New report reveals grim future for iconic Australian wildlife: ‘It'll only be in zoos’
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Australia is renowned for its unique and diverse wildlife, with numerous creatures that are found nowhere else on the planet.
However, a recent report paints a grim picture for the future of these iconic species in New South Wales (NSW), suggesting that many may soon only be seen behind the bars of zoos rather than in their natural habitats.
This alarming trend is not just a concern for NSW but serves as a dire warning for other states and territories across Australia.
The NSW Biodiversity Outlook Report for 2024, funded by the state government, is a sobering document that uses official data to project future trends in biodiversity.
It revealed that 50 per cent of the state's threatened species are expected to be wiped out within a century.
Even more concerning is the fact that the likelihood of survival for the 1,000 species on the NSW threatened species list has decreased by two percentage points in just ten years.
One conservationist described the findings as ‘calamitous’, while another stated that the outcome 'isn't surprising' given the ineffectiveness of current laws designed to protect the natural environment.
The report, which examines environmental data from 2007 to 2023, has led to some government reforms aimed at protecting wildlife, including the creation of new national parks and the culling of feral animals, which, aside from humans, are a major cause of extinctions in Australia.
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe acknowledged the dire situation, citing 'runaway land clearing' and the need to reform the state's controversial offset programs. These programs allow developers to destroy land by purchasing credits, a practice that has been heavily criticised by environmentalists.
‘Worryingly, this report confirms biodiversity is in decline and getting worse,’ he said.
‘Our species and the ecosystems they live in are facing serious threats including habitat loss, invasive species and climate change. The NSW Government is working hard to turn this around,’ he added.
Despite the government's pledges to address these issues, many conservationists remain sceptical about the likelihood of decisive action, especially as the threats to wildlife continue to escalate.
Recent revelations about the state government's logging agency failing to protect endangered greater gliders and the ongoing destruction of koala habitats by housing developers have only added to these concerns.
This follows a parliamentary inquiry that found that koalas would become extinct in the state by 2050 if the government did not take immediate action.
Despite this, both the state and federal governments have continued to support the destruction of the endangered koala habitat in southwest Sydney by housing developers such as Walker Corporation and LendLease.
They have also delayed the establishment of the Great Koala National Park on the Mid-North Coast.
Koala Rescuer Ricardo Lonza called the report’s findings ‘heartbreaking’.
‘It's truly sad that in the future our children's children won't see any wildlife in the wild, it'll only be in zoos,’ he said.
The report also highlighted the devastating impact of the 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires on biodiversity.
The Nature Conservation Council for NSW reiterated its warnings to the government that the state is facing a biodiversity crisis and that urgent action is needed to reverse the changes to environmental laws that have led to a tripling of habitat clearing since 2016.
Jeff Angel from the Total Environment Centre has called for legal changes to land clearing regulations, warning that without them, the 'calamitous decline in our environment' will continue.
He emphasised that the government's biodiversity report is a wake-up call that cannot be ignored.
‘The release of the government’s 2024 NSW Biodiversity Indicators Report is one big alarm bell, both environmentally and politically,’ he stated.
‘The last thing the Minns government should find itself with at the next election is a record of more clearing of native vegetation and more species sliding to extinction. This is a fundamental challenge they must not resile from,’ he added.
We invite you to share your thoughts on this issue. Have you noticed changes in the wildlife in your area? What actions do you think should be taken to address this crisis? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
However, a recent report paints a grim picture for the future of these iconic species in New South Wales (NSW), suggesting that many may soon only be seen behind the bars of zoos rather than in their natural habitats.
This alarming trend is not just a concern for NSW but serves as a dire warning for other states and territories across Australia.
The NSW Biodiversity Outlook Report for 2024, funded by the state government, is a sobering document that uses official data to project future trends in biodiversity.
It revealed that 50 per cent of the state's threatened species are expected to be wiped out within a century.
A new report revealed that half of the state’s threatened species could vanish in a century. Image source: Shutterstock
Even more concerning is the fact that the likelihood of survival for the 1,000 species on the NSW threatened species list has decreased by two percentage points in just ten years.
One conservationist described the findings as ‘calamitous’, while another stated that the outcome 'isn't surprising' given the ineffectiveness of current laws designed to protect the natural environment.
The report, which examines environmental data from 2007 to 2023, has led to some government reforms aimed at protecting wildlife, including the creation of new national parks and the culling of feral animals, which, aside from humans, are a major cause of extinctions in Australia.
Environment Minister Penny Sharpe acknowledged the dire situation, citing 'runaway land clearing' and the need to reform the state's controversial offset programs. These programs allow developers to destroy land by purchasing credits, a practice that has been heavily criticised by environmentalists.
‘Worryingly, this report confirms biodiversity is in decline and getting worse,’ he said.
‘Our species and the ecosystems they live in are facing serious threats including habitat loss, invasive species and climate change. The NSW Government is working hard to turn this around,’ he added.
Despite the government's pledges to address these issues, many conservationists remain sceptical about the likelihood of decisive action, especially as the threats to wildlife continue to escalate.
Recent revelations about the state government's logging agency failing to protect endangered greater gliders and the ongoing destruction of koala habitats by housing developers have only added to these concerns.
This follows a parliamentary inquiry that found that koalas would become extinct in the state by 2050 if the government did not take immediate action.
Despite this, both the state and federal governments have continued to support the destruction of the endangered koala habitat in southwest Sydney by housing developers such as Walker Corporation and LendLease.
A parliamentary inquiry revealed that koalas could become extinct in NSW by 2050. Image source: Pexels
They have also delayed the establishment of the Great Koala National Park on the Mid-North Coast.
Koala Rescuer Ricardo Lonza called the report’s findings ‘heartbreaking’.
‘It's truly sad that in the future our children's children won't see any wildlife in the wild, it'll only be in zoos,’ he said.
The report also highlighted the devastating impact of the 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires on biodiversity.
The Nature Conservation Council for NSW reiterated its warnings to the government that the state is facing a biodiversity crisis and that urgent action is needed to reverse the changes to environmental laws that have led to a tripling of habitat clearing since 2016.
Jeff Angel from the Total Environment Centre has called for legal changes to land clearing regulations, warning that without them, the 'calamitous decline in our environment' will continue.
He emphasised that the government's biodiversity report is a wake-up call that cannot be ignored.
‘The release of the government’s 2024 NSW Biodiversity Indicators Report is one big alarm bell, both environmentally and politically,’ he stated.
‘The last thing the Minns government should find itself with at the next election is a record of more clearing of native vegetation and more species sliding to extinction. This is a fundamental challenge they must not resile from,’ he added.
