Critical Numbers

It has been estimated, more than 100 threatened species have been hit hard by the 2019/2020 bush fires throughout Australia. This could place many species in the critically endangered or extinct categories. A large number of these threatened species have lost approximately 80% of their habitat. The worst affected mammal is believed to be the Kangaroo Island dunnart (an endangered mouse like marsupial endemic to the 160 klm long South Australian Island). Some of the critically affected species are the endangered Long-footed potoroo in NSW and VIC, the glossy black cockatoo in SA, the Blue Mountains water skink, the Rufous scrubbird and three critically endangered turtles. There are many other native species that have never reached the threatened list however there is now growing concern, that once scientists are aloud onto the fire ravished bush lands, they will be better equipped to make a true estimate on what number of species have been affected. The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) needs to be reviewed and updated urgently to include an ongoing breeding/release/monitoring programs for our endangered species. This must continue for some time after the release of these animals.