Greens Northern conservation plan to tackle mammal extinctions
Media Release | Spokesperson Rachel Siewert
Thursday 19th August 2010, 11:15am
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in Environment Animals Biodiversity
The Australian Greens today have launched a comprehensive plan to tackle the wave of mammalian extinctions sweeping across Northern Australia.
“Over the last two decades there has been a dramatic decrease in the diversity and abundance of small mammals across Northern Australia. Serious action is needed now to halt this devastation,” said Senator Rachel Siewert, Greens resource management spokesperson today.
“Reports have recently indicated an 82% decline in mammal numbers and a 70% decline in species across Northern Australia.
“This decline has occurred across all types of land tenures including large conservation reserves. Even the iconic world heritage-listed Kakadu National Park has seen a 75% decline in numbers and a 66% decline in species within the last 15 years.”
The Greens say the science points to altered fire regimes and the impact of feral animals as the primary causes of this crisis.
“Feral cats obviously play a huge role by preying on our small mammals, but hotter and larger wildfires, with introduced and feral herbivores grazing their food sources, also play a key role.”
The Greens plan backs more research into threat mitigation and improved land management, and foregrounds the crucial role of Indigenous land management in delivering practical and sustainable solutions.
“Its clear that we need to be building on the success of existing Indigenous ranger programs and fire management to better manage our tropical savannahs, and that Indigenous Protected Areas will also play a key role,” said Senator Siewert.
“There are significant economic development opportunities for remote communities in Indigenous conservation – opportunities that build on the knowledge, strength and cultural commitment of Indigenous Australians to provide a future for outstations and homelands.”
The Greens Plan includes:
Establishing a Northern Australia Mammal Protection Program within DEWHA
Research into best practice threat mitigation for feral cats, fire management and introduced herbivores
Securing key refuge areas – including private land covenants and Indigenous Protected Areas
Implementing habitat improvement strategies & reintroducing mammal species in protected areas
“The Northern Australia Mammal Protection Program will cost $130 million over five years. Without it we could witness one of the greatest mammal extinctions in human history,” concluded Senator Siewert.
To read and download our Northern Mammals policy initiative, click here.
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