Australia has added 13 species to its endangered list, including the pig-nosed turtle, Dalhousie catfish, Pugh’s sphagnum frog, and the Coffs Harbour Fontainea tree. This increase raises the total number of at-risk species in Australia to 2,224.
The Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) blames habitat destruction and climate change for the growing list of endangered species, exacerbated by the 2019-2020 bushfires.
ACF campaigner Darcie Carruthers criticized the current environmental laws and called for stronger regulations and an independent Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). The Albanese government has proposed establishing a national EPA and Environment Information Australia but has delayed the overhaul of national environmental laws.
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting native species, noting that while listing species as threatened is a crucial step, it is part of a broader effort to improve conservation.