Queensland’s butt-breathing Mary River Turtle is one of 41 species on track to be declared critically endangered.
Australia’s Environment Minister, Tanya Plibersek, is facing a challenging task in preventing species extinctions, as experts warn that five Australian species are at immediate risk of extinction.
The Threatened Species Scientific Committee has expressed concerns about the increasing extinction risks to Australia’s biodiversity.
Some of the species facing immediate concern include native plants like the dwarf mountain pine and Diels’ wattle, as well as unique animals like Queensland’s Mary River Turtle and NSW’s Wollumbin hip-pocket frog.
The situation emphasises the importance of adapting regional plans to address species-specific threats and reforming environmental laws to protect Australia’s biodiversity.
