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Background
Implications
Regional aspects
Indicators
Management responses
Future directions
Recommendations
Related issues
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Background Threatened species and threatened ecological communities (i.e. assemblages of plants and/or animals) are those that are at risk of extinction in the wild. Since European colonisation in 1803, 33 species are known to have become extinct in Tasmania (24 plants, 9 animals). The number of extinct ecological communities is unknown. Threatened species and/or ecological communities are recognised under two Acts in Tasmania, the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the State Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. The Commonwealth legislation recognises both threatened species and ecological communities. As at the end of 2001, 109 Tasmanian species and no ecological communities were listed. The Tasmanian legislation presently only recognises species, with 634 listed in 2001. However, there is an agreed process to prepare guidelines for the listing of threatened ecological communities under the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. This process is yet to be formalised. The Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement (1997) does however recognise threatened ecological communities in Tasmania, and lists 18 forest communities as being threatened. The Tasmanian Regional Forest Agreement (1997) did not cover non-forest communities (e.g. grasslands, heath), but a process is being used to determine the threatened status of non-forest ecological communities. The key threatening processes pushing Tasmania's species and ecological communities towards extinction are native vegetation clearance; pests, weeds and diseases; degradation of water systems; inappropriate use of fire; bycatch and illegal harvesting and inappropriate grazing regimes. Implications - The natural environment plays a vital role in the community's sense of place, belonging, history and well-being. Many people also cherish its aesthetic and intrinsic values. But in addition, and more pragmatically, the natural environment directly supports our society and contributes significantly to our economic wellbeing.
- A healthy environment underpins key economic sectors in Tasmania such as tourism, agriculture, horticulture, forestry, aquaculture and wild fisheries. Our environment gives us a competitive advantage in the market place as a producer of clean green, quality products.
- The economic and social wealth of Tasmania is thus inextricably linked into the region's natural resource base. In order to maintain this base it is essential that the species and communities that define ecosystems remain healthy and viable.
Regional aspects - Threatened species occur throughout the State, although many are concentrated in and around settlements. Threats to plant species are greatest in the settled agricultural districts, especially in the northern midlands and eastern Tasmania, where clearing has diminished available habitat. Likewise, most threatened animals occur in areas where their habitat is being lost or degraded.
- Eighteen threatened forest communities have been identified at the State level. These communities occur Statewide but are particularly concentrated on King Island, in the north-west, in the south-east and in the northern midlands where there has been extensive clearing for agriculture and related biodiversity losses. A distribution map of these communities go to the indicator: Threatened Ecological Communities.
- Many non-forest communities such as grasslands, woodlands and heath have been recognised as priorities for conservation. These communities are not recognised as threatened in any formal sense. These communities occur Statewide but the King and Northern Midlands bioregions have the greatest percentage of communities in need of conservation.
Indicators
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Threatened Ecological Communities - at a glance
- No Tasmanian ecological communities (i.e. forest, non-forest, animal communities) are presently (2003) recognised as threatened by Commonwealth threatened species legislation and the Tasmanian legislation only recognises species.
- As at 2003, one ecological community-natural temperate grasslands (NSW, VIC, ACT, SA and Tas)-had been nominated under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Forest communities - At the State level Tasmania has 18 formally recognised threatened forest communities (i.e. those identified by the RFA process in 1997).
- As at 2002 Tasmania had 200 forest components (i.e. components of the 50 RFA forest communities) that were recognised as bioregional priorities for conservation. Almost half of these (i.e. 92 or 46%) were old growth communities.
- The King bioregion supported the greatest area of bioregionally important communities with 1.8% of its total area being covered by non-forest communities in need of conservation.
Non-forest communities - As at 2002 the conservation priorities for non-forest communities in the Central Highlands, Southern Ranges and West bioregion had not been completed. Also, no old growth analysis had been done for any of the bioregions.
- Of the bioregions that had been analysed, 274 preliminary non-forest components were recognised as priorities for conservation. The King and Northern Midlands bioregions had the highest proportion of their areas containing bioregionally important communities in need of conservation: 14.7% of King and 13.65% of the Northern Midlands.
- The Northern Midlands also supported the greatest area (19,495 ha or 4.7%) of non-forest components that were in the highest priority category for conservation (i.e. in critical need).
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Threatened Species - at a glance
Flora- Broadleaf plants: Nearly one-third (29% or 272 of 958) of Tasmania's broadleaf plants are threatened of which 79 are endemic. Between 1995 and 2000, 16 species were de-listed but another four were added. There were 22 species listed as Extinct in 1995. By 2000 one had been de-listed and three species, which were thought to be extinct, were re-discovered (Spicer's everlasting (Argentipallium spiceri), Native gipsywort (Lycopus australis) and Clubmoss everlasting (Ozothamnus selaginoides)). The number of Endangered species (i.e. the most threatened category) increased from 29 to 40. Twenty-seven of the 40 remained unchanged in their status. Thirteen new species were categorised as Endangered. Two of these were not listed in 1995. Of the remaining 11 species, three were thought to be extinct, and eight species were in less threatened categories (i.e. four were Vulnerable and four were Rare). The number of Vulnerable species has not changed. Six species were removed from the 1995 list but another six were added in 2000.. Of the six removed four became more threatened (i.e. listed as Endangered) and two became less threatened (i.e. listed as Rare). The largest change for broadleaf plants was in the number of listed Rare species. In 1995 there were 186 but this had decreased to 167 by 2000. The changes outlined above reflect improved knowledge rather than greater or less pressure from threatening processes.
- Grasses, sedges, lilies, orchids: Twenty-seven per cent (159 of 585) of this group are threatened, of which 46 are endemic. Between 1995 and 2000, 33 species were de-listed from the Act. However at the same time 32 new species were listed. Twenty-six of these are Endangered meaning that they are in danger of becoming extinct in the wild. The greatest changes in threatened plant species status has been for this group. For example the number of species in imminent danger of becoming extinct (i.e. Endangered) has increased from five in 1995 to 50 in 2000. This is due to both improved knowledge and the taxonomic review of orchids (e.g. Jones et al. 1999).
- Conifers: Two of Tasmania's 11 conifer species (18%) are threatened, both of which are endemics. There has been no change in the number of threatened conifer species between 1995 and 2000. However, the creeping pine (Microstrobos niphophilus) has become more threatened. That is it was moved from a lower level of threat (i.e. Rare) to a higher one (i.e. Vulnerable), as it is more at risk from fire than previously thought.
- Ferns: Eighteen of Tasmania's 99 fern species (18%) are threatened, three of which are endemic. The number of threatened fern species decreased by one between 1995 and 2000. Oval wedge fern (Lindsaea trichomanoides) was de-listed because it was found to be more widespread than previously thought. Of the remaining 18 threatened fern species none have changed their status.
- Algae: In 1995 no algae were listed as threatened. In 2000 there was one species listed: Cystoseira trinodis, which is a brown marine alga. This alga has a widespread distribution in northern Australia and the Indian Ocean tropics and subtropics. Previously its southern most location had been Victor Harbour, South Australia. It was discovered in Tasmania in 1999 at Blackmans Bay, which is between Dunalley and Marion Bay on the east coast of Tasmania. It was listed as threatened due to its restricted distribution and the possible impacts from aquaculture (e.g. oyster farming).
- Lichen: In 1995 no lichen were listed as threatened. In 2000 eight species were listed of which one is endemic. This indicates improved knowledge and an increase in nominations.
- Mosses and liverworts: In 2000 no mosses or liverworts were listed as threatened in Tasmania.
Fauna - Mammals: Eleven per cent (9) of Tasmanian mammal species are listed as threatened. Of these, one is extinct (i.e. Tasmanian tiger), six are Endangered (i.e. they are very close of becoming extinct), one is Rare and one is Vulnerable. Between 1995 and 2000 two seal species were listed on the Act: the Subantarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis) and the southern elephant seal (Mirounga leonina). The New Holland mouse (Pseudomys novaehollandiae) was the only already listed species to become more threatened between 1995 and 2000. It has become more at risk due to its very limited distribution (i.e. there are only nine known populations) and because of the apparent decline in the numbers of populations.
- Birds: Of the 203 native birds in Tasmania 28 (14%) are threatened. Of the 28, seven are endemic (i.e. not found anywhere else in the world). Clearing of mature and old growth forest in Tasmania has been a major factor in causing the decline of many species. Several species are also more at risk than they were in 1995 such as the swift parrot and the wedge-tailed eagle, which are now Endangered (in imminent danger of becoming extinct in Tasmania).
- Reptiles: Almost one quarter (6 of 25) of Tasmania's reptile species are threatened. Of the six, two are endemic. Between 1995 and 2000 the number of listed species increased from five to six as the Chappell Island tiger snake (Notechis ater serventyi) was added. There are no extinct species. Of the five species listed in 1995 four remained unchanged in their status. However, the status of the Pedra Branca skink (Niveoscincus palfreymani) was changed from Vulnerable to Endangered, meaning that it has become more threatened.
- Amphibians: Of Tasmania's 11 species of amphibians only one is threatened: the green and gold frog (Litoria raniformis). Its status remained unchanged between 1995 and 2000. This species is also known from South Australia, most of Victoria and the ACT, and south-western NSW. In Tasmania it is found in the northern areas, with some occurrences in the east and south of the State.
- Freshwater fish: The number of freshwater fish species listed as threatened has doubled since 1995 making them the most threatened vertebrate animal group in Tasmania. Twelve of the 25 Tasmanian native freshwater fish species are listed as threatened, of which ten of the 12 are endemic. Threats include predation by trout, the introduction of the European carp and the physical and chemical changes to watercourses through damming, land clearing and some other land practices. It should be noted however that the rapid increase in the number of listed freshwater fish since 1995 does not represent a sudden decline in numbers, but rather results from the progressive assessment and nomination of species for listing under the new Commonwealth threatened species legislation.
- Marine fish: There were no marine fish species listed as threatened in 1995. By 2000 two species were listed: the great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) and the spotted handfish (Brachionichthys hirsutus). The great white shark has a global distribution but is most common in temperate waters. It is naturally relatively low in abundance, is reasonably long-lived and has relatively low natural mortality. Females do not reproduce until they are at least 4.5-5 metres in length, produce only a few young each time, and probably do not breed every year. This is a very different strategy to most fish, which may spawn millions of eggs each year. These characteristics mean that white shark populations are Vulnerable to human interference and would recover very slowly if reduced in abundance (see the CSIRO web site for more information). Spotted handfish are endemic to Tasmania. They are only found on sandy sediments at the bottom of the Derwent estuary and adjoining bays. They are listed as Endangered because they have undergone a drastic decline in their population numbers. The cause of the decline is unknown. However, it is thought that the decline is probably due to the introduced seastar (Asterias amurensis) which may be eating the egg masses or depleting the food supply of the handfish. Also, changed land practices over the long-term have increased soil runoff resulting in siltier sediments on the riverbeds. This has reduced the amount of natural sandy habitat for the fish.
- Invertebrates: The number of threatened invertebrates (i.e. animals without backbones) increased from 108 in 1995 to 116 in 2000. Of the 116 species, 109 are endemic meaning that they are not found anywhere else in the world. The 116 listed species include four freshwater crayfish, one worm, 50 snails, four spiders, three seastars, 12 beetles, one amphipod, one tapeworm, seven isopods (e.g. slaters), six moths and butterflies, three velvet worms, two cave harvestmen, two crickets, one grasshopper, one pseudoscorpion, one mountain shrimp and 17 caddis flies.
- There has been no change in the number of listed freshwater crayfish. In 1995 there were four listed species all of which are endemic to Tasmania: giant freshwater crayfish (Astacopsis gouldi); Mt. Arthur burrowing crayfish (Engaeus orramakunna); Scottsdale burrowing crayfish (Engaeus spinicaudatus) and Burnie burrowing crayfish (Engaeus yabbimunna). These four species remained unchanged in their status except for Scottsdale burrowing crayfish, which changed from Vulnerable to Endangered.
- There has been no change in the number or status of threatened worm species between 1995 and 2000. There is currently only one species listed; the Endangered Lake Pedder earthworm (Diporochaeta pedderensis).
- Snails make up the largest percentage of threatened invertebrate fauna in Tasmania. Snails represent 43% (50 of 116) of threatened invertebrates all of which are endemic except for two species. The number of listed species increased by three between 1995 and 2000. The threatened status for the 45 listed in 1995 has remained unchanged except for two species. The Stanley snail (Miselaoma weldi) has become more threatened as a result of increased knowledge of its status (i.e. in 1995 was Vulnerable but in 2000 was Endangered) and the southern hairy red snail (Austrochloritis victoriae), which was thought to be extinct, is now in the Rare category. One species Anoglypta launcestonensis (North-east forest snail) has been de-listed.
- The number of listed spiders remained unchanged between 1995 and 2000. Presently there are four listed species two of which are Rare, one is extinct and one is Endangered. The only change between 1995 and 2000 was the re-discovery of the Lake Fenton trapdoor spider (Plesiothele fentoni), which was thought to be extinct. It is now listed as Endangered.
- No seastars were listed in 1995. In 2000, three species were listed all of which are endemic.
- In 2000 there were 12 beetles listed as threatened, ten of which are endemic. This is an increase of two listed species since 1995. Of the ten species listed in 1995 eight have remained unchanged in their status. However, two have become less threatened (i.e. they were both listed as Vulnerable but are now Rare).
- There has been no change in the number or status of the listed isopods (e.g. slaters) between 1995 and 2000. There are seven listed species of which six are endemic.
- Five of the six listed moths and butterfly species have remained unchanged in their status between 1995 and 2000. The only change has been for the Tunbridge looper moth (Chrysolarentia decisaria), which was thought to be extinct in 1995 but has been re-discovered and listed as Endangered. The Pencil Pine Moth (Dirce aesidora) has been de-listed.
- There has been no change in the number or status of the listed velvet worms between 1995 and 2000. There are three listed species of which all are endemic.
- There has been no change in the number or status of the listed harvestmen between 1995 and 2000. There are two listed species both of which are endemic.
- There has been no change in the number or status of crickets and grasshoppers between 1995 and 2000. There are two listed cricket species and one grasshopper species all of which are endemic.
- There has been no change in the number or status of caddis flies between 1995 and 2000. There are 17 listed species all of which are endemic. Two of these are extinct, two are Endangered (i.e. close to extinction) and the remainder are Rare.
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Management responses Key management actions include the following: - The development of the Threatened Species Strategy by the Nature Conservation Branch, DPIWE, 2000. This strategy has been developed to outline the approach to conserving Tasmania's threatened species and aims to ensure that threatened species can survive and flourish in the wild; that threatened species and their habitats retain their genetic diversity and potential for evolutionary development; and that further species do not become threatened.
- The development of Tasmania's (draft) Nature Conservation Strategy, by the State Biodiversity Committee in 2001. This is an action plan to protect Tasmania's natural diversity and maintain ecological processes and systems. It identified a range of recommended actions.
- The protection of biodiversity on reserved land has been recognised as a priority. Areas that contain high value ecosystems and geodiversity have been set aside.
- However, threatened species and communities do not always occur on reserved land. The use and management of private land may not always be sympathetic to the needs of threatened species and communities. Hence, off-reserve conservation is recognised as having an important role in the maintenance of biological diversity. It is especially important in the eastern, central and northern parts of the State where land clearing in particular has been greatest, and the reserve network does not adequately conserve native plant and animal communities and habitat.
Future directions Possible directions for managing threatened species and ecological communities include the following: - Implement the Threatened Species Strategy (Threatened Species Unit 2000).
- Improve whole of government responses to address threatening processes.
- Amend the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 to:
- include listing of threatened ecological communities;
- address issues such as recreational and commercial propagation/management of threatened species and ex-situ cultivation;
- increase the capacity to identify and deal with key threatening processes (e.g. land clearance, weeds etc);
- review compensation mechanisms across all appropriate Acts; and
- review the enforcement provisions of the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995
- Improve State and Commonwealth co-operation in recovery actions especially when dealing with migratory species and species with national and international ranges e.g. whales, turtles, seals, seabirds etc.
- Encourage government agencies and landholders responsible for managing land on which threatened species occur to direct resources into conserving species through joint agreements.
- Expand outputs of information to increase awareness on threatened species, geodiversity and threatening processes e.g. listing statements, maps for Local Government, public information etc.
- Publicise the protected status of threatened species and the requirements for permits to take listed species.
- Clarify the relationship between permits and management agreements and restrict the issuing of permits where they further reduce threatened populations or habitat.
- Prepare recovery programs or listing statements for all endangered and vulnerable species in Tasmania, including the identification and protection of critical habitat where appropriate.
- List Tasmanian threatened ecological communities and/or bioregionally significant communities on the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. As at January 2003, only one ecological community-cool temperate grasslands-had been nominated.
- Develop processes in consultation with the stakeholders and the community to protect priority non-forest communities.
- Develop and maintain up-to-date information on the distribution of, and management prescriptions for, threatened species and ecological communities, and ensure that this information is readily accessible.
Tasmania Together and the RMPS Relevant Tasmania Together goals and standards for 'Biodiversity' are listed in the linked file. The Tasmania Together Progress Board reported on progress toward targets for benchmarks set (Tasmania Together Progress Board 2003). Indicators, targets and baseline data are available in the latest Progress Report June 2003. Further information, including progress report updates, is available from Tasmania Together. Involvement of the community, and the fair and orderly use of resources are also fundamental principles of the RMPS. The RMPS objectives have been developed to advance the principles of sustainable development. Recommendations
Related issues
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