Dozens more unique Australian species, including the iconic pink cockatoo, were added to the threatened species list in March, highlighting the importance of urgent reform of the national environment law, the Australian Conservation Foundation said.
A number of fish, skinks, turtles and birds – including pink cockatoos, brown treecreepers, diamond firetails and south-eastern hooded robins – have been added to the list.
The red goshawk and the painted button quail have gone from ‘vulnerable’ to ‘endangered’.
“The pink cockatoo, which is about the size of a galah, has a stunning red and yellow crest and is found in arid inland parts of South Australia, Victoria, NSW and Queensland,” said ACF’s national nature campaigner Jess Abrahams.
“Many Australians would have been stunned by the beauty of pink cockatoos when they’ve seen them in outback areas.
“It’s shocking that dozens more unique Australian species have been added to the threatened species list in just the last month.
“Australia has a terrible record when it comes to protecting our unique species.
“We are a world leader in sending mammals to extinction – largely because we keep destroying their homes.
“Environment Minister Tanya Plilbersek has set a worthy target of no more extinctions.
“To stop more Australian wildlife from heading to extinction, the government must urgently strengthen our national environment law and adequately fund threatened species recovery.
“Scientists estimate $1.69 billion a year is needed to tackle Australia’s extinction crisis. We urge the government to include funding to halt extinction in next month’s federal budget.
“Extinction is a choice. We need to stop destroying wildlife habitat if our children and their children are going to be able to appreciate Australian birds and animals like we can.”
Header pic by Kristian Bell, Shutterstock
