Australia’s Minister for Environment and Water has this week listed the South-eastern Glossy-Black Cockatoo under national environmental law.
Listing a species under federal environmental law can provide it with the support of a recovery plan or conservation advice, funding and support to bounce back.
This listing is supported by a commitment of more than $200 million to help arrest species decline and restore populations of endangered plants and animals.
Minister Tanya Plibersek has accepted the Threatened Species Scientific Committee’s recommendation to list the South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo as vulnerable on the threatened species list under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
The species was severely impacted by the 2019-2020 Black Summer bushfires and prioritised for listing assessment in the wake of the fires.
A comprehensive statutory Conservation Advice is now in place to guide the bird’s protection and conservation.
A national Recovery Plan for the South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo will also be developed to further facilitate conservation action across its national range and to coordinate management across multiple jurisdictions and diverse stakeholder groups, including First Nations people and communities.
The Australian Government is investing more than $1 million in projects benefitting the South-eastern Glossy Black-Cockatoo through on ground actions including citizen science surveys and coordinating cross-jurisdictional monitoring, nest box installation, and revegetation and protection of the Black She‑oak, which is their main source of food and habitat.
“The damage caused by the Black Summer bushfires is still being felt today and can be seen reflected in these listings today,” Minister Plibersek said.
“The Australian Government has committed to establishing the Saving Native Species Program that will boost protection for many threatened species like these, combat invasive species, and strengthen conservation planning required under national environmental law.
“We are working closely with experts and community groups to help prevent species decline and restore populations of endangered plants and animals.
“These listings will ensure the prioritisation of recovery actions to protect both species and offer conservation guidance on a national scale.”
Feature image courtesy of Andrew Peacock | Footloose Fotography