Unique Tassie species disappearing
06 Sep 2004
The year 2004 has marked a worrying time for Tasmanian native species, with hundreds of plants and animals in the state now facing the threat of extinction.
There are now 657 species included on Tasmania's Threatened Species List (Threatened Species Act 1995). These include some of our most loved animals such as the sub-antarctic fur seal, tiger quoll, and wedge-tail eagle. More than 120 of these plant and animal species under threat are also unique to Tasmania.
A number of Tasmanian species have already become extinct including the thylacine (Tasmanian tiger), the Tasmanian dwarf emu, the King Island emu. Tasmanian plant species have also completely died out like the New Holland daisy and the coast banksia.
The major threats to species in Tasmania are;
- Landclearing is the single biggest threat to species in the state
- Pests, weeds and diseases
- Degradation of water systems
- Inappropriate use of fire
- Inappropriate and illegal harvesting
- Impact of stock
Australia is experiencing a wave of extinction which will only get worse. More than 1600 animals and plants are now on the threatened species list. A large number of plants and animals are moving into the threatened category for the first time, mainly as a result of climate change, landclearing, the impact of weeds and pests and the loss of habitat.
WWF-Australia believes Australia is still in a position to halt this trend but only if we take immediate and massive action on these issues.
Tomorrow, September 7th, is the anniversary of the death of the last Tasmanian tiger in captivity. This day is marked around Australia as National Threatened Species Day.
Interview opportununities with TSN Tasmanian Coordinator Peter McGlone on (03) 6234 3552 or email tsntas@wwf.org.au or WWF-Australia Press Office - Virginia Dew (02) 82021290 or email - vdew@wwf.org.au
