Northern Corroboree Frogs, Swift Parrots, Regent Honeyeaters and two species of rare orchids are now listed as ‘critically endangered’ in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to align with national listings.
Seventeen other nationally threatened species have also been added to the ACT Threatened Native Species List across various categories.
The status of these species was changed to reflect their status in the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.
This change will lead to stronger national collaboration for protection
of biodiversity.
Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Mick Gentleman MLA, said, “We will continue to work with other jurisdictions on monitoring, research and action for recovery of threatened species.
“Initiatives are in place to maintain the long-term survival of a number of these species, such as the successful Northern Corroboree Frog breeding program at Tidbinbilla.
“Since 2011, the breeding program has helped release hundreds of captive-bred Northern Corroboree Frogs back into the fragile high country wetland ecosystems that contain sphagnum moss.
“The ACT Government’s Woodlands Strategy is helping to restore and maintain the habitat for both the Swift Parrot and the Regent Honeyeater.
“The Canberra Spider Orchid and the Brindabella Midge Orchid are endemic to the ACT and are found in very small areas.
“Long-term action plans are in place to preserve the remaining populations in our nature reserves and in the Brindabella Ranges.”
