National Threatened Species Day takes place on the 7th of September every year. It marks the death of the last Tasmanian tiger (thylacine), which died in captivity in 1936. The day now serves as an important reminder about the more than 2,000 ecological communities, plants, and animal species currently threatened with extinction. We can change their future, but work has to start today.
What Happened to the Tasmanian Tiger?
The Tasmanian tiger was an Australian animal found in Tasmania, and was in fact the world’s largest marsupial carnivore. Despite a reputation for being fierce, “the tiger was semi-nocturnal and was described as quite shy, usually avoiding contact with humans”. It is estimated there were 5,000 thylacines existing at the time of European settlement.
Sadly, the combined impact of farming, habitat destruction, extensive hunting and the introduction of feral species led to the extinction of the thylacine. A push for change in the 1930’s came too late and just two months after the species had been granted protected status, the last thylacine living in captivity died.
What Does That Mean for us Today?
Unfortunately, many of our native species are now facing a similar fate to that of the thylacine all those years ago. Most species listed as threatened are under significant pressure from the impacts of “habitat destruction for agriculture, mining, and urban sprawl, as well as climate change fuelled bushfires and predation from invasive species such as cats and foxes”. National Threatened Species Day is a reminder for us all that with strong action and a balanced approach to progress and protection, we can change this and ensure these species survive in the Australian landscape for decades to come.
Here are Seven Species our Ecology Team Would Like to Shine a Spotlight on This Threatened Species Day.
Regent Honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia)
A true icon of Australian birdlife, the Regent Honeyeater is critically endangered and on the brink of extinction with only 400 individuals left in existence. Benjamin
Sunshine Wattle (Acacia terminalis)
A unique species of wattle, the Acacia terminalis is unlike most others in that it flowers through the colder months of autumn to winter. It is currently listed as endangered. We have had the opportunity to work with the species on a handful of sites in the Sydney area, where it is an endangered species. Keenan
Cumberland Plain Land Snails (Meridolum corneovirens)
The Meridolum corneovirens or Cumberland Plain Land Snails are different from introduced snails because they rely on fungi, which ties them directly to the soil and the balance of the woodland. To me, their presence shows that the ecosystem is still functioning, and their endangered status is a reminder of how important it is to protect these fragile environments. Alice
Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo inland subspecies (Calyptorhynchus banksii samueli)
My pick is Calyptorhynchus banksii samueli, or the inland subspecies of the Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo. Both the coastal and inland subspecies of the Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo are vulnerable, but my specific choice comes from a love of such a beautiful native bird coupled with our incredible outback. Jasper
Eastern Quoll (Dasyurus viverrenus)
Originally populating a large amount of the South-east mainland of Australia, since 1963 the Eastern Quoll is now only found in Tasmania. Quolls are special in being one of the few carnivorous marsupials, and the Eastern Quoll’s change in distribution is reflective of how species are more successful the less we negatively impact their environment. Thomas
Nodding Geebung (Persoonia nutans)
I’ve come across it quite a bit in the Penrith area on the Cumberland Plain, and it always stands out to me as a really special species. It’s vulnerable and quite restricted in where it grows, which makes every encounter with it feel significant. Alice
Wollemi pine (Wollemia Nobilis)
The Wollemi pine is one of the most critically endangered tree species and was thought to be extinct until it was discovered in the Blue Mountains in the 1990’s. One of the oldest living trees in existence, I chose it because I think it’s a beautiful and unique tree that makes history feel alive. Kye
