Nick Duigan, Minister for Parks and Environment, 12 August 2024

Conservation efforts bring threatened species back from brink of extinction

Pest eradication efforts on Macquarie Island have seen two Tasmanian threatened plant species brought back from the risk of extinction.

They are among four species set to be delisted from the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995.

Minister for Parks and Environment, Nick Duigan, said the Tasmanian Government is committed to protecting the state’s unique species.

“I am pleased to announce that population growth and species recovery has led to recommendations for several species to be taken off the endangered species list,” Minister Duigan said.

“This is wonderful news for our state and is testament to the Government’s conservation efforts and our commitment to ensuring our wilderness, flora and fauna is well protected.”

The Threatened Species Scientific Advisory Committee has recommended delisting three flora species, the Cook’s tussock grass, the prickly shieldfern and the shade plantain as well as the humpback whale.

“Excitingly, Cook’s tussock grass and the prickly shield fern are no longer listed as endangered,” Minister Duigan said.

“They have both seen dramatic population growth since rabbits were eradicated from Macquarie Island in 2011, as part of the world-leading Macquarie Island Pest Eradication Project.”

The humpback whale is also no longer listed as endangered.

“This is due to an increase in its population size following the cessation of whaling in Australia. Now the number of humpback whales is close to the expected population size for their habitat,” Minister Duigan said.

“The species’ eastern Australian population was reduced to between 200 and 500 whales in 1962. So this delisting is a huge credit to the preservation works.”

The species retains significant protection in Tasmanian waters through the Whales Protection Act 1988 and the National Whale Viewing Guidelines.

“In addition, the shade plantain, a native perennial herb, is no longer considered at risk, or eligible for listing as rare, as it has been demonstrated to thrive on disturbance,” Minister Duigan said.

The Tasmanian Government will continue to work together with community, industry, researchers and agencies to coordinate and improve the conservation efforts for Tasmania’s biodiversity and threatened species. As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future a Threatened Species Fund to support conservation activities for priority species will be developed.

The recommended delisting is open for public comment until 2 September, with the official delisting expected to occur before the year’s end.

Featured image above: Macquarie Island in May 2024. Image by Pete Harmsen, supplied courtesy Australian Antarctic Division.