Half of Australia’s Most Threatened Species’ Habitats Remain Unprotected, Urging Immediate Conservation Action.

A recent study has revealed that nearly 50% of the remaining habitats for Australia’s most vulnerable species are currently unprotected, putting over 220 critically endangered species at heightened risk of extinction. The research, led by Griffith University and published in Biological Conservation, underscores the urgent need for improved state and national conservation policies to safeguard these species’ limited habitats.

This landmark study focused on “narrow-range” species—those with habitats spanning less than 20,000 square meters and distributed across fewer than six distinct patches. The research team evaluated the extent to which these habitats fall outside existing protected areas and assessed the agricultural potential of these unprotected lands, which raises the possibility of habitat loss due to land conversion.

The findings are stark: around 85,000 square meters of habitat—approximately 1% of Australia’s landmass—require immediate protection and management to help meet national targets for preventing species extinctions. Alarmingly, half of this critical habitat lies outside the current protected area network. This includes the entire habitat for 39 species, leaving them entirely vulnerable to environmental threats.

Dr. Michelle Ward from Griffith University’s School of Environment and Science highlighted the grave implications of these findings. “Species with small distributions are at a disproportionately high risk of extinction, especially when land-use changes threaten their limited habitats,” she said. “Protecting and managing the areas where these species live is vital to reduce their risk of disappearing forever. Unfortunately, conservation efforts in Australia have not yet adequately addressed these needs.”

The study also revealed that 55% of habitats outside protected zones possess some level of agricultural suitability, heightening the likelihood of these areas being converted for farming, which could result in devastating losses for the affected species.

Most of the species identified as critically endangered with narrow ranges are plants—228 species in total—followed by reptiles (20 species), frogs (14 species), various invertebrates excluding freshwater crayfish (14 species), freshwater crayfish (11 species), freshwater fish (10 species), birds (five species), and mammals (three species).

Jody Gunn, CEO of the Australian Land Conservation Alliance (ALCA), emphasized the importance of private land in conservation efforts. “It’s crucial to understand which species are hanging by a thread—those confined to very small areas or private lands,” she said. “Our work on the ground shows that the survival of many species depends heavily on what happens beyond the borders of national parks. Landholders across Australia care deeply about the wildlife on their property, and with the right policies and investment, this goodwill can translate into long-term conservation success.”

Dr. Ward also stressed the necessity for local, state, and national governments to prioritize protecting and managing habitats of these narrow-range species. She added, “Our study offers a model for identifying critical habitats for threatened species that could be adapted in other parts of the world.”

The findings send a clear message: protecting Australia’s unique and fragile biodiversity requires swift policy action, dedicated management, and collaboration with private landowners to prevent further losses of species teetering on the brink of extinction.

Source:https://phys.org/news/2025-05-habitat-australia-species-unprotected.html

This is non-financial/medical advice and made using AI so could be wrong.