National Threatened Species Day happened just over the weekend on the 7th September 2019. The day marks the same date that the last known Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger) died in captivity in Hobart Zoo in 1936 - although some still hold onto hope that it remains alive in the wilds of Tasmania. Over the weekend I had the pleasure of spending National Threatened Species Day out at the Tutanning Nature Reserve. The reserve is located in the Wheatbelt in the Shire of Pingelly, and is approximately 220 ha in size. A range of threatened species still call this reserve home, including the Woylie, Numbat, and Red-tailed Phascogale.
Although we had no luck observing Woylie, Numbat or Red-tailed Phascogale, during our time at the reserve we saw a range of fauna including the elusive Tammar Wallaby, Echidna, Ornate Crevice-dragon, and Western Spotted Frog (image below). Despite being in a nature reserve, we also came across signs showing exactly why so many of our species are threatened. We saw a large feral cat following a track in the reserve, came across fox scats throughout the reserve, and saw weed ingress at the edges of the reserve. Now the purpose of this short blog, was to highlight just a few of our threatened fauna (many of which the general public are unaware of). The list below are the species listed as "Critically Endangered" in just Western Australia (as of September 2018). This is the same conservation status as the Bornean Organutan, the Sumatran Rhinoceros, and the Western Lowland Gorilla. In addition to those listed below, an additional 58 fauna species are listed as Endangered (the same conservation status as the Bengal Tiger), and an additional 134 fauna species listed as Vulnerable (the same conservation status as the Giant Panda). Critically Endangered Mammals:
Critically Endangered Birds:
Critically Endangered Reptiles
Critically Endangered Amphibians
Critically Endangered Invertebrates
Despite how alarming this may sound, environmental awareness around the country is growing each year, and events such as the Threatened Species Bake Off are a great way to promote awareness of the risks facing our threatened species in Australia. So next year, why not look up your favourite threatened species, get baking and get your work place involved!
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AuthorMy name is Garry and I am extremely passionate about the environment. I have completed my BSc. Conservation and Wildlife Biology with First Class Honours and have worked in the Environment sector since 2009. Archives
September 2019
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Photos used under Creative Commons from sean.kelleher1, BioDivLibrary, BioDivLibrary