as inappropriate fireregimes. A changing climate is drivingchange in species distribution andthe composition and functioning ofbiological communities.The Government is investing inadaptation research capacitythrough the National ClimateChange Adaptation Research Facility,which synthesises the best adaptationresearch to produce practical, hands-ontools and information for localdecision-makers, including in threatenedspecies recovery.We also rely on the scientific communitymore broadly, funded by states andterritories, universities, privateinstitutions and philanthropic sources,to build the evidence tounderpin action.actionKnowing what to do is the first step;the next is taking action. The AustralianGovernment is committed to ensuringthat actions to protect and recoverthreatened species are based onprioritisation of resources andeffort, and backed with hardand measurable targets.The Government invests significantlyin managing our natural resources,with more than $2 billion over four yearsfor initiatives such as the Green Army,20 Million Trees and National LandcareProgrammes. These programmesenable communities and regionalNatural Resource Management (NRM)organisations to take practical actionto protect threatened species in allparts of Australia.Effective recovery action relies onthe involvement of state and territorygovernments which have statutoryobligations. The dedicated efforts ofvolunteers, community groups,scientists and non-governmentorganisations, are also important to theprotection and recovery of threatenedspecies, especially where local decisionsare critical to achievingsuccessful outcomes.partnershipWe all benefit from our naturalenvironment and we all have a role toplay in its conservation. Sustainabledevelopment is a shared opportunityand responsibility: it will fail if left togovernments alone. To make our actionseffective and sustainable, we partnerand coordinate with community,scientists and other researchers,non-government organisations(big and small), state and territorygovernments, regional NRMorganisations, local Landcaregroups, local governmentand the business sector.Only by working together can weeffectively prioritise and maximiseresources to protect threatened species.A partnership approach between all ofthese groups gives us the best chanceto achieve positive results forthreatened species.Australian Government leadership inthese partnerships is critical to helpavoid wasteful duplication, conflictbetween competing priorities, andwell-intended but counter-productiveinitiatives. Threatened species do notrespect human borders and boundaries.Dedicated community groups, such as‘Friends of’ groups are excellent stewardsand advocates for the species theysupport. Support for their volunteereffort can provide a good returnon investment.page17threatened species strategy

science-basedmanagementcase studyBringing scientists, Indigenouspeople and government together tosave threatened speciesOne of Australia’s worst environmentalweeds, bitou bush, infests large parts ofcoastal eastern Australia, including inBooderee National Park. The way bitoubush has historically been managedin the park is to first spray it withultra-low volume herbicide, wait forthe dead plants to dry (called curing)and then burn the treated area beforerespraying to kill the young bitou bushplants that germinate after fire. Despitea long history of this practice, criticalquestions were unanswered. Does thisspray-burn-spray treatment work? Anddid it have negative effects on animalslike the eastern bristlebird, for whichBooderee National Park is one of thelast population strongholds?The groups involved recognisedthat the best way to answer thesequestions was through a weed controlmonitoring partnership, involving theNational Park manager, scientists fromthe Australian National University’sFenner School, and the localcommunity, including the traditionalowners at Wreck Bay AboriginalCommunity. This was the beginningof an eight-year long project with verypositive outcomes.The research showed that thespray-burn-spray method couldeffectively remove bitou bush whileallowing the majority of native plants torecover. It is both the most ecologicallyeffective and cost-effective approachto bitou bush control. Even better,new research work being conductedunder the Australian Government’sNESP shows that the eastern bristlebird—which avoids areas where bitoubush is prevalent—will colonise thoseenvironments where this noxious weedhas been removed.This story highlights the importance ofpartnerships; connecting government,science and Indigenous people inmonitoring to conserve Australia’sthreatened species.page 18threatened species strategy

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focusingour effortPrinciples for prioritisationaustralia currentlyhas almost 1800nationally listedthreatened speciesand many more arebeing assessedfor listing.Our native plants and animals deservethe prioritisation of effort and resourcesthat Australia puts into expenditureof public monies in other sectors withlimited budgets, for example, health,education, infrastructure and defence.There are many good project ideas andinitiatives that can help our threatenedspecies and, just as with other sectors,resources will always be limited. Weneed to ensure resources and efforts forthreatened species recovery are targetedto where we can get the biggestbenefit from each dollar invested. Whendeciding which projects or initiatives tosupport, we need to ensure the best useof our effort, money and time.To the right are the principles theAustralian Government considerswhen examining threatened speciesrecovery initiatives. The principles helpidentify where Australian Governmentinvestment can be most beneficial andhelp the greatest number of plantsand animals. They allow comparisonbetween projects and ensure everydollar invested in threatened speciesrecovery goes as far as it can to avoidextinctions. They help get the bestresults with the money available.The principles for prioritisation look at aproject proposal or initiative overall andhelp to weigh up the relative benefits.They have been used in framing theinvestment decisions for fundingannounced in this Strategy and willbe used to guide future investmentdecisions of the Australian Government.Further guidance on the principlesfor prioritisaiton will be produced tosupport their application.page 20threatened species strategy

ScienceConservation statusImportance to the environmentUniquenessImportance to peopleactionChance of successBenefitUmbrella actionCostpartnershipCommunityState and territory governmentsBroader leveragingAustralian Government programmes and policiesThe species has a listing status under the Environment Protection andBiodiverstiy Conservation ActThe species plays an important role in the environment, benefits otherspecies, or is essential to the function and health of its ecosystem (i.e. apollinator or top predator)The species is unique, like nothing else on earth, or has very fewclose relativesThe species is particularly valued by the community, is well-known andpart of local or broader community identity, is culturally significant toIndigenous people, or helps tourism, agriculture or the economyThe action has a high chance of success and strong supporting scientificevidenceThe action is likely to be effective in protecting species now and intothe futureThe action benefits multiple species or habitatsThe action is cost effective, offers best value for money and may securemultiple outcomesCommunity groups are engaged and results are likely to be sustainedthrough long-term community effortThe initiative involves, or has the potential to involve, state and territorygovernments and does not duplicate their existing workThe initiative involves, or has the potential to involve, other organisationsand leverage broader funding or contributionsThe initiative is supported by complementary policies, programmes orexisting investmentspage21threatened species strategy

prioritisationin actioncase studyPrioritisation in action – ChristmasIsland cat eradicationThe Australian Government recentlyconsidered and approved a projectto eradicate feral cats from ChristmasIsland. Prioritisation principles wereapplied when deciding on supportfor this initiative.ScienceChristmas Island is home to a numberof species found nowhere else in theworld. It is also one of the world’s mostimportant seabird rookeries. Its isolationmeans that many of the species haveevolved together and established ahighly connected web of life unique tothe island. There are 17 species listedas threatened under the EnvironmentProtection and BiodiversityConservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)found on the island and numerousspecies of migratory seabirds. Theisland’s plants and animals are alsoparticularly important for tourism onthe island, which provides income forthe local population.ActionFeral cats are considered a major threatto the animals on Christmas Islandand are a key threatening processunder the EPBC Act. The project aimsto eradicate stray and feral cats fromthe island by 2020 and is underpinnedby science, proven control techniquesand a program for managing domesticcat programme. This indicates a highlikelihood of success.Our contribution of $500 000 willleverage approximately $1.75 millionin funding and $500 000 of in-kindcontributions. This will contributedirectly to the recovery of 10 listedthreatened species and create aferal-free safe haven for the future.Knowledge gained from the projectcan be transferred to other islanderadications, thus lowering the costof those actions.PartnershipThe eradication plan for the island isa collaborative partnership betweenthe Australian and Western Australiangovernments, the local community,biodiversity experts and majororganisations including the Shireof Christmas Island and PhosphateResources Limited.OverallThis project has strong potentialto significantly benefit numerousthreatened species, along with manyother species on the island, it increasescommunity awareness and actionconcerning feral cats, and leveragesalmost $2 million in funding from othersources. All the works are underpinnedby science and supported by a widerange of stakeholders.This project represents a stronginvestment of funding with strongconservation outcomes.page 22threatened species strategy

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national systemsfor protectionand recoverythe australiangovernment hasa suite of programmes, policiesand on-groundmanagement measuresin place to supportaustralian plantsand animals.page 24The Australian Government is oneof a number of important players inprotecting threatened species andachieving sustainable development,with state and territory governmentsalso having a strong role to play. Oursuite of systems complements actionsby state and territory governmentsand are delivered and supported by anumber of important partners.threatened species strategylistingThe first step in protecting Australia’sthreatened native plants and animalsis through recognition under the EPBCAct. The EPBC Act is the AustralianGovernment’s principle piece ofenvironment legislation and providesprotection through the identificationand listing of species and ecologicalcommunities as threatened. It alsoallows for the formal recognition ofkey threatening processes that impactnative plants and animals.Any person may nominate a nativespecies or ecological community forlisting under the EPBC Act. Nominationsare subject to rigorous scientificassessment by the Threatened SpeciesScientific Committee and must besupported by a high level of evidence.Recommendations made by theCommittee are then considered by theAustralian Government Minister for theEnvironment, who decides whetherthe species or ecological communitywill be listed or not. Through theNational Review of EnvironmentalRegulation, most governments acrossAustralia have agreed to a nationallyconsistent assessment methodologyfor listing plants, animals and ecologicalcommunities as threatened, based on thebest practice standards established by theInternational Union for the Conservationof Nature. This will permit thedevelopment of a single operational listof threatened species in each jurisdiction,which will be simpler for business and thecommunity to understand.

effective planningto recover speciesAll species listed as threatened undernational environmental law requireconservation advice and some mayhave a recovery plan in place. Thesekey planning documents, preparedcollaboratively with stakeholders, setout the actions needed to stop thedecline, and support recovery of, athreatened species. These documents,reviewed by the Threatened SpeciesScientific Committee before beingendorsed by the Australian Government,provide the detailed, evidence-basedactions for protecting threatenedspecies. Threat Abatement Plans are alsomajor instruments for conservation and,in some cases, provide a verycost-effective way of benefittingmultiple threatened species.Protecting threatened species requiresprioritisation of effort, and efficientand effective government plansand programmes. The AustralianGovernment is working to ensure this byapplying its principles for prioritisation,updating threatened species lists withthe most current information, andensuring priority species recovery plansand conservation advices have the bestavailable guidance on actions for theirprotection and recovery.Effective recovery planning andsuccessful implementation also requireseffective recovery teams. These groupstypically bring together interestedstates and territories, non-governmentpage25organisations, scientists, land managersand community groups. Recoveryplanning and implementation calls foradaptive management and coordinationof effort across state borders anda cooperative approach with allstakeholders.regulatory protectionThreatened species and ecologicalcommunities are considered mattersof national environmental significance.Any project or development that is likelyto have a significant impact on a matterof national environmental significancemust be assessed under the EPBC Act.This ensures projects that impact onnationally listed threatened species aresubject to rigorous assessment undernational environment law.The assessment process requires projectproponents to consider how to avoidand mitigate the impacts on threatenedspecies. In some cases, impacts arerequired to be offset. Offsets mustbe in accordance with the EPBC Actoffset policy and must be additional toexisting conservation measures. In somecases, offsets can be used to implementactions specified in species recoveryplans. For example, offsets have beenused to fund research into Tasmaniandevil facial tumor disease.As well as ensuring protection inAustralia for matters of nationalenvironmental significance, theAustralian Government regulates allnative species exports, to make surethey will not have a significant impactthreatened species strategyon the wild populations. Internationalenvironmental law plays an importantrole in preventing species declines.The Australian Government is alsocommitted to delivering a One-StopShop for environmental approvals thatwill accredit state planning systemsunder national environmental law,to create a single environmentalassessment and approval process fornationally protected matters. The One-Stop Shop policy aims to simplify theapprovals process for businesses, lead toswifter decisions and improve Australia’sinvestment climate, while maintaininghigh environmental standards.

national systemsfor protectionand recoveryaustralian governmentprogrammes, policies andthe threatened speciescommissionerThreatened species benefit directly andindirectly from Australian Governmentinvestments through the Plan for aCleaner Environment. Through theGreen Army, 20 Million Trees andNational Landcare Programmes, theAustralian Government is protectingthreatened species as part of a $2billion investment in natural resourcemanagement. In less than one year,over $80 million has been committedthrough these programmes to supportthreatened species conservation.The Threatened Species Commissioneris central to the Australian Government’snew national approach to securing ourthreatened species from extinction.Located within the AustralianGovernment Department of theEnvironment the Commissioner issupported by a threatened speciesunit and an informal group of expertadvisors. The Commissioner championsdevelopment and implementation ofpractical actions, participates in andinfluences policy and programmedevelopment, brings partners andresources together to deliver on-thegroundchange, promotes awarenessof threatened species at a national leveland supports local communities andtheir efforts to avoid extinction.page 26Green ArmyThe Green Army Programme partnerswith local communities to deliverconservation and heritage projects,whilst providing practical skills andtraining to young Australians agedbetween 17 and 24.The Government is investing more than$700 million over four years, building toa workforce of 15 000 people by 2018.To date, of the 704 projects announced,the Green Army Programme has alreadysupplied over 270 projects that directlysupport threatened species recovery,and a significant number more thatprovide ancillary benefits.Green Army teams are undertakingactivities like pest and diseasemanagement, revegetation, seedcollection, plant propagation,fire management, fencing andmonitoring activities. Many of theseare recommended actions in recoveryplans. At Mulligans Flat in the ACT, GreenArmy participants are helping to restorea box gum grassy woodland ecosystemand are supporting the reintroductionof animals that have been extinct fromthe area for many years. Green Armypest control activities to destroy rabbitwarrens are enhancing the quality of thewoodland, improving habitat for nativespecies. Eastern quolls, a species extinctfrom the region, will be reintroduced tothe area next year.threatened species strategycase studyGreen Army protecting threatenedspecies in the desertThe Green Army Mala BreedingFacility project in Alice Springs isbuilding breeding of the centralAustralian subspecies of mala(Lagorchestes hirsutus). Thesubspecies are now extinct andonly held in captivity. The projectimplements a recommendation,made by a research team atMacquarie University, that all malacarrying rare alleles (gene variants)be sent to the Desert Park forbreeding with known genetic lines.The capacity to do this mustbe increased.The project involves the constructionof three steel enclosures joined bya central access way. The GreenArmy Team has been involvedwith preparation of the steel parts,digging of holes, concreting andmesh attachment. Further to thiswill be plumbing and irrigationto the enclosures, with habitatconstruction and shade constructionwhere appropriate. The Green Armyparticipants are learning a rangeof construction skills and have alsogained various accreditations inhabitat construction and runninganimal programmes in parks. Themorale is high as the programme isvery hands on, and participants havethe opportunity to start and finisha significant project.

20 Million Trees ProgrammeThe Australian Government hascommitted to plant 20 million trees by2020 to improve the extent, connectivityand condition of native vegetationthat supports native species (includingthreatened species and ecologicalcommunities) and contribute toreducing greenhouse gas emissions.$50 million over four years has beencommitted to deliver the programme.To date, more than $25 million is beingdirected towards tree planting projectsthat have a direct threatened speciesoutcome by restoring habitat throughimproving the extent, connectivityand condition of native vegetation. Inaddition to the 95 per cent of successfulprojects under the first round of thesmall grants, a further 22 projects inthe large scale delivery programmewill contribute to the conservationof threatened species or ecologicalcommunities by planting 6.75 milliontrees to the value of $16.3 million.This funding includes $1.85 million forrecovery of the helmeted honeyeaterand Leadbeater’s possum through threeprojects delivered by grant recipientsand service providers north eastof Melbourne.case study20 Million Trees project supportingthreatened birds in WesternAustraliaThrough the 20 Million TreesProgramme, the AustralianGovernment is supporting recoveryof Carnaby’s black-cockatoo and themalleefowl in the Fitzgerald BiosphereReserve in southern Western Australia.The project will plant over 90 000 treesand shrubs to provide habitat corridorsin an area next to the Fitzgerald RiverNational Park.This project will be an importantaddition to the Gondwana-Link WildlifeCorridor.It’s a collaborative partnership betweenthe local Indigenous community andmultiple agencies, who will worktogether to establish 100 hectares ofwoodland and mallee heath for theseiconic threatened species.page27threatened species strategy

national systemsfor protectionand recoveryNational Landcare ProgrammeThe Government has reformed hownatural resource management fundingis directed by creating the NationalLandcare Programme.The Australian Government will investmore than $2 billion through theNational Landcare Programme overfour years from 2014-15. Based on theprinciples of simple, local and long-term,the programme incorporates a greaterrole for regional NRM organisations,along with their communities. Theydetermine local and regional prioritiesand take practical action towardsimproving their local environment andpromoting the long term sustainabilityand management of Australia’s naturalresources, including threatened species.One of the requirements of the regionalstream of the National LandcareProgramme is that all regional NRMorganisations must spend at least20 per cent of their AustralianGovernment funding on localon-ground projects and relatedactivities that are delivered by, ordirectly engage, the local community,including Landcare and othercommunity groups. All regional NRMorganisations have embraced thisrequirement, with expected investmentof more than $120 million in communitynatural resource managementactivities nationally.The reformed delivery approachallows regional NRM organisations, inconsultation with their communities, todetermine the most appropriate deliverypage 28mechanisms to address threatenedspecies priorities in their local area andregion. Almost half of the sub-projectsunder the regional stream of theNational Landcare Programme totalingover $190 million (as of July 2015),are contributing towards outcomesfor threatened species or threatenedecological communities.Emissions Reduction FundBiological adaptation is critical tobuilding the resilience of Australia’sthreatened species and ecologicalcommunities under conditionsof climate change and extremeweather events, but there are limits toadaptation. Ecosystems stand to benefitthe most from efforts to reduce carbonemissions and slow the warming trend.The Australian Government is firmlycommitted to meeting its emissionsreduction target of 5 per cent below2000 levels by 2020. At the centre of theGovernment’s response is the EmissionsReduction Fund, which providesincentives to reduce emissions inAustralia Innovative methods to reduceemissions, like savannah burning, canalso create important habitat for somethreatened mammals, birds, lizardsand plants.The Reef TrustThe Reef Trust funds on-ground actionto address key threats to the longtermsustainability of the Great BarrierReef. These investments have strongconnections to, and benefits for, thethreatened species of the reef. Actionsthreatened species strategyimplemented include a crown-of-thornsstarfish eradication plan, and removalof threats to protected species likemarine turtles. The Reef Trust is alsoa vehicle for promoting partnerships,not only to deliver projects on theground, but also to receive funds fromgovernment offsets for developmentin reef catchments and potentiallyphilanthropic funds.The Reef 2050 Long-Term SustainabilityPlan commits to developing aninvestment framework, which willinclude identifying mechanisms toenable diverse funding approaches. Thiswill facilitate greater opportunities forpartnerships and private investmentto work effectively alongside publicinvestment. Outcomes of this work mayinform investment diversification inother areas, such as threatened species.Commonwealth EnvironmentalWater HolderThe Commonwealth EnvironmentalWater Holder is responsible forgovernment policies and programmesthat seek to protect and restoreenvironmental assets—rivers,floodplains and wetlands—that containa wide diversity of life and providehabitat for native animals and plants.Over half of the Murray-Darling Basin’snative fish species are consideredrare, threatened or of conservationconcern. Through the CommonwealthEnvironmental Water Holder and otherinitiatives, more effective use of water isbenefiting species in the Murray-DarlingBasin and other Australian river systems.

Indigenous land and seamanagement programmesMore than $400 million over fiveyears has been committed throughIndigenous ranger and land andsea management programmes tosupport Indigenous managementand protection of threatened plants,animals and places. These programmesreflect Indigenous aspirations to carefor country and support the integrationof Indigenous ecological knowledgeinto contemporary practices to deliverenduring environmental, cultural, socialand economic outcomes.Benefits to the environment and ourthreatened plants and animals increaseas links between Australian Governmentprogrammes are strengthened andfurther leveraged with those of the stateand territories and non-governmentorganisations.. For example, the levelsof fish and turtle breeding may improveif feral pig impacts on riverbanks arereduced, especially in conjunction withrelease of environmental water by theCommonwealth EnvironmentalWater Holder.These programmes, combined withaction and investment by state andterritory governments, environmentalnon-government organisations andAustralian industry, provide us withways to increase threatenedspecies populations.valuing science- the threatenedspecies recovery hubRecognising that science provides therobust evidence base needed to planand direct conservation managementactivities, the Australian Governmentestablished a dedicated $30 millionThreatened Species Recovery Hub underthe $142.5 million NESP. Led by someof the Australia’s leading ecologists, thisThreatened Species Recovery Hub isinvesting in on-the-ground researchto turn species recovery trajectoriesupwards. It is also providing capabilityto measure the effectiveness of actionsand to chart the recovery of threatenedspecies in this Strategy.Projects already approved from withinthe Threatened Species RecoveryHub include: trialling evidence-basedmanagement tools to reduce theimpacts of introduced predators;managing fire regimes the savethreatened flora and fauna; enhancingthreatened species outcomes onChristmas Island; and the scienceof translocation, reintroduction andconservation fencing for threatenedfauna. The Threatened Species RecoveryHub will also be delivering betterunderstanding and analysis on useof offsets, use of islands for speciesprotection and quantifying benefits ofthreatened species management in ruraland regional economies.And in addition to the $30 millionThreatened Species Recovery Hub,other investments under the NESP,particularly the Northern AustraliaEnvironmental Resources, Tropical WaterQuality and Marine Biodiversity Hubs,are also contributing significantly tothreatened species recovery. Examplesin these hubs include projects toinvestigate the role of feral cats in smallmammal declines in Kakadu NationalPark, understanding and managing theShared Urban Habitat, and StudyingNorthern Australia hotspots for therecovery of threatened sawfish andriver sharks.The Australian Government hasdemonstrated an unbrokencommitment to high qualityenvironmental science, beginningwith the $100 million CommonwealthEnvironment Research Facilities,followed by the $68.5 millionNational Environmental ResearchProgramme, and now through the$142.5 million NESP.page29threatened species strategy

national systemsfor protectionand recoverycase studyFuture and emerging scientificopportunities to control invasivespeciesScience and technology aredeveloping rapidly and this can openup new and exciting opportunities inthe battle against extinction, especiallywhere the threats are invasivespecies. While the conservationcommunity may seemingly face arange of intractable problems in itsmission to protect threatened species,newly emerging developments likegene-drive technologies can offerus hope. New biological tools beingdeveloped for biomedicine, as part ofthe new fields of synthetic biology andgenomic technology areworth exploring.For example, scientists have developedextremely precise genome-editingtechniques which can make it possibleto safely adjust the genes of invasivenon-native plants and animals. Thesetools could be used to develop asophisticated biological tools that,could for example, produce a safe andhighly targeted biological control forferal cats or rats on islands.Of course, these technologies are stillin early stages of development andscientists, including at the CSIRO, areexamining closely the risks to ensurecomplete environmental safetyand undertake full benefit and riskassessments. While the Government’s$30 million investment in the NESPThreatened Species Hub has aprimary emphasis on practical actionto recover our threatened species,these emerging opportunities are alsosomething the NESP, in partnershipwith organisations such as the CSIRO,could explore.A number of initiatives across theAustralian Government and othersectors provide information on thestate of Australia’s ecosystems, bothmarine and terrestrial. These includethe National Collaborative ResearchInfrastructure Strategy through theIntegrated Marine Observing System,the Terrestrial Ecosystem ResearchNetwork, and the Atlas ofLiving Australia.Other initiatives that provide someof the environmental informationunderpinning management ofthreatened species include:• y The Australian Institute of MarineScience provides data on the GreatBarrier Reef and other marineecosystems in northern Australia.• y Geoscience Australia and CSIROcontribute to high-resolutionmapping of seabed environmentsand terrestrial vegetation to betterunderstand the distribution ofhabitats, key to the support ofthreatened species.y • The Australian Antarctic Divisionand the Antarctic Climate &Ecosystems Cooperative ResearchCentre have been studying Antarcticand Southern Ocean ecosystems,including whales, for decades.page 30threatened species strategy

essentialpartnershipsWe all have a role to playstate and territorygovernmentsAs key players in protecting andrecovering Australia’s threatenedplants and animals and promotingsustainable development, state andterritory governments are core partnersfor the Australian Government. Stateand territory governments are primaryagents for land management andenvironmental protection acrossAustralia. They run their own statutoryprocesses to protect and list threatenedspecies, they administer their ownthreatened species programmes, andthey collaborate with the AustralianGovernment and other key participantsin implementing recovery programmesfor many of Australia’s threatenedspecies. States and territories managemost of Australia’s national parks andmany valuable threatened speciesconservation programmes.Much of the knowledge and expertisein management of threatened speciesacross Australia also sits within stateand territory agencies. As manystate-listed species are also listednationally, states and territoriescollaborate with the Australiangovernment and other key participantsin jointly preparing and implementingmany recovery programmes fornationally listed species. This ensurescoordinated and collaborative effortacross all state and territory boundaries.local landcare, communitygroups and regional naturalresource managementorganisationsExperience shows that when effortsto protect threatened species aresupported by active, local communitygroups, they are much more likelyto succeed.Regional NRM organisations and localcouncils play an integral role acrossAustralia in engaging and working withlocal communities to deliver nationallyimportant environmental outcomes.In partnership with local councils,Landcare groups and other communitygroups, and drawing on AustralianGovernment funding, regional NRMorganisations support delivery ofsignificant on-ground conservationinitiatives which protect threatenedspecies and their habitat. Theseorganisations will be crucial in achievingthe priority actions and targets in theStrategy. Through the National LandcareProgramme, they also have a particularrole to empower local community andLandcare groups. Achieving our targetsto reduce the impacts of feral cats, forexample, will require close collaborationwith regional NRM organisations, andtheir continued partnership with localcommunity groups and land managersacross Australia.Recovery Teams, local Landcare groups,‘Friends of’ groups and the communityin general are crucial in our fight to saveour threatened plants and animals.We all have a role to play.The Australian Government recognisesthis, investing more than $450 millionover four years through the NationalLandcare Programme regional fundingstream. This includes more than$120 million (more than 20 per centof regional funding) for small projectsthat community and Landcare groupscan access through their regionalNRM organisations.This means that farmers, Landcare andother community groups have accessto funding to continue importantpractical action in local communities,with significant benefits to threatenedspecies. The Australian Governmentis also interested in pursuing otherpartnership arrangements withcommunity groups where noprogramme funding iscurrently available.page 32threatened species strategy

case studyFriends of the Helmeted HoneyeaterIn 1989, the helmeted honeyeaterwas on the brink of extinction. Thepopulation was at a critically low levelof 50 individuals and the future ofthe species was in doubt. The sameyear, the Friends of the HelmetedHoneyeater was formed and theycommitted themselves to supportingthe recovery of the species.For the past 25 years, this group hasbeen working in partnership with theHelmeted Honeyeater Recovery Teamand the Zoos Victoria captive breedingprogramme to secure the future ofthe helmeted honeyeater. The groupprovides important supplementaryfeeding to the birds, monitors wildbirds, released birds and the success ofyoung, maintains a native nursery thatcontributes to revegetation projectsin the area, and raises communityawareness. The supplementary feedingprogramme alone, which runs daily,has 65 volunteers, who contributeapproximately 575 hours per monthto the cause.This year, the group reported animpressive 46 fledglings and in excessof 130 individual birds. This is the largestnumber of individual birds seen sincethe start of the recovery programmein 1989. Without the dedication andactive support of the Friends of theHelmeted Honeyeater, and the strongcollaboration between the group, theRecovery Team and captive breedingprogramme, this species would not berecovering as it is.Work by the Friends of the HelmetedHoneyeater Group and GreeningAustralia to restore habitat for thecritically endangered species is nowsupported by an additional $108 962of 20 Million Trees funding for an extra30 000 plants. Best of all, the birds havebeen seen using plantings as young asfour years old.page33threatened species strategy

essentialpartnerssupporting indigenouspeoples' protection ofplants and animalsThe Australian Government recognisesand values the experiences, perspectivesand cultures of Indigenous Australians.We support the aspirations ofIndigenous peoples to maintain, protectand manage their culture, language,land and sea country and heritage.Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderpeople play a key role in protectingand managing Australia’s environmentand heritage.Indigenous land and sea managers havemany strong and effective partnershipswith the Australian Government toprotect Australia’s plants and animals.These include:• y Working on CountryIndigenous rangers• y Indigenous Protected Areas• y a specialised Indigenous RangerProgramme under the Reef2050 plan• y initiatives like Traditional Use ofMarine Resource Agreements (manyof which address traditional use ofturtle and dugong)• y joint management of three iconicnational parksStrengthening this relationship anddrawing on the traditional ecologicalknowledge of Aboriginal and Torres StraitIslander people to protect Australia’sthreatened species will continue to beof great importance to the AustralianGovernment and our country.page 34case studyReintroducing warru (black-flankedrock-wallaby) to countryTo reduce the risk of warru(black-flanked rock-wallaby) ‘finishingup’, Indigenous Martu rangers, fundedunder the Australian GovernmentWorking on Country Programme, havehelped to reintroduce a warru colonyat Pinpi (Durba Springs).In 2013, one of the most significantviable populations of the warru(Petrogale lateralis lateralis) was atKaalpi (Calvert Range) in a remote partof Western Australia. These warru werevulnerable to local catastrophic events,such as drought, introduced diseases,predation or severe bushfire.Since the early 1990s, the WesternAustralian Department of Parks andWildlife and Martu (traditional owners)have monitored the warru populationat Kaalpi and controlled feral predators:initially foxes and, since 2003, feral cats.As warru numbers increased, Parksand Wildlife, Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa andMartu rangers decided to reintroducethem to Pinpi.“It was his dream to translocate theblack-flanked rock-wallaby. To look afterthis country. We have to carry on thisimportant work for him.” Lindsay Crusoe,Jigalong ranger, speaking in memoryof Arthur Samson, senior Jigalongranger who passed away in 2013threatened species strategyIn 2012, intensive trapping at Kaalpiwas used to assess the size anddemographics of the population. Thisdata confirmed that a proportion ofthe Kaalpi warru could be movedwithout significantly impacting on theviability of the existing population.In August 2013, the relocation tookplace a huge logistical effort overtwo weeks. Warru were trapped,micro-chipped and, based on weightand age, selected for translocation.Larger animals were also fitted withradio collars. Martu rangers assistedParks and Wildlife staff in the process,learning valuable hands-on skills andachieving a Certificate II in AnimalHandling. The animals were keptin a cool dark cave and released byMartu rangers at suitable sites in thelate afternoon. With the support ofBHP Billiton, The Nature ConservancyAustralia and Parks and Wildlife,Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa has committedto supporting predator control andmonitoring warru at Jilukurru for atleast five years. Monitoring to date hasrevealed healthy adults and severalyoung, an excellent result whichexceeds expectations.

working with farmers andprivate landholdersThe commitment of farmers and privatelandholders to the conservation ofAustralia’s native plants and animalscannot be underestimated. Farmersknow the land and depend on it.They are dedicated and experiencedconservationists. They manage asignificant portion of the Australianlandscape. Farmers are custodians ofmore than half of Australia’s land areaand hold invaluable knowledge oftheir land and the natural resources itcontains. Some of the most importanthabitat for threatened species exists onfarms and other private land:rivers, wetlands, remaining standsand corridors of native vegetation.Protecting threatened species andagricultural productivity can go hand inhand. Issues affecting the productivity ofour agricultural sector, such as invasivespecies and salinity, also affect thehealth of our native species. And manylandholders already actively managethreatened species as part of theirnormal business. Farmers managingferal foxes that threaten their livestockare also removing a key predator ofsmall mammals, birds and reptiles onthe same property. By planting nativetrees along paddock lines to manageerosion, habitat and food for speciesis created and native plant species aregiven an opportunity to thrive. In someinstances, strategic grazing of stock canprotect habitat for species such as theplains wanderer or the grasslandearless dragon.page35case studyOn-farm management forthreatened species in theWimmera regionWithout farmers like Peter and MaryFrench, much of Australia’s vitalhabitat for threatened species wouldbe lost forever. Their approach tofarm management has safeguardedimportant on-farm ecosystems whilestill maintaining the productivecapacity of their land and business.Their farm enterprise is located in theWimmera region of western Victoria,and has a mix of cattle, sheep andcropping. The farm has been in thefamily for over 100 years. The familyplaces a high value on maintainingboth the cultural and natural heritageof the farm; in fact, they see them asone and the same.Recognising the value of thebiodiversity on their farm, theyactively manage the land to protectand maintain significant remnants ofthreatened buloke and swamp sheoakwoodlands that are essential refugesfor threatened plants and animals.Through active management ofweeds and pests, planting trees andfencing off natural areas from stock,Peter and Mary have protected habitatfor nationally listed red-tailed blackcockatoo,growling grass frogs andstriped legless lizards.threatened species strategyThrough a collaborative partnershipwith the Trust for Nature, and supportfrom the Australian Government andthe private sector, the French familyhas protected its land forever with aconservation covenant.They are now seeing the results, withregular visits from endangeredred-tailed black-cockatoos.They do not see what they do for thefarm’s threatened species as a burden.Once the initial work has been done,they say it is not that much extra workto keep it maintained, especially whencompared with the benefits.“Even if we don’t know what’s there, it’sgreat to know that it’s protected – andyou know it’s important when you see thespecies coming back.” Peter French

essentialpartnersthe commitment offarmers and privatelandholders tothe conservationof australia'snative plants andanimals cannot beunderestimated.The Australian Government’srecognition that farmers and otherlandholders can be significant alliesand partners in protecting threatenedplants and animals is reflected insimple, local and long-term grassroots environmental action under theNational Landcare Programme. Therole of states and territories and nongovernmentorganisations in managingthreatened species and their habitatis critical, with many championingpartnership approaches and innovativemodels which provide crucial supportfor species on private land. Conservationtrusts and conservation covenantprogrammes have been pivotal forsecuring populations of key species andhabitats, guaranteeing protection andbest practice management over thelong term in many instances.Local community engagement andinvolvement is key to ensuring thesustainability of the natural assets uponwhich they depend. The AustralianGovernment will continue to valueand support farmers and private landmanagers in local and regional effortsthat protect and improve the naturalassets that underpin farm productivityand livelihoods.business protectingthreatened speciesThere are many examples of successfulprotection of threatened species thatwould not have been possible withoutthe support of the Australian businesscommunity. These range from Australia’sbiggest businesses, like BHP Billiton’ssupport for the recovery of threatenedsmall mammals in South Australia’s aridzone, to local industry support, like theMount Buller and Mount Stirling ResortManagement Board’s work to protectthreatened mountain pygmy possumsin Victoria’s alpine zone. Beyond theirregulatory requirements, business islooking at ways to help in the fight forAustralia’s threatened plants and animalsthrough initiatives like the AustralianBusinesses for Biodiversity Initiative andBushblitz, a partnership between ParksAustralia, BHP Billiton and Earthwatch.These partnerships are a great exampleof the kind of momentum andpartnership the Threatened SpeciesStrategy is looking to encourage. TheAustralian Government is looking toencourage interest in threatenedspecies across all sectors to deliverthe best outcomes.page 36threatened species strategy

case studyMt Buller Alpine resort saving themountain pygmy-possumThe mountain pygmy-possum livesabove the snow-line in Australia’salpine areas and is dangerously close toextinction, with climate change, habitatimpacts and feral cats some of its keythreats. In response to a rapid decline,in 2006 Mt Buller and Mt Stirling AlpineResort, in partnership with the localski lift company and the VictorianGovernment, developed a five-yearemergency Recovery Plan to protectthe species and its habitat.Mt Buller resort adapted many of itsbusiness practices to support thepossum, including:• y detailed habitat mapping andrevegetation works• y constructing tunnels under roadsand between habitat patches toreduce isolation• y dedicated feral cat control• y training to ensure snowmobileuse does not impact habitatand complete stoppage ofsnow-grooming in some key areas• y implementation of a wide range ofactivities to raise public awarenessfor the speciesAs a result of the emergency action, thepopulation has been improving andhas now reached the highest numberssince 1996.The Alpine Resort ManagementBoard fully integrated the protectionand recovery of this species into itsbusiness as usual activities. Withoutthis dedication, ongoing effort,work in partnership, the mountainpygmy-possum would not have beenrecovering at Mt Buller.page37threatened species strategy

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2015/16 action planpage39threatened species strategy

2015/16action planthis action planstarts now withon-the-groundactions and hardand measurabletargets from yearone onwards.It is the first installment of a five-yearAustralian Government response to therisk of species extinction. It will requirestrong partnerships. We all have a roleto play in the fight against extinctionand the Australian Government cannotsucceed without key players joiningwith us. Engagement with state andterritory governments on this ActionPlan will be particularly important,and so will collaboration with thebroader community, non-governmentorganisations, businesses, and thescientific sector.Based on principles for prioritisationoutlined in this Strategy, the bestavailable knowledge and technology,and the immediate needs of Australia’sthreatened species, this plan sets outareas where the Australian Governmentwill focus its efforts to achievesignificant, positive impacts. The planincludes key action areas and targetsto measure success. It is flexible andadaptive and will be monitored andreviewed annually by the Departmentof the Environment in consultation withdelivery partners. The Department,through the Threatened SpeciesCommissioner, will report on it annuallyto the Minister for the Environment andto the public.Not all groups of threatened plantsand animals are explicitly referencedin this first plan. The set of actionshas been identified on the basis ofexpert input, community and expertconsultation and consideration of theAustralian Government’s principles forprioritisation. Implementing this first setof actions will build broader momentumfor species recovery while also offeringprotection to other species that live insimilar habitats. Protecting ecosystemsthat support an individual threatenedspecies also offers protection for theother plants, reptiles, frogs, insects, birdsand mammals that live within it.Recovery plans and conservationadvices remain a critical part of planningfor the recovery of individual speciesand will continue to provide thescientific evidence and recommendedactions. This Action Plan is based onthe science available in these planningdocuments and supports recoveryplanning as set out in the EnvironmentProtection and Biodiversity ConservationAct 1999 (EPBC Act).page 40threatened species strategy

four keyaction areas1 tackling feral catsThe scientific evidence is unequivocalthat feral cats are one of the greatestthreats to Australia’s land-basedmammals. They have been a majorcontributor to the extinction of atleast 27 mammals since they were firstintroduced to Australia. Today, theyimperil at least 142 species or more thanone third of our threatened mammals,reptiles, frogs and birds.As an extinction driver for so many ofour native animals, and a threat that hasbeen relatively neglected in the past,tackling the threat of feral cats is thehighest priority of this Action Plan.listed species1 inthreaten5mammal speciesThe Government is acting now and willimmediately scale up evidence-basedaction and innovative measures tomanage the impact of feral cats. Ourforward actions will include:• y development and deployment ofCuriosity®, the new humane feralcat bait• y working with protected areapartners to increase feral catmanagement in reserves• y supporting the establishmentof feral-free areas and feral catfree islands as safe havens forthreatened species• y trapping by Green Army teamsand through the NationalLandcare Programme• y intense feral cat management atsignificant species locations, suchas breeding sites• y working with local councils andregional NRM organisations toscale up cat eradication and catmanagement programmes• y supporting community-ledinitiatives and citizen science• y exploring new and innovativemanagement techniques• y utilising the National EnvironmentalScience Program (NESP) to exploreemerging scientific opportunities124 28 feralCatsthreatenimplicated inmammalextinctionspage41threatened species strategy

2 safe havens for speciesmost at riskSafe havens provide threatened plantsand animals with long-term protectionfrom threats and create areas whererisks to specific plants and animals canbe removed, not just managed. Withinthese areas, species are able to thriveand increase their numbers without thepressure of threats. Examples of safehavens that the Australian Governmentwill aim to promote and protect include:• y feral predator exclosures thatprovide predator-free habitat forsmall and mid-sized mammals andother ground-dependent species• y islands from which all invasiveanimals and plants are eradicated• y disease-free enclosures to protectagainst diseases such as chytridfungus in frogs• y protecting refugia forsmall mammals and otherground-dwelling species withincreased management measuresat these important locations• y sites with many threatened plantsthat are intensively managed toreduce threats such as fire• y ex situ threatened species insurancepopulations and seed orchardsExisting havens are already successfullyprotecting species like the bridlednail-tail wallaby, southern corroboreefrogs and the mala while also providingvaluable scientific data on longer termmeans of recovery.page 423 improving habitatAll animals and plants need suitableand high quality habitat to survive.Improving the extent, connectivityand condition of habitat supportsthreatened species recovery. All levelsof government, non-governmentorganisations, landholders, thecommunity and industry can partner tominimise the consequences of habitatloss, fragmentation and degradation.The Australian Government iscommitted to protecting andrecovering ecological communitiesbecause they provide vital habitatfor multiple species as well as naturalservices to the environment andindustry. These include clean air, cleanland and clean water, breeding habitatand food sources for threatened species,and unique landscapes for tourism andrecreation. A changing climate is drivingchange in species distributions, andin the composition and functioningof communities and ecosystems.Protecting ecological communities thushelps ensure other plants and animalsdo not become threatened.Australian Government programmessuch as 20 Million Trees and the GreenArmy, help create, improve, revegetateand rehabilitate habitat critical tothreatened species.The Australian Government contributesto improved habitat for threatenedspecies by working with partnersto improve the management of ourprotected areas and the quality of thethreatened species strategyreserve estate. By further strengtheningrelationships with communityand business to help support themanagement of our protected areas,we help to ensure that the reservesystem provides refuge and protectscritical habitat for threatened species.Especially important are partnershipswith Indigenous land and sea managers,with Indigenous Protected Areas makingup more than one third of the NationalReserve System.Through our policies and programmes,the Australian Government works withstate and territory governments, localgovernments, community groups andnon-government organisations to:• y protect significant vegetationcommunities, wetlands and marineecosystems• y re-establish vegetation connectivityand natural pathways such aswildlife corridors• y revegetate riparian and coastalzones which link aquatic andterrestrial environments• y create artificial wetlands• y ensure best practice managementof our reserve systemy • deliver broad landscape-scalerevegetation and managementof weeds

4 emergency intervention toavert extinctionsAt times, species may be pusheddangerously close to extinction orface significant impacts within ashort timeframe. A combination ofintroduced threats and environmentalfactors can significantly increase therisk of extinction and we must be quickto respond. In these situations, theAustralian Government may need toredirect resources and efforts to stabiliseand recover the species. This ActionPlan is thus intentionally flexible andresponsive to such changes.The Australian Government’s immediateand strategic response to an outbreakof Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease(PBFD) in orange-bellied parrots is oneexample of emergency intervention.New scientific evidence showed PBFDwas again in the population and killingyoung birds. This new outbreak has thepotential to render all wild breedinga failure. In initiating an emergencyresponse, the Australian and Tasmaniangovernments are partnering to supportdisease mitigation activities, improvethe captive breeding and recoveryprogramme and continue to supportcaptive birds that are released intothe wild.The Australian Government haspartnered with the TasmanianGovernment to provide an additional$525 000 to support the response,which will also trial new innovative nestboxes and a ‘soft release’ aviary to reduceother threats to survival while actions todeal with PBFD are implemented. Theresponse also involved an emergencymeeting of experts, chaired by theThreatened Species Commissioner,to build a cooperative andcoordinated response.Another successful example is theemergency response recently appliedon Raine Island, where changed sandprofiles on the beach caused sea turtlenests to fail and an alarming rate of adultfemale deaths. The science showedthat failure of the Raine Island breedingsite would result in a significant lossto the North Great Barrier Reef greenturtle population. In an emergencyresponse funded by the Queenslandand Australian Governments, sand onthe beaches was re-profiled and otherremedial actions were taken to reducethe number of turtles dying on therocks, and begin the process of longtermrecovery.page43threatened species strategy

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targetspage45threatened species strategy

targetstargets arenecessaryto ensureaccountabilityand can alsoincentivise action.The targets we have set in this ActionPlan are based on significant inputfrom experts and consultation withthe community. They also take intoaccount the Australian Government’sprioritisation principles. They focusaction where it is needed most, wherewe know we can be effective, and wherethe greatest benefit to threatenedspecies can be achieved. Not all groupsof animals and plants are explicitlyreferenced in the targets. They are thefirst installment.Accountability, monitoring andreporting are essential in all areas ofpublic expenditure, and Australia’sthreatened species deserve no less. Thetargets will be monitored, reviewed andreported on annually, and revised whereappropriate. Progress will be measuredand the management response adaptedif required. Accountability is alsobuilt into the targets themselves. Therecovery practices target, for example,includes the establishments of anannual reporting method for recoveryteams that is focused on actions andoutcomes. The NESP ThreatenedSpecies Recovery Hub will also supportthe delivery and measurement of thetargets. Approved projects include theresearch trials and on-ground actionsthat will help us meet the targets,and projects which support adaptivemanagement, science-based decisionmaking and monitoring and reportingenvironmental outcomes.The targets are intended to beflexible, responsive and adaptable.Implementing this first set will buildbroader momentum for speciesrecovery and also offer protection toother species that live in similar habitats.As we improve trajectories, demonstrateaccountability and mobilise moreresources for the tasks at hand, we willbe able to set new targets if necessary.Australia has committed toimplementing the Convention onBiological Diversity’s Strategic Plan forBiodiversity 2011–2020, which includesthe Aichi Biodiversity Target 12 toprevent extinction of known threatenedspecies by 2020. The targets in thisAction Plan build momentum for speciesrecovery and work towards achievingthis international commitment.page 46threatened species strategy

lferal cats eradicated from 5 isands10 feral-freemainlandfenced areas12millionhectares of feralcat management2020mammalsbirdsplants202030improved trajectories2020targets2improvedrecoverypracticesmillion cats culledpage47threatened species strategy

tackling feral catsand their impactsthe australiangovernment hasreleased a newthreat abatementplan for predationby feral cats.This Action Plan includes a numberof objectives and actions for reducingferal cat impacts on threatened species,based on advice from leading scientistsand on-ground pest managers. ThisAction Plan, which is consistent withthe new feral cat Threat AbatementPlan, focuses on delivering four feral cattargets:• y eradication of feral cats from fiveislands• y 10 feral cat free mainland exclosuresestablished• y best practice feral cat controlestablished across 10 millionhectares of open landscapes• y best practice feral cat controlimplemented in 2 million hectaresof Commonwealth landBy undertaking these feral cat controlactions, we will improve outcomes fora range of affected threatened speciesidentified under the other targets.The Australian Government will establisha Feral Cat Taskforce in the Office ofthe Threatened Species Commissionerto bring together officials across alljurisdictions and lead implementation,monitoring and reporting onprogress towards these targets. A keyconsideration of the Taskforce will beensuring that the management of otherinvasive species, such as foxes, rats andrabbits, is considered in areas where catcontrol is undertaken.Now• y Feral Cat Taskforce established• y Funding committed forestablishment of two new mainlandferal-free areas at Astrebla DownsNational Park and NewhavenWildlife Sanctuary• y Funding committed for expansionof an existing feral-free area atMulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary• y Funding committed forcommencement of feral cateradication programme on at leastone new island—Groote Eylandt• y Funding committed for up to1 million hectares of best practiceferal cat management in variouslocations across Western Australia• y Funding committed fordevelopment and trialling ofinnovative feral cat groomingtrap devices• y Funding committed for feral catdetector dogs to protect themountain pygmy-possum inKosciusko National Park NSW• y Feral cat Threat Abatement Planapproved and launchedy • Feral CatScan app to monitor andreport on feral cat sightings andmanagement actionspage 48threatened species strategy

Year 1• y Action commenced for feral cateradication on five islands• y Action commenced on threemainland feral-free areas to securethreatened species and identify twomore areas for action• y Undertake cat management across1 million hectares, using the besttechniques for each location• y Identify priority locations onCommonwealth land andcommence action for best practiceferal cat management• y Curiosity® cat bait approvedand deployed• y 100 per cent of feral cats culled inAustralia to be reported inCat Scan phone app• y 150 000 feral cats culled at thenational levelYear 3• y Eradication of feral cats underwayon five identified islands• y Five remaining mainland feral-freeareas identified and with actionsunderway• y 5 million hectares of cat control,using the best techniques foreach location• y Best practice feral cat managementacross 1 million hectares ofCommonwealth land• y 1 million feral cats culled at thenational levelYear 5• y Feral cats eradicated fromfive islands• y 10 feral cat free mainlandexclosures established• y 10 million hectares of feral cataction, using the best techniquesfor each location• y Best practice feral cat actionimplemented across 2 millionhectares of Commonwealth land• y 2 million feral cats culled at thenational levelDeliveryThese targets will be achieved through anumber of actions including;• y baiting• y trapping• y shooting• y fencing• y use of detector dogs• y improved fire and landmanagement practicesy • other science-based and innovativemeasures as they are developed andbecome available, on the basis thatthey are humane and effectivepage49threatened species strategy

tackling feral catsand their impactsreducing feral catnumbers nationallyThis Action Plan sets the nation anambitious vision for the eradication offeral cats, which are a major threat toAustralia’s threatened species. Manyland managers across Australia arealready culling feral cats as part of theirongoing land management practices.This existing effort, combined withrenewed commitment to action asa result of this Threatened SpeciesStrategy, should realise our ambitionto see a dramatic rise in the number offeral cats culled in Australia. Increasedabundance of threatened species is,of course, our headline indicator forsuccess, but having an ambition todramatically reduce the number of catsremains important. This is particularlyimportant as a catalyst to tackle feralcats from local to national levels andto bring a focus to measuring andreporting on action.This strategy, sets ambitious one, threeand five year feral cat eradicationtargets that as a nation we should worktogether to achieveYEAR 1 – 150 000 feral cats culledYEAR 3 – 1 million feral cats culledYEAR 5 – 2 million feral cats culledOf course this will not be easy toachieve, but it is important thatAustralia consolidates its efforts toreduce feral cat numbers and saveour threatened species.Feral CatScanTo assist in understanding our efforts inthis regard, the Australia Governmenthas funded and made available FeralCatScan, a national feral cat mappingand reporting system for landholders,community groups, local councils,Indigenous groups, regional NRMorganisations and pest managers.It is free and available for downloadonto iPhone and Android devices. Itenables real time recording of feral catmanagement activities, including feralcat sightings, eradication and impactson native species.This tool will enable us to capture catmanagement action already happeningand new action generated by thetargets in the Strategy. We call onLandcare groups, farmers, state andterritory governments, land managersand the community to report theirferal cat management outcomes intothe CatScan app to help achieve thenational targets.page 50threatened species strategy

threebiggestthreats toaustralianmammalspage51threatened species strategy

20 mammalsby 2020the australiangovernment iscommitted tosupporting improvedtrajectories of atleast 20 threatenedmammals by 2020.page 52This is a significant commitment,representing around one third of landbased mammals at risk of extinction.Recovery actions for these 20 mammalswill consider conservation advicesand recovery plans, and the impactsof threats such as invasive species,habitat loss, habitat alteration andfire. Addressing and implementing arange of other recovery actions suchas developing safe havens and securepopulations, captive breeding, habitatmanagement and other innovativetechniques will also support recovery.A range of existing programmes supportthreatened species. Strengthening theseexisting partnerships and collaboratingon new initiatives that align with theAustralian Government’s principles forprioritising resources and effort willallow us to meet these targets.Delivering actions in support of these20 priority mammals will support othernative flora and fauna, both threatenedand not threatened, that occur in thesame environment.threatened species strategyNow• y Funding committed for introductionof new genetic stock into captivebred eastern barred bandicootpopulation• y Funding committed for WestMacDonnell Ranges central rock-ratconservation work, including aerialbaiting of feral cats• y Funding committed for abrush-tailed rock-wallaby breedingfacility• y Funding committed under feral cattargets which will directly benefitmammalsAn initial group of 10 threatenedmammals has been identified for action,plus two earmarked for emergencyintervention. These include:--Numbat--Mala--Mountain pygmy-possum--Greater bilby--Golden bandicoot--Brush-tailed rabbit-rat--Eastern bettong--Western quoll--Kangaroo Island dunnart--Eastern barred bandicootAn additional two mammals identifiedfor emergency intervention:--Leadbeater’s possum--Central rock-rat

Year 1• y Action commenced for at least fiveof the 10 identified mammals (listedon the previous page)• y Planning complete on actions for 10identified mammals• y Action commenced for Leadbeater’spossum and central rock-rat• y Additional eight mammalsidentified for priority conservation,in consultation with partnersYear 3• y Actions underway for all 20mammals to improve theirpopulation trajectory• y At least 10 identifiedmammals demonstratingan improved trajectory• y Projects evaluated andmanagement adaptedwhere requiredYear 5• y 20 priority mammals haveimproved trajectoriesDELIVERYThese targets will be achieved througha number of actions including;• y building fenced areas• y habitat improvement• y captive breeding• y translocations• y invasive species control• y disease mitigation• y improved firemanagement practices• y native predator reintroductionpage53threatened species strategy

20 birdsby 2020the australiangovernment iscommitted tosupportingimprovedtrajectoriesof at least20 threatenedaustralian birdsby 2020.Recovering birds in danger of extinctionis possible because we have access tohigh quality science, we know what todo, and we can act in partnership withstates and territories, non-governmentorganisations and many committedcommunity groups. Continuedparticipation in existing bird recoveryprojects, as well as collaboration withpartners on new initiatives, will deliverthe best results. Supported actionswill reflect conservation advicesand recovery plans, and specificallytarget the threats. Addressing andimplementing a range of other recoveryactions such as habitat restoration andcaptive breeding, and other innovativetechniques like predator exclusiondevices at nesting sites, willsupport recovery.Threatened birds exist across a widerange of Australian habitats, includingwooded areas, deserts, wetlands andinter-tidal mudflats. Many of the actionstaken to protect birds also protect thereptiles, frogs and insects that exist inthe same habitat, as well as thehabitat itself.Now• y Funding committed forimplementation of critical recoveryactions in Tasmania for orangebelliedparrot, including ongoingcaptive breeding and release• y Funding committed for hoodedplover research and populationanalysis in NSW• y Funding committed for a goateradication programme onKangaroo Island, reducing thepressures on the glossy blackcockatooy • Funding committed for feral cat andfox control under Western Shieldacross more than 850 000 hectaresof conservation reserves, includingwestern ground parrot habitatpage 54threatened species strategy

An initial group of 10 birds has beenidentified for action, plus two foremergency intervention. These include:--Norfolk Island green parrot--Mallee emu-wren--Plains wanderer--Alligator Rivers yellow chat--Night parrot--Helmeted honeyeater--Norfolk Island boobook owl--Hooded plover--Eastern bristlebird--Regent honeyeaterBirds nominated for emergencyintervention:--Orange-bellied parrot--Western ground parrotThe remaining eight birds for action willbe selected on the basis of science andafter consultation with the community.Year 1• y Action commenced for at least fiveof the 10 identified birds(listed above)• y Planning complete on actions forall identified birds• y Action commenced fororange-bellied parrot andwestern ground parrot• y Remaining eight birds identified forpriority conservation and planningin place for action,in consultation with partnersYear 3• y Actions underway for all 20 birds toimprove their population trajectory• y At least 10 identifiedbirds demonstrating animproved trajectory• y Projects evaluated andmanagement adaptedwhere requiredYear 5• y 20 priority bird haveimproved trajectoriesDeliveryThese targets will be achieved througha number of actions including;• y habitat improvement• y captive breeding• y translocations• y invasive species control• y disease mitigation• y improved firemanagement practices• y building fenced areas• y native predator reintroductionpage55threatened species strategy

protectingaustralia's plantsmore than90 per centof australia'snative plantsare found nowhereelse on earth.Plants are the basis of almost allenvironmental systems, natural andman-made. Clean air and clean waterdepend on plants, and plants provideshelter and food for animal life.The Australian Government iscommitted to acting in partnership tosecure Australia’s plant species fromextinction. In line with internationaltargets, such as the Aichi Targets andthose set out in the Global Strategy forPlant Conservation, action is being takento help protect individual plant speciesand secure our floral heritage. Throughprogrammes like 20 Million Trees andthe Green Army, the Governmentis working with the community toprotect and recover many of Australia’sthreatened plants in the wild. Theseprogrammes are also supporting criticalrevegetation and restoration projectsthat will provide important habitat forAustralia’s most threatened animals.Partnerships are crucial for safeguardingAustralia’s threatened plants. TheAustralian Seed Bank Partnership, forexample, brings together Australia’snine conservation seed banks to createa safety net for Australia’s diverseflora. Importantly, the initiative is alsotaking steps to ensure seed collectionshave sufficient genetic diversity tocreate functional and self-sustainingpopulations in the wild.As part of the yearly cycle of reportingand revision, the list of identified plantswill grow, and may change, based onthe most up-to-date science.Now• y Seven Green Army Teams atKillalea State Park to undertakeweed removal, track construction,revegetation and fencing to protecttwo EPBC Act listed plant species(Cynanchum elegans and Zieriagranulata.• y Four Green Army Teams at TuggerahLakes to protect the bioconvexpaperbark and magenta lilly-pillythrough undertaking erosioncontrol, revegetation, site mappingand monitoring, weed control, seedcollection and propagation• y Four Green Army teams on thenorth coast of NSW to protectstinking cryptocarya habitat inseveral coastal littoral rainforest andvine thicket sites• y Planting 82 600 trees on theSouthern Yorke Peninsula in SouthAustralia to protect nationally listedplants including the silver daisybush, funded through the 20 MillionTrees Programmey • Enhancing the EPBC Act listedProteaceae Dominated KwongkanShrubland threatened ecologicalcommunity by planting over550 000 plants in the GondwanaLink corridor through the 20 MillionTrees Programmepage 56threatened species strategy

Year 1• y Ensure at least 80 per cent ofprojects funded through the 20Million Trees and Green ArmyProgrammes support the recoveryof threatened plants and animalsby providing suitable threatenedspecies habitat• y Recovery actions underway for atleast 20 threatened plants• y Recovery actions underway forat least 20 threatened ecologicalcommunity sites• y Priority species and communitiesfor on-ground recovery action andseed collection are identified• y Projects designed to fill gapsin collections and geneticrepresentativeness and supporton-ground recovery are identifiedfor priority species and communitiesYear 3• y Recovery actions underway for atleast 30 plants• y Recovery actions underway forat least 40 threatened ecologicalcommunity sites• y At least 50 per cent of Australia’sknown threatened plant speciesstored in conservation seed banksYear 5• y 100 per cent of Australia’s knownthreatened plant species storedin one or more of Australia’sconservation seed banks• y Recovery actions underway for atleast 50 plants• y Recovery actions underway forat least 60 threatened ecologicalcommunity sites• y At least 30 priority plant specieshave improved trajectoriesDELIVERYThese targets will be achieved througha number of actions including;• y seed collection and storage• y propogation• y revegetation• y building fenced areas• y translocations• y invasive species control• y disease mitigationy • improved firemanagement practicespage57threatened species strategy

improvingrecovery practicesrecovery plansand teams areneeded to helprecover threatenedspecies, andrecovery teamsneed good systemsand proceduresto supporttheir efforts.Successful recovery requirescollaborative and effective governancestructures to coordinate and rigorouslymonitor recovery action. As aconservation community, we mustbe communicating effectively, drivingcoordinated effort and supportingeffective models such as recoveryteams. The Australian Government iscommitted to improving the recoveryof our threatened plants and animalsand will ensure guidance and supportis provided to recovery teams acrossAustralia.Conservation advices and recovery plansare key planning documents that informand guide species recovery. They set outthe current knowledge and scientificunderstanding of our threatened plants,animals and ecological communities,and guide the action required tostop declines and support theirrecovery. They also outline potentialpartnerships and broader actions whichcan be undertaken by local councils,government agencies, non-governmentorganisations and community groups.Now• y Australian Government and majorityof states and territories agree tocommon assessment method forspecies listing• y Feral cat Threat Abatement Planapproved and launched• y Draft marine debris ThreatAbatement Plan released for publiccomment• y Comprehensive review commencedto identify high-priority threatenedspecies (including plants, fish, frogs,reptiles and invertebrates) andthreatened ecological communitieswhich require updated conservationadvices or recovery plansy • Identified birds and mammals inthe 2020 recovery targets ofthis Action Plan included in thecomprehensive reviewpage 58threatened species strategy

Year 1• y Australian Government and all statesand territories agree to commonassessment method for specieslisting• y All identified birds and mammalsin the 2020 recovery targets ofthis Action Plan have up-to-dateconservation advices or recoveryplans in place• y Based on comprehensive review,a work plan is established andcompleted to ensure conservationadvices or recovery plans areup-to-date for identifiedhigh-priority species andecological communities• y Database of all recovery teamsmade publicly available• y Australian Government, inconsultation with the states andterritories, publishes best practiceguidelines for recoveryteam governance• y Australian Government, inconsultation with the states andterritories, establishes method toallow recovery teams to reportannually on progress, with a focuson recovery actions and outcomesYear 3• y Australian Government and majorityof states and territories operateunder the common assessmentmethodology for species listing• y All 20 birds and 20 mammals with2020 recovery targets in the ActionPlan have up-to-date conservationadvices or recovery plans in place• y Based on the work plan, up-to-dateconservation advices or recoveryplans are in place for all high-priorityspecies and ecological communities• y All active recovery teams follow bestpractice governance procedures• y All active recovery teams reportannually on progress• y All projects funded under the20 Million Trees and GreenArmy Programmes, that involvethreatened species or ecologicalcommunity recovery, are guided bythe relevant conservation advice orrecovery plans• y Identified high-priority species andecological communities reviewed,and work plan for updatingconservation advices and recoveryplans is varied as requiredYear 5• y All states and territories operateunder the common assessmentmethodology for species listingy • Based on the updated work plan,effective and up-to-date recoveryplans, conservation advices andthreat abatement plans in placefor all priority species and threatspage59threatened species strategy

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accountability,monitoring andreporting on actionpage61threatened species strategy

measuringprogressthis action planidentifies keyaction areas andsets targets tomeasure progress.Monitoring and reporting is animportant part of any recovery effort.Reporting helps to validate efforts andpartners, maintain momentum foraction, and ensure effective andefficient investment.Regular measurement gives clarity onwhether investments are improving thetrajectory of threatened species andallows for adaptive management—learning from what has been done anddoing it better. Knowing how we aredoing is also important in reportingprogress against our internationalobligations such as preventing theextinction of known threatened speciesand improving their conservation status(Aichi target 12).The Department of the Environment’sThreatened Species Commissionercurrently reports twice yearly to theMinister for the Environment. Thesebiannual reports will cover the actionsidentified in the Action Plan andsummarise results of investmentsagainst them. Whether it’s the numberof animals or plants, numbers ofburrows or nests, or another moreappropriate measure, reporting helps tojustify investment and gives clarity onachieving value for money.To ensure thorough accountability,systematic annual reporting againsteach of the targets in the plan willbe completed by the Office of theThreatened Commissioner. This willoccur through engagement across alllevels of government, non-governmentorganisations, experts and communitiesinvolved in implementing the ActionPlan. Annual reviews of the Action Planwill also take account of improvinginformation and scientific understandingso that scientific evidence continues toinform action.page 62threatened species strategy

Measuring success and reportingalso has a national focus. Meetingsof Environment Ministers and theEnvironment Senior Officials Groupregularly discuss monitoring andreporting as a permanent agenda item.Improvement of existing monitoringand reporting frameworks, to bettertrack the impacts of our investments andthe recovery of species, will also allowfor better information to feed into ouradaptive management approach.The Australian Government has built onits investment into the Atlas of LivingAustralia to develop the Monitoring,Evaluation, Reporting and ImprovementTool (MERIT)—an innovative real-timedata capture and reporting system forenvironmental and natural resourcemanagement programmes. MERITwill provide accurate data on progresstowards many of the actions in theThreatened Species Strategy, particularlythose funded by the AustralianGovernment. Further refinement andcontinual improvement of MERIT willenhance our ability to measure theimpact of our actions on threatenedspecies and their recovery.Reporting of progress in recoveringthreatened species also occurs inreviews of individual recovery plans,the State of the Environment Report,scientific papers, state and territorygovernment reports, and evaluationsby non-government organisations likethe International Union for Conservationof Nature. All of these informationsources help to provide measurementof success.page63threatened species strategy

elated linksThreatened Species Strategy– www.environment.gov.au/ts-strategyThreatened Species Commissioner –www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/commissionerPlan for a Cleaner Environment –www.environment.gov.au/cleanerenvironmentEPBC Act and threatened speciesregulatory protection– www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatenedFeral cat Threat Abatement Plan– www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/tap/predation-feral-catsAustralia’s international role inconserving biodiversity– www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/international-activitiesand www.environment.gov.au/water/wetlands/ramsarNational Landcare Programme –www.nrm.gov.au/national-landcareprogrammeEmissions Reduction Fund -www.environment.gov.au/climatechange/emissions-reduction-fundThe Reef Trust – www.environment.gov.au/marine/gbr/reef-trustCommonwealth Environment WaterHolder – www.environment.gov.au/water/cewoIndigenous Land and Sea Managementprogrammes – www.environment.gov.au/indigenous/index.htmlParks Australia – www.environment.gov.au/topics/national-parksNational Reserve System– www.environment.gov.au/land/nrsCommonwealth Marine Reserves– www.environment.gov.au/topics/marine/marine-reservesAtlas of Living Australia – www.ala.org.auNational Environment ScienceProgramme – www.environment.gov.au/science/nespGreen Army Programme– www.environment.gov.au/land/greenarmy20 Million Trees Programme– www.environment.gov.au/land/20-million-treespage 64threatened species strategy

image creditsFront/back cover: Numbat, courtesyof Australian Wildlife Conservancy,W. LawlerPage 3: Mulgara, Ken JohnsonPage 4: Eastern barred bandicoot,Zoos VictoriaPage 5: Minister Greg Hunt releasingan Eastern bettong at Mulligans Flat,Jason CummingsPage 6: Mallee emu-wren,Gregory AndrewsPage 7: Threatened SpeciesCommissioner, Gregory Andrews with agrassland earless dragon, Rowan ParrPage 8 – 9: Yellow-footed rock-wallaby,Robert MacleanPage 10 – 11: Purple-crowned fairywren,courtesy of Australian WildlifeConservancy, A SkroblinPage 12 – 13: Mornington Bluff in theKimberley region, Nick RainsPage 14 – 15: Regent honeyeater,Dean IngwersenPage 16 – 17: Crested dragon, John ReadPage 16: Planning at Norfolk Island,Gregory AndrewsPage 18 – 19: Jervis Bay Territory,Michelle McAulayPage 18: Weed removal, Shane RobinsonPage 20 – 21: Western quoll, courtesy ofWestern Australia Department of Parksand Wildlifepage65Page 22 – 23: Kowari, Gregory AndrewsPage 24 – 25: Orange-bellied parrot,Mark HoldsworthPage 26 – 27: Trapping at Arid RecoveryRoxby Downs, Gregory AndrewsPage 27: Carnaby’s cockatoo,Robert MacleanPage 28 – 29: Golden bandicoot,courtesy of Australian WildlifeConservancy, R. KnowlesPage 30 – 31: Olearia pannosa,Todd BerkinshawPage 32 – 33: Tube stock, Departmentof the EnvironmentPage 33: Helmeted honeyeater,Nick BradsworthPage 34 – 35: Egg Island, Nick RainsPage 34: Martu ranger, Karlson Jefferies,with a WarruPage 35: Peter and Mary French on theirproperty in Western Victoria, Adam BlankPage 36 – 37: Bridled nail-tail wallaby,Dave WattsPage 37: Mountain pygmy-possum,Casey HarrisPage 38 – 39: Cravens Peak, Nick RainsPage 40 – 41: Lorna Glen Station,Gregory AndrewsPage 42 – 43: Mardo (yellow-footedantechinus), Robert MacleanPage 43: Green turtle in the Great BarrierReef, David HarastiPage 44: Stick insect, Rohan CleavePage 46 – 47: Leadbeater’s possum,threatened species strategyDan HarleyPage 48 – 49: Feral cat, Gregory AndrewsPage 50 – 51: Cat and phascogale,Frédy MercayPage 50: Feral cat eating crimson rosella,C. PotterPage 52 - 53: Numbat, Alexander DudleyPage 54 – 55: Hooded plover,Dean IngwersenPage 54: Gouldian finch, courtesy ofAustralian Wildlife Conservancy,S. MurphyPage 55: Helmeted honeyeaters,Iain StyckPage 56 – 57: Magenta lilly-pilly,Murray FaggPage 57: Cryptocarya foetida,Murray FaggPage 57: Olearia pannosa, Murray FaggPage 58 – 59: Terry Wilkerson andthreatened species community liaisonofficer, Department of the EnvironmentPage 59: Botanists voucheringspecimens, Department of theEnvironmentPage 60 – 61: Sunset over theScamander, Nick RainsPage 62 – 63: Grey nurse shark,David HarastiPage 63: Volunteers at Burnie,Department of the EnvironmentPage 64 – 65: Numbat, Robert MacleanPage 66: Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby,Keith Baseley

threatened species strategy

threatened species strategy