Threatened SpeciesStrategy for Tasmania

DEPARTMENT ofPRIMARY INDUSTRIES,

WATER and ENVIRONMENT

Threatened Species Strategy for Tasmania

Published by:

Threatened Species UnitNature Conservation BranchDepartment of Primary Industries, Water and Environment134 Macquarie StreetHobart, Tasmania, 7000

ISBN: 0 7246 6208 1

Citation: Threatened Species Strategy 2000 Nature Conservation Branch,Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment

Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review aspermitted under the Copyright Act, no part of this document may be reproduced by anymeans without the permission of the Manager, Threatened Species Unit.

Published November 2000Reprinted 2003

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strategyThreatened Species Strategy

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Contents i

Glossary iiExecutive Summary 1Why a Threatened Species Strategy? 2

Extinction is Forever 2The Magnitude of the Problem 2Causes of Endangerment 3Legal Obligations 4Making it Work 4The Benefits 5

What This Strategy Does 6Principal Aims of the Strategy 6Guiding Principles for the Strategy 6Threatened Species Management 6

The Key Threatening Processes Approach 6The Priority Threatened Species Approach 7

Implementing the Strategy 7

The Key Threatening Processes 8Threat Abatement Plans 9Native Vegetation Clearance 10Pests, Weeds and Diseases 11Degredation of Water Systems 13Inappropriate Use of Fire 14Inappropriate or Illegal Harvesting 16Impact of Stock 17

Priority Threatened Species 18Setting Species Priorities 18Listing Statements 20Critical Habitat 21Recovery Plans 22Land Management Plans and Agreements 22

Recognising Threatened Ecological Communities 23

Involving the Community 24Community Education and Information 24Community Involvement 25

Working With Land Owners, Land Managers and Industry 26

Social and Economic Factors 27

Research and Monitoring 28

Resourcing and Implementing the Strategy 29

Reviewing the Strategy 30

TablesTable 1 Number of Tasmanian Threatened Species listed in 1998 2Table 2 Key Threatening Processes and Examples of Biota Most Affected 7Table 3 Examples of approaches to threatened species conservation

which will benefit more than one threatened species 20Table 4 Examples of Species Identified By Priority Criteria 20

Glossary

Agricultural Code of Sustainable Grazing Management: Code for the maintainance of naturalsystems and processes within agricultural grazing regimes.

Biota: All of the species of plants and animals at a particular locality.

Bycatch: The incidental catch of marine species that occurs while fishing for commerciallyharvested species.

Critical habitat: The whole or any part of the habitat that is essential to the survival of a speciesof flora or fauna listed on the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995, which may require specialmanagement considerations or protection.

Ecological community: An assemblage of native species that interact with each other andoccupy a common geographical area in the wild.

Endemic: Confined to a particular area, so that for example, a Tasmanian endemic speciesoccurs naturally only in Tasmania.

Extinct: Not located in the wild during the past 50 years and not in captivity or cultivation.Presumed extinct species are those that have not been found in recent years despite thoroughsearching.

Ex situ: In cultivation for plants and in captivity for animals (rather than in the wild), includingsituations where species are translocated to areas where they would not normally occur.

Fauna: Native animals, whether vertebrate or invertebrate, in any stage of biologicaldevelopment and includes eggs and any part of the animal.

Flora: Native plants, whether vascular or non-vascular, in any stage of biological developmentand any part of plants.

Habitat: The area, locality, site or particular type of environment, or any part of them, occupiedor used by any flora or fauna.

Integrated Catchment Management: The sustainable development of land, water, vegetationand other natural resources on a catchment basis to achieve agreed natural resourcemanagement objectives.

Land: Includes land covered by the sea or other waters and any part of the sea or waterscovering that land.

Landholder: The owner, occupier, manager, or controller of land or water or someone acting ontheir behalf.

Recovery plan: A plan made under section 25 of the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995, forany species of flora or fauna which is under threat of extinction.

Species: A population or group of individual flora or fauna which interbreed to produce fertileoffspring or which possess common characteristics derived from a common gene pool.

Environmental Flows: Flows in river/stream situations required to maintain natural ecologicalprocesses.

Strategy: Considered system or approach for resolving a situation.

Taxon: A taxonomic group of any rank into which organisms are categorised.

Threat abatement plan: A plan made and in force under section 27 of the Threatened SpeciesProtection Act 1995. The threat abatement plan deals with any process which, in the opinion ofthe Director, is a threatening process.

Threatened species: Flora or fauna that is listed in Schedule 3, 4 or 5 of the Threatened SpeciesProtection Act 1995. That is, species or subspecies listed as extinct, endangered, vulnerable orrare.

Threatening process: Any process which, if continued, would pose a threat to the naturalsurvival of any species of native flora or fauna.

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Executive SummaryMore than 600 species of plant and animal

are threatened in Tasmania. They are classifiedaccording to their level of threat asendangered, vulnerable or rare in theschedules of the Threatened Species ProtectionAct 1995.This Strategy has been developed to outline

the approach to conserving Tasmania'sthreatened species and has the followingaims:● To ensure that threatened species can

survive and flourish in the wild;● To ensure that threatened species and

their habitats retain their geneticdiversity and potential for evolutionarydevelopment;

● Prevent further species becomingthreatened.

The Strategy takes two broad approachestowards these objectives:1. Addressing key threatening processes2. Addressing priority threatened species

There are many threatening processes whichimpact on Tasmania's native flora and fauna.In this Strategy six processes are identified ashaving the greatest impact and are consideredin detail:● Clearance of native vegetation;● Impacts of pests, weeds and diseases;● Degradation of water systems;● Inappropriate use of fire;● Inappropriate and illegal harvesting;● Impacts of stock.

Each of these processes is discussed,objectives are developed for addressing theprocess and a number of actions areidentified. The success of these actions inmitigating each threatening process ismeasured with a range of performanceindicators that are outlined for each process.Threat abatement plans are to be drawn upfor each threatening process.Addressing threatening processes as opposed

to an individual species approach is not onlyefficient but more cost effective as singleactions may help the conservation of severalspecies.Despite identifying, developing and

implementing threat abatement plans, therewill continue to be a need to addressindividual threatened species. The need may

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be urgent, there may be a number ofthreatening processes at work or there may beno particular process affecting the species butan action which can be simply addressed toconserve the species.As there are so many listed species, it is

necessary to prioritise those in greatest needof action. The Strategy looks at methods forprioritisation of individual threatened species.Factors considered may included the species’distinctiveness, its cultural significance, itsreservation status or its level of endemism.Seven primary mechanisms are addressed in

the Strategy in order to integrate threatenedspecies conservation across all sections of theTasmanian community:1. Community participation;2. Working with land owners, land managers

and industry;3. Consideration of social and economic

factors;4. Establishing an adequate knowledge base;5. Improving resources for implementing the

strategy;6. A recognition of threatened ecological

communities;7. Reviewing the Strategy.

A range of implementation actions has beendeveloped to address each of these primarymechanisms.This Strategy has been developed with the

aim of involving all Tasmanians in the work ofconserving threatened species. To besuccessfully implemented it needs the support,understanding and participation of all parties.It is important that the needs of landholdersare taken into account and that economic andsocial impacts are fully understood by all sides.Endorsement of this Strategy by the keystakeholders including Government will be amajor step towards its successfulimplementation.The impetus for implementing this strategy

must be driven by Government and its manyarms especially the Threatened Species Unit ofthe Department of Primary Industries, Waterand Environment but must also include thesupport of key community groups, e.g.Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Aassociationand Tasmanian Conservation Trust. Themechanism for implementation will bethrough an Implementation Plan to bedeveloped by the Threatened Species Unitwhich contains a budget linked to timeframe.

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Why A Threatened Species Strategy?

Extinction is ForeverThe current global rate of extinction of

plant and animal species has no historicalprecedent and is disturbingly high,considerably greater than the rate ofextinctions that would occur naturally.Within the last 200 years, Australia has seena wave of plant and animal extinctions. Sogreat is the human impact since Europeansettlement that 50% of the known mammalextinctions worldwide since then haveoccurred in Australia. Tasmania is notuntouched. The Tasmanian thylacine, oncethe largest carnivorous marsupial in theworld, became extinct throughoverhunting, as did the Tasmanian dwarfemu and King Island emu. The MacquarieIsland parakeet and and Macquarie Islandrail became extinct mainly through thepredation by feral cats introduced to theisland. A significant number of plantextinctions have also occurred in Tasmaniamainly through land development whichresulted in the loss of habitat. Plants extinctin the wild in Tasmania include the giantNew Holland daisy, the brown guinea-flower, the black bristle-rush and the coastbanksia. In total, 41 plant and animalspecies are recorded as having becomeextinct in Tasmania in the last 200 years. Government and community attitudes

toward nature conservation have changeddramatically since European settlement.The days of bounties for the destruction ofthylacines and wedge-tailed eagles are nowno longer acceptable. Government policyis now reflecting that change.

The Magnitude of the Problem The magnitude of the problem in

Tasmania is highlighted by the listing onthe Threatened Species Protection Act 1995of some 600 species of plant and animalrecognised as being threatened. The statusof thousands of other native speciesremains unknown. The number ofthreatened species may well increase asknowledge of our flora and fauna improves,especially of non-vascular plants and marinespecies which are at present poorlydescribed and understood. Some speciesalready at risk may not be currently listed.Most of the processes which have led to

species becoming threatened are stilloperating and action is urgently needed tomanage them.

Table 1: Number of Tasmanian threatened specieslisted in 1999

Many ecological communities such asgrassland and dry forests have declinedsignificantly since European settlement. Somecommunities have been reduced to smallremnants while others are highly restricted indistribution due to particular conditions suchas an unusual rock or soil type. Such highlylocalised ecological communities are in aprecarious position and are easily destroyed ifdisturbed. Loss of ecological communitiesmay include loss of species specially adaptedto these habitats or situations. This mayinclude some species which have not yet beendescribed, particularly invertebrates and non-vascular plants.Threatened species are classified into 3 levels

in Tasmania to reflect their risk of extinction. These are:Endangered: taxa in danger of extinctionbecause long-term survival is unlikely whilethe factors causing them to be endangeredcontinue. Also includes species presumedextinct since European settlement.Vulnerable: taxa likely to becomeendangered while factors causing them to bevulnerable continue.Rare: taxa with small populations in Tasmaniathat are not endangered or vulnerable but areat risk.

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Group Extinct Endangered Vulnerable Rare Totals

Broadleaved plants 22 30 47 187 286

Conifers 0 0 1 1 2

Ferns 1 1 6 11 19

Grasses, sedges, lilies 6 5 5 144 160

Lichens 1 0 1 2 4

Mammals 1 3 1 2 7

Birds 4 5 11 6 26

Reptiles 0 1 5 0 6

Amphibians 0 0 1 0 1

Fish 0 3 5 5 13

Invertebrates 6 10 19 83 118

Totals 41 58 102 441 642

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Weed invasion and changes to fire regimesmay increase plant competition and preventregeneration, increasing the threat ofextinction for species such as South Esk pine(Callitris sp. aff. oblonga), which is already atrisk because of habitat clearance.Tasmania’s animals are similarly threatened

by habitat clearance and degradation. Manyof Tasmania’s threatened vertebrates are birds.Sea birds like albatross (Diomedea sp.) arethreatened by inappropriate fishing practices,destruction of nesting sites and predation byintroduced pests. Forest birds such as theforty-spotted pardalote (Pardalotusquadragintus) and swift parrot (Lathamusdiscolor) are threatened by loss of specific treetypes. Freshwater fish are an extremelyendangered animal group in Tasmania andinclude the endemic Pedder galaxias (Galaxiaspedderensis), which is close to extinctionfollowing the flooding of Lake Pedder in the1970s.Invertebrates are a less well known group of

animals but still feature prominently in the listof threatened species. Best known is the giantfreshwater crayfish (Astacopsis gouldi) whichhas been threatened by fishing andmodification to stream vegetation and waterquality. Velvet worms, stag beetles and otherground dwelling insects rely on fallen logs,leaf litter and understorey species for survival.Loss of this habitat through too frequentburning, grazing, clearing or loggingthreatens these species.Common threats to many of Tasmania’s

listed species can be readily identified. Byaddressing these threats across the State, theconservation of many species can be achievedin an efficient and cost effective manner.However, it is clear that some species listed asvulnerable or endangered are in need ofimmediate and individual attention ifimminent extinction is to be avoided.

Causes of EndangermentHuman actions represent the greatest threat

to plant and animal survival and habitat.These include activities such as land clearingand development, inappropriate grazing orfishing, and individual recreational activitiessuch as four wheel driving and evenbushwalking. Human modification of naturalprocesses such as the fire and flooding cyclesor drainage patterns also affect speciespopulations. When these actions threaten aspecies, they can be described as threateningprocesses. Threatened species cannot beadequately dealt with unless the process thathas led to them becoming threatened isrecognised and addressed. It is thisconnection that holds the key to conservingTasmania’s threatened species.

In Tasmania threats to plant species aregreatest in settled agricultural districts,especially the Midlands and eastern Tasmania.Here many native grasslands and grassywoodlands have been cleared, reducingavailable habitat for species such as theTunbridge buttercup (Ranunculus prasinus)and eastern-barred bandicoot (Peramelesgunnii). In heathlands and dry sclerophyllforests, the introduced plant pathogenPhytophthora cinnamomi is threatening manyspecies, such as the heath Epacris barbata.

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Tasmanian Thylacine

Tunbridge buttercup

Pedder Galaxias

Legal Obligations, State, Nationaland International LinksGovernments around the world recognise

the problem of threatened species as beingof global importance. To address it,international conventions have beenestablished that place obligations andresponsibilities on member nations. Theseinclude the International BiodiversityConvention, the Convention on theInternational Trade in Endangered Species(CITES), The Convention on Wetlands ofInternational Importance (Ramsar), Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement(JAMBA) and China-Australia Migratory BirdAgreement (CAMBA). As a party to theseconventions, the Commonwealthgovernment and through it, the States,territories and the community haveaccepted the international responsibility toconserve Australia’s biological diversity.Through the conventions, we not onlyrecognise our duty to protect our ownbiological diversity as a component of theglobal biological heritage but also ourresponsibility to conserve the species thatmigrate seasonally to Australia thereforeequally form part of the biological heritageof other nations.The Commonwealth and Tasmanian

governments have adopted a cooperativeapproach to conserving threatened species.A range of inter-governmental agreementssuch as the Intergovernmental Agreementon the Environment, National Strategy forConservation of Australian Species andEcological Communities Threatened withExtinction, and The National Strategy forthe Conservation of Australia’s BiologicalDiversity identify the responsibilities ofTasmania and the Commonwealth andmeans of implementing the strategies.Programs such as the Natural Heritage

Trust and the Regional Forest Agreementare national initiatives which includesubstantial provision for the conservation ofthreatened species.The Tasmanian government has further

provided for the conservation of threatenedspecies and management of threateningprocesses through the provisions of theThreatened Species Protection Act 1995. Inaddition to a range of voluntarymechanisms and options, the Act providesfor a number of formal instruments toconserve threatened species. These includethe identification of critical habitat,imposing of interim protection orders, the

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making of land management plans, recoveryplans and threat abatement plans, publicauthority management agreements and forthe issuing of permits, etc. The Act has effectover all land tenures in Tasmania.The Act also requires the preparation of a

Threatened Species Strategy. The strategy isto include proposals for:(a) ensuring the survival and conditions for

evolutionary development in the wild, ofthreatened native flora and fauna;

(b) ensuring the identification and propermanagement of threatening processes;

(c) education of the community in respectto conservation and management ofthreatened native flora and fauna; and

(d) ensuring the availability of resources toachieve the objectives of conservationand management of threatened nativeflora and fauna.

The Strategy is also to consider:• achieving its objectives with minimal

social and economic impact; and • the rights and interests of landholders

and the community.

To connect protection of threatened specieswith wider land management requirements,the objectives of the threatened speciesprotection system established by theThreatened Species Protection Act 1995 are insupport of the Resource Management andPlanning System of Tasmania and itssustainable development objectives.The Threatened Species Strategy for

Tasmania will be an important component ofthe proposed Tasmanian Biodiversity Strategyand will ensure that a biodiversity approachwill be taken towards threatened speciesconservation management. To be successfullyimplemented the strategy must be adoptedby all other State instrumentalities in theirpolicies, e.g. Forestry Tasmania, HEC,Department of Transport, etc.

Making It WorkThe Threatened Species Strategy applies

throughout Tasmania and covers theTasmanian landmass, offshore islands andState waters. Responsibility for conservationof threatened species and their habitats restswith everyone in the community. Threatenedspecies occur throughout the landscape onprivate land, in the forest estate, on Crownlands and in reserves in Tasmania and

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throughout the marine environment.Threatening processes include activitiesundertaken directly or on behalf of all of us bygovernments, industry, landholders and thegeneral community. Some practices andactivities may not yet be widely understood asthreatening processes and a problem forthreatened species conservation.

The government alone cannot conservethreatened species. Success relies on themanagers and users of the land on whichthreatened species occur also being involved.The Tasmanian government recognises thatprotecting threatened species can coexist withother appropriate resource management anduses. To be successful and ensure ongoingsupport, the cooperation and involvement oflandholders, industry and the generalcommunity is critical in managing for theconservation of threatened species, and insuccessfully reducing the numbers facingextinction. Together, all Tasmanians have arole to play and a duty of care to halt andreverse the negative trends that have takenplace over the past 200 years.Along with threatened species conservation,

social and economic issues related to the useof their habitat are also significant issues forthe future prosperity of Tasmania. Threatenedspecies conservation needs to be integratedwith social and economic concerns to providelong term benefits and security for all. Thechallenges of threatened species conservationand management are faced by the wholecommunity. The rights and interests oflandholders and the community need to berecognised in resolving threatened speciesissues by reconciling land managementobjectives with conservation goals.Integration of the objectives for conserving

threatened species with planning proceduresis important. Threatened species issues can

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be identified and jointly resolved to provideunderstanding and lasting, successfuloutcomes. Everyone should have theopportunity to be involved.

The BenefitsThreatened species conservation provides a

range of benefits and opportunities such as acompetitive edge in marketing or solutions tobroader land management problems. Howwell we deal with our environment, includingthreatened species, will have repercussions forTasmania’s “clean, green” image and isfundamental to ecologically sustainabledevelopment. The challenge to allTasmanians is to ensure that while we meetour material needs, basic ecological andevolutionary processes are protected and wedo not jeopardise the survival of ourfascinating and unique wildlife.

Benefits of Protecting Threatened Species1. The Web of Life. All species are

fundamental parts of systems which providethe basics of life, including the oxygen webreath, the water we drink, generation andmaintenance of topsoil and pollination ofcrops. The accelerated loss of speciesindicates fundamental problems with ourlife support systems. We need to maintainthe ability of our life support systems torespond to change.

2. Intrinsic values. The intrinsic right ofthreatened species to exist and theiraesthetic and symbolic values are respectedby many Tasmanians who wish to preserveour unique plants, animals and ecosystems.

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Grassy woodland and sandstone land clearance

Swift parrot

3. Economy. The economic benefits of ournative species and some of ourthreatened species are increasingly beingrecognised. They are an essentialresource for developing biologicalcontrol of pests and diseases and providea tourist attraction.

4. Genetic diversity. Advances inbiotechnology depend heavily ongenetic diversity, for example, thedevelopment of crop species resistant todisease. Any loss of genetic diversity inspecies over time may mean an inabilityto evolve in changing environments andconditions, for example caused byclimate change or disease outbreaks.

5. International and national reputationand cooperation. Tasmania benefitsfrom meeting its international andnational responsibilities. The result is arespect of our environmental credentials,greater cooperation from other Statesand the ability to sell Tasmania as “cleanand green.” These are achievements ofwhich we can be proud.

What This Strategy Does

Principal Aims of the StrategyThe aims of the Tasmanian Threatened

Species Strategy are derived from and areconsistent with the objectives of theAustralian National Strategy for theConservation of Australian Species andCommunities Threatened With Extinctionwhich has been endorsed by the Tasmanianand Commonwealth governments. Thisprovides for continuity and cooperation inapproach between state and nationalthreatened species management programs.The aims are to:1. Ensure that threatened species can

survive and flourish in the wild.2. Ensure that threatened species in their

habitats retain their genetic diversity andpotential for evolutionary development.

3. Prevent further species from becomingthreatened.

Guiding Principles for the Strategy• We all embrace a duty of care for the

protection of Tasmania’s threatenedspecies and ecological communities.

• We all share an obligation to meetstate, national and international

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agreements and legislated responsibilities toconserve threatened species.• By addressing the causes we can prevent

many species becoming threatened• Certainty is provided by the Strategy to

ensure that both the public and privatesectors can plan, invest and makedecisions for the future of Tasmania.

• The challenges of conserving threatenedspecies are shared equitably by thecommunity.

• Conservation of threatened species isbest achieved by managing their habitatand the processes that threaten them.

• Actions to conserve threatened speciesshould be based on the best availableknowledge.

• Threatened species conservation will bestbe achieved through a cooperative andvoluntary approach with regulation andcompulsion invoked only wherenecessary.

Threatened Species Management The Strategy develops two approaches for

cost effective action to conserve threatenedspecies in Tasmania. These approaches aresupported by the provisions of the ThreatenedSpecies Protection Act 1995 which givesdirection on species recovery plans, threatabatement plans, land management plans andagreements and public authority managementagreements. The approaches address:• key threatening processes; and• priority threatened species.

The Key Threatening Processes ApproachThreatening processes are the cause of the

decline and the endangerment of most of thespecies listed on the schedules of theThreatened Species Protection Act 1995.Threatened species themselves can be seen asthe symptoms or products of threateningprocesses in action. The relationship betweenthreatening processes and threatened speciesis clearly recognised and ameliorating theseimpacts is central to the delivery of thisThreatened Species Strategy.It is unrealistic to expect that protection and

recovery of every species listed in the Act canbe achieved by taking a species by speciesapproach. The most efficient and costeffective way to manage most of the state’sthreatened species is to address the genericprocesses that threaten them and their

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habitats. Threat abatement plans will beprepared for the key threatening processesidentified in this Strategy.

Table 2: Key Threatening Processes and Examples ofBiota Most Affected

Prioritising threatening processes formanagement is based on the number ofthreatened species affected and their status.Addressing the following threateningprocesses is identified as the key to conservingthe majority of threatened species andpreventing further threats to Tasmania’sbiological diversity.Recovery of threatened species can be an

expensive and long term process and onewhich is often reactive to immediateproblems. The concept that ‘prevention isbetter than cure’ is one which typifies goodmanagement and a responsible approach. Akey element of this Strategy is not only toprotect and restore threatened species in theimmediate future but also, by addressingthreatening processes, minimise furtheradditions to the threatened species list.Threat Abatement Plans can be developed

focussing on generic threats, however, thismay not always necessarily be the bestapproach in dealing with a threateningprocesses. Sometimes threats may moreeffectively be dealt with through Governmentpolicy, legislation or by responding to

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community consultation. For example,Government policy to control theindiscriminant clearance of native vegetation.

The Priority Threatened Species ApproachNotwithstanding the need to address

threatening processes, there will also be aneed to focus on individual taxa of threatenedspecies because of the urgency of theirproblems. Many of the threat abatementprograms may take decades to be effectiveand, in many instances, individual speciescannot wait that long. Immediate remedialaction is required. Recovery programs andmanagement plans will focus specifically onthese species and their particular threats at thelocal level.Making the best and most effective use of

limited resources is a high priority and createsa need to prioritise those species most in needof attention. It may not always be that thespecies which are classified as endangered aregiven highest priority. There may be otherimperatives such as the immediate level ofthreat, national status, species endemic toTasmania, and genetic significance whichneed to be considered.In some situations it may be more effective

to address several species in one recoveryprogram, like burrowing crayfish or cavefauna, or to use catchment or regionalapproaches such as a Macquarie Islandprogram.

Implementing the StrategySeven primary issues will be addressed in

implementing the Strategy to facilitate theintegration of threatened species conservationacross the Tasmanian community. TheStrategy will only be successful if it has thesupport of landholders and the communityand if people have the knowledge andcapacity to act.1. Community participation by:

• providing information to communitygroups and individuals;

• involving community groups, landmanagers and individuals innominating, planning, implementingand monitoring; and

• encouraging access to the CommunityReview Committee, established underthe Threatened Species Protection Act1995.

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Examples of Biota Most Affected

Grassland and grassy woodlandspecies, hollow-nesting birds,wedge-tailed eagle

Species of riparian, lowland openforest and heathland communities,burrowing petrels, freshwater fish

Aquatic invertebrates, cave fauna,burrowing crayfish, wetland andriverine species

Log dwelling fauna, litter and bark invertebrates, New Hollandmouse, some heathland species,South Esk pine

Seabirds and marine species,freshwater crayfish, stag beetles

Orchids, palatable herbs, riparian flora

Key Threatening Processes

Native Vegetation Clearance

Pests, Weedsand Diseases

Degradation of Water Systems

Inappropriate use of Fire

Inappropriate and Illegal harvesting

Impact of Stock

2. Working with resource managers andindustry by:

• education and provision ofinformation; and

• integrating threatened speciesconservation with StateGovernment, local government andindustry planning processes andland management practices.

3. Considering social and economic factorsby:

• including landholders, communityand industry concerns in planningprocesses;

• establishing joint agreements andcooperative mechanisms betweenkey stakeholders; and

• ensuring the challenges ofconserving threatened species arejointly shared by landholders,community and government.

4. Establishing an adequate knowledgebase by:

• Reviewing the status of threatenedspecies;

• establishing baseline data formonitoring and assessment;

• investigating gaps in knowledgethat will assist in the managementof threatened species andthreatening processes; and

• undertaking appropriate researchand investigation.

5. Improving resources by:• maximising opportunities for

government funding to be directedto improving threatened speciesmanagement;

• encouraging threatened speciesmanagement programs ingovernment agencies, industry andthe community; and

• developing sponsorship, donationsto the Threatened Species TrustFund, and funding partnerships withthe community, industry, tourismoperators and Commonwealthgovernment.

6. Recognising threatened ecologicalcommunities by:

• defining and identifying threatenedecological communities;

• implementing legislative changes;and

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• determining priorities for theprotection of threatened ecologicalcommunities.

7. Reviewing the Strategy by:• monitoring implementation of the

Strategy and programs developedunder it; and

• reporting on the progress of theStrategy.

The Key Threatening Processes

A threatening process is defined in theThreatened Species Protection Act 1995 as anyaction which poses a threat to the naturalsurvival of any native taxon of flora or fauna.These actions can influence the survival ofspecies in the short or long term and canoperate as a single threat or, more often, aspart of a range of threats. Because we knowthat threatening processes place individualsand populations at risk, it is clear that,unchecked, they will inevitably cause theextinction of species.Threatening processes adversely impact on

species either directly, for example bypredation, or by rendering their habitat orecological community unsuitable for theirsurvival. Often multiple processes acttogether and may not be restricted to a singleecological community or habitat. Threateningprocesses can operate throughout thelandscape irrespective of ecosystem type, landtenure or jurisdictional boundaries. Manyspecies suffer under the impact of the samethreatening processes and often in the samelocation. It is therefore a strategic advantageto deal with the overriding threateningprocess rather than attempt management ona species by species basis. By identifying andaddressing these threats at the strategic levelwe can not only achieve greater security forour most threatened species but adopt goodmanagement policies which protect all ourflora and fauna.

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Heathland clearance for housing

The key threatening processes acting in theTasmanian landscape, and dealt with in thisStrategy, are:• native vegetation clearance;• pests, weeds and diseases;• degradation of water systems;• inappropriate use of fire;• bycatch and illegal harvesting; and• impact of stock.

The “greenhouse effect” is also a keythreatening process which impacts on speciesat risk as well as all nature conservationvalues. For example, some threatened alpinespecies may be at risk from global warming.Tasmania will follow national guidelines forgreenhouse emissions to the levels agreed atthe Kyoto Summit and other nationalinitiatives devised to enhance our response toglobal warming.Development and implementation of the

actions listed below will help to amelioratethese threats and improve the long termfuture of many of Tasmania’s threatenedspecies.These threats identified are a representative

list but not exhaustive. There is always a needto be aware of the potential for newthreatening processes to occur at any time.Invasion of the European fox, for example, ispotentially a devasting threat to Tasmania’snative fauna.

Threat Abatement PlansThreatening processes which impact on a

range of species and ecosystems may bemanaged under a threat abatement plan.This is an effective way to conserve numbersof threatened species which share a commonthreat. The plan outlines clearly the stepsneeded to address the threats which may actupon a whole range of species, e.g. weed

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infestation displacing populations of nativeplants. The most significant threateningprocesses are identified in this strategy and, byaddressing these threats in threat abatementplans, several species may be conserved withsingle actions.Threat abatement plans should recognise

approved processes such as the ForestPractices System and Regional ForestAgreement.Managing significant threats to native flora

and fauna in accordance with this strategy willhelp species listed as threatened and helpprevent other species being added to the lists.

ObjectivesThe objectives of preparing threat abatement

plans are to:• lessen the impact of threatening

processes on threatened species; and• as far as possible, provide protection to a

number of threatened species in oneprogram.

Actions1. Prepare a threat abatement plan for each of

the key threatening processes identified inthis strategy.

2. Identify and monitor other threateningprocesses and prepare a threat abatementplan for any which require it. Where speciesor communities extend beyond Tasmania,by agreement, work with relevantgovernments.

3. In the threat abatement plan identify,among other things:

• the threatened species to benefit fromthe plan;

• the characteristics of the threateningprocess;

• the objectives of threat abatement;• any research needs;• actions required; • resources required; and• performance indicators

Performance Indicators• Threat abatement plans for key

threatening processes are in place.• The impacts of threatening processes on

species are decreasing.

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Woodland clearance, Spring Hill

Native Vegetation ClearanceAcross Australia and indeed around the

world, the rapid loss or degradation ofnative vegetation is acknowledged as thesingle biggest threat to the conservation ofbiodiversity and hence the most significantfactor causing species to be threatenedwith extinction. At the international level,the Australian Government has committeditself to reducing land clearance. Nationally,the Commonwealth and all states andterritories have agreed, through theIntergovernmental Agreement on theEnvironment, the National BiodiversityStrategy and the National Strategy forEcologically Sustainable Development, totackle this pressing issue.While the total area cleared may be

greater in other states, the clearance ofnative vegetation continues today inTasmania at a significant level. Clearancetakes place for commercial forestry,agriculture, industrial development, mining,residential expansion and even activities likefirewood collection, and can targetextensive native forests, grassland andwoodland, riverine scrub or remnantvegetation bordering existing cleared land.The need to put in place effective

measures to retain and manage nativevegetation is urgent. Tasmania hascommitted itself to such measures in boththe Regional Forest Agreement and theNatural Heritage Trust PartnershipAgreement. Some local governments haveestablished comprehensive controls onvegetation clearance in specific contexts. Itis hoped that approaches can be adoptedwhich would lead to the reversal across theentire landscape, of the longterm decline inthe extent and quality of native vegetation. Many landholders and community groups

are now undertaking restoration of clearedhabitat in response to the clearing that has

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occurred in the past. This is a valid approachwhere there is insufficient intact habitat forthe survival of a species, but it is not asubstitute for controlling clearing. Restorationis slow, costly, and less assured of successthan conserving and managing intact habitat.Through the Regional Forest Agreement,

Tasmania has committed itself to maintainidentified forest communities at or aboveidentified minimum levels in the native forestestate and the Natural Heritage TrustPartnership agreement commits the State toconserving threatened species andcommunities.

ObjectivesThe objectives for controlling clearance of

native vegetation are to:• protect listed species and their habitats

threatened by clearance;• retain critical habitat of any threatened

species;• ensure more species do not become

threatened; and• improve processes used for managing

threatened species in native vegation.Actions1. Develop, in conjunction with other state

instrumentalities which have an interest inland use regulation, a policy on theretention and management of nativevegetation which:

• includes incentives to maintain nativevegetation cover and quality;

• determines the limits to clearing andthe conditions under which clearingcan proceed;

• requires the retention of criticalhabitat;

• restricts clearing of remnant,unreserved and poorly reserved nativevegetation types; and

• limits clearance of native vegetation toa level which is consistent withecologically sustainable development.

2. Monitor the rate and distribution of nativevegetation clearance across Tasmania andpublish the results of this monitoring everyfive years, pursuant to the State of theEnvironment reporting process.

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Grassland restoration

3. Educate landholders about the values ofnative vegetation areas for threatenedspecies conservation and promote thevalues of maintaining undisturbedvegetation cover for threatened species,including duty of care principles.

4 Develop and implement communityinvolvement programs to encourage theretention and restoration of nativevegetation such as:

• nature conservation covenants;• stewardship and management

agreements; and• voluntary off-reserve conservation

programs such as ‘Land for Wildlife’5. Encourage local government to develop

and implement programs for the protectionand retention of native vegetation.

6. Regularly monitor and review landmanagement practices and codes to ensurethat the mechanisms to protect threatenedspecies from land clearing are effective andbeing complied with. This could extend toa range of activities, for example firewoodcollection.

Performance indicators• Identified critical habitats retained intact.• A draft policy on native vegetation

retention and management is preparedas soon as practical.

• There is a decline in the overall rate of native vegetation clearance.

• There is a reduction in the number ofspecies listed because of nativevegetation clearance.

• Species threatened by native vegetationclearance are no longer declining.

Native Vegetation Clearance andThreatened SpeciesThe grasslands, grassy woodlands and forests

that were once relatively widespread in theMidlands have suffered the greatest degree ofclearance of any vegetation type in Tasmania.Due to habitat clearance many of the speciesthat are confined to these grassy ecosystemshave become severely threatened. Theremaining habitat often occurs in smallpatches which remain under threat ofclearance or severe degradation. Some plantspecies threatened by the clearance of grassyecosystems are the bush pea (Pultenaeaprostrata), Tunbridge leek orchid

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(Prasophyllum tunbridgense), Lemon beautyheads (Calocephalus citreus), blue devil(Eryngium ovinum), roadside wallaby grass(Danthonia popinensis), native soybean (Glycinelatrobeana) and native peppercress (Lepidiumhyssopifolium).In order to save these plants, their habitats

must not be cleared or degraded by fertilisingand ploughing or other threatening processes.Appropriate management will ensure thenecessary conditions for the species toreproduce and persist in the remnant habitats.Once the most important habitats for

threatened species are identified, landmanagement plans and agreements can benegotiated with landholders for the retentionand sustainable management of the habitat.Fencing and day to day management regimesthat provide the opportunities forreproduction of each species will help.Success will mean populations of threatenedspecies flourish in protected and wellmanaged habitats.

Pests, Weeds and Diseases Pests, weeds and diseases impact on nearly

all native plants and animals but areparticularly harmful to species already at risk.For example the soil borne fungusPhytophthora cinnamomi is now spreadthroughout lowland parts of the Stateweakening and killing many plants commonlyfound in heath, buttongrass sedgeland, drysclerophyll woodland and low scrub. Over 15threatened species including six Tasmanianendemics are under immediate threat fromthe root rot fungus and a further 24threatened species, as well as someagricultural crops, are known to besusceptible.

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Tunbridge leek orchid

Aquatic weeds such as willow (Salix sp),and Canadian pondweed (Elodeacanadiensis) alter stream flows and thefloristic composition of riparian andwetland communities. Japanese brownkelp (Undaria pinnatifida), introduced viaballast water, and rice grass (Spartinaanglica), introduced to help stabilisemudflats and maintain shipping channels,have the potential to spread to suitablehabitats around the coastline, displacingand threatening native species. Theintroduced northern Pacific seastar (Asteriasamurensis) is affecting the marine habitat ofthe Derwent River and is thought to be amajor cause of endangerment to theunique Tasmanian spotted handfish.

ObjectivesThe objectives for managing pests, weedsand diseases are to:• control or eradicate pests, weeds and

diseases;• protect threatened species susceptible

to them; and• prevent the entry and outbreak of

new pests, weeds and diseases.Actions1. Identify and prioritise the threats from

pests, weeds and diseases.2. Assist development of and implement

the national threat abatement plan forPhytophthora cinnamomi.

3. Develop and implement integratedweed control techniques for majorweed problems threatening species.

4. Support the preparation of nationalthreat abatement plans for feral goatsand feral cats and adopt policies tomanage these and other feral faunawhich impact on threatened species.

5. Prepare an emergency plan to deal withany introduction of foxes intoTasmania.

6. Promote responsible management andcontrol of domestic pets and livestock.

7. Review quarantine measures to preventfurther introductions of exotic flora andfauna particularly to offshore islandsand the sub-Antarctic.

8. Manage exotic species in accordancewith threatened species recovery plansand threat abatement plans.

9. Prevent rabbits reaching offshoreislands currently rabbit free.

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10. Integrate the conservation of threatenedspecies into the regional weedmanagement strategies and the Stateweed control strategies.

Performance indicators• Pests, weeds and diseases that threaten

species and communities are identifiedand prioritised.

• Successful control measures for prioritypests, weeds and diseases are beingimplemented.

• Effective quarantine measures are inplace.

• Effective systems are in place to respondto any outbreak of a new pest, weed ordisease.

• No new pests, weeds or diseases areidentified in the Tasmanian ecosystem.

• Species threatened by pests, weeds ordiseases are recovering.

Phytophthora cinnamomi andThreatened Species

Epacris limbata is a small endemic heathspecies that was discovered in the mid 1980sand is yet to acquire a common name. It isonly found between the southern end of theDouglas Apsley National Park and HardingsFalls, where it forms small isolatedpopulations. The introduced root rot fungusPhytophthora cinnamomi is among the greatestthreats to this species, which is listed asvulnerable. Once root rot fungus infects apopulation it cannot be removed and mayeventually kill the entire population.To maintain this species in the wild, actions

need to be concentrated on those populationsthat can be most successfully protected. Inthese areas, the aim is to prevent theintroduction of root rot fungus to thepopulations or contain its spread where italready exists. In some cases, closing roads or tracks and

applying hygiene prescriptions on themaintenance and use of those that remainopen will help. Use of some areas may alsobe curtailed by discouraging entry or legallyrestricting access. This most suits remotepopulations such as one occurring in theDouglas Apsley National Park. Strict firefighting prescriptions will also maintain a levelof protection from root rot fungus whileproviding for practical fire protection. Thesemay include excluding machinery and firevehicles and establishing adjacent low fuelareas as a focus for fire suppression.

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operations. Experiments aimed at reducingthe mortality of plants through application ofthe fungicide phosphite have begun wherepopulations are already succumbing to rootrot fungus.Ultimately, management success will be

indicated by prevention or containment ofinfection by root rot fungus, reduction inmortality and regeneration.

Pests and Threatened SpeciesAt least 19 exotic species ranging from the

weka, or flightless Maori hen, to horses anddonkeys have been introduced to MacquarieIsland since its discovery in 1810. Today therabbit, deliberately introduced as a foodsource, the feral cat and the black rat arehaving a catastrophic impact on Macquarie’sunique bird life. Individually (via predation)and in combination (overgrazing leading topredation) these three pests have caused theextinction of the Macquarie Island rail andMacquarie Island parakeet and have led to thelisting of six species of burrowing petrel.Every species of petrel has seriously declinedin number with the blue petrel, white-headedpetrel and fairy prion now listed as vulnerableand the Antarctic tern listed as endangered

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near extinction. An eradication program forthese three pests would not only conserve thestatus of the burrowing petrels but lead tocomplete restoration of the island’s biota, afeature for which Macquarie is universallyrecognised.

Degradation of Water SystemsActivities such as mining, wood production,

agriculture, subdivision, roading, damming,landfill and irrigation all potentially impact onwater channels, wetlands, and hydrologicalprocesses. These processes influence thequality, quantity, and availability of habitatwithin or surrounding the water body andmay cause resident species to decline orbecome locally extinct. The loss of the soilprofile and the vegetation it supports canresult in increased run-off, siltation andturbidity of adjacent water bodies, and‘downstream’ threats to aquatic and marineflora and fauna. Some species and habitats,for example caves, are highly sensitive tochanges in water quality and flow.Maintaining the integrity of the watercatchment, including its riparian vegetation, isimperative. There are currently 14 species offreshwater plants, 76 species of freshwaterfauna, 12 cave species, and over 30 riparianplant species listed on the Threatened SpeciesProtection Act 1995. In addition, Tasmaniacontains 10 of Australia’s 49 wetlandsidentified as being of international significance(Ramsar sites), but only six are securelyreserved for conservation purposes. Currentlythere are no freshwater riverine reservesspecifically to protect freshwater species. Thisrepresents a significant ommission in theTasmanian reserve system, particularly as somany of our native fish and aquatic speciesare threatened.

ObjectivesThe objectives for water systems are to:

• protect threatened species fromdamaging levels of pollution and habitatdisturbances to water systems;

• maintain the ecological health ofwaterways by land managementpractices;

• maintain or restore natural water systemsand hydrological processes; and

• establish a riverine reserve system whereappropriate.

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Grass with Phytophthora cinnamomi symptoms

Weka or flightless Maori hen

Actions1. Work with other state instrumentalities

which have an interest in land useregulation to develop and implementintegrated catchment managementpolicy guidelines.

2. Support the design and implementintegrated catchment management planswhich include measures to protectthreatened species from pollution andhabitat disturbance.

3. Encourage the development of anagricultural code of sustainable practiceidentifying management techniques forprotecting water systems and waterquality.

4. Support the development and adoptionof a state wetlands policy and consideradditional areas containing threatenedspecies for inclusion on the Ramsar list.

5. Manage water systems, includingwetlands, where necessary to protectthreatened species.

6. Ensure water storage developments anddrainage proposals include anassessment of impacts on threatenedspecies.

7. Manage aquatic and riparianenvironments to protect threatenedspecies.

8. Include threatened species conservationmeasures in the development of a StateEnvironmental Flows Policy and anyother policy dealing with water resourcemanagement.

9. Identify priority areas that could beprotected as freshwater riverine reservesfor threatened aquatic species.

Performance indicators• Catchment management plans are in

place throughout the state.• An agricultural code of sustainable

water management practice is inplace.

• State policies dealing with waterresource management includemeasures for threatened speciesconservation.

• Water management agenciesrecognise the importance ofthreatened species conservation.

• The rate of drainage of wetlands hasdecreased.

• Water quality of waterways hasimproved.

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• Pollution and habitat disturbance havedeclined.

• Reserves are established to protect watersystems particularly significant forthreatened species conservation.

• There is no increase in the number ofspecies threatened because ofdegradation of water systems.

• Species threatened by degradation ofwater systems are recovering.

Degradation of Water Systems andThreatened SpeciesThe inundation of Lake Pedder in the 1970s

destroyed unique habitat for many specieslocally endemic to the area and introduced anarray of exotic species like trout to the area.Since the flooding, the Lake Pedderearthworm (Diporochaeta pedderensis) hasnever been relocated, despite active survey,the swamp galaxias (Galaxias parvus) andHickman’s pygmy shrimp (Allanaspideshickmani) have seriously declined in range andthe Lake Pedder galaxias (Galaxias pedderensis)remains on the brink of extinction, classifiedas endangered.Another major water body, the Great Lake,

contains nine threatened species which areconfined to the lake bottom. These species,like those in Lake Pedder, are entirely relianton water quality and maintenance of the lakeecosystem.

Inappropriate Use of FireFire has played an integral part in the

formation of the Tasmanian landscape overmany thousands of years. Fire regimes havealtered since European settlement to be morefrequent in some areas and less frequent inothers. Fire is currently used for pasture andrangeland management (burning off),

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Fairy tern

eucalypt regeneration (after logging), tomanage the impact of wild fires (fuelreduction burning) and to enhance ecologicalproperties (habitat management burning).Wildfires occur as a result of arson, escapedmanagement fires, escaped campfires, otheraccidents, or lightning strikes. All of our native flora and fauna is adapted

to particular regimes of fire frequency andintensity, and for many species fire is anessential requirement. Species can persistunder altered fire regimes but only if thechanges do not prevent them fromcompleting their normal life cycle and allowyoung to reach the adult breedingpopulation. Hence the inappropriate use offire refers to fire frequency and intensity thatrepresents a threat to the survival of nativespecies by preventing the life cycle from beingcompleted.Across all land tenures, fire management can

create potential tensions between statutoryresponsibilities for protecting life and propertyand the need to manage threatened species.Organisations such as the Parks and WildlifeService and Forestry Tasmania recognise thisdilemma and more scientific information isrequired on which to base ecological firemanagement strategies.

ObjectiveThe objective for managing use of fire is to:

• use fire as a management tool in anecologically sustainable manner toenhance the survival of threatenednative flora, fauna and habitats.

Actions1. Identify areas of high conservation value for

threatened species susceptible to adverseimpacts from current fire regimes.

2. Increase understanding of the effects of fireon threatened species by establishingresearch and monitoring programs.

3. Determine appropriate fire managementpractices for the habitats of threatenedspecies.

4. Include and implement fire managementactions in recovery programs.

5. Address threatened species conservation inall fire management plans.

6. Complete and implement outstanding firemanagement plans for State Reserves andsignificant off-reserve areas.

7. Educate and train landholders and firemanagers in relation to the ecologicalrelationships between fire and threatenedspecies.

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8. Prepare and widely distribute firesuppression and management guidelines forprotecting threatened species.

Performance Indicators• Significant fire-threatened species and

their habitats are identified and managedin an ecologically sustainable manner.

• Fire management plans and firemanagement recommendations inrecovery programs are implemented.

• An education program is established andany necessary changes to firemanagement practices are implemented.

• Species threatened by inappropriate useof fire are no longer declining.

Inappropriate Use of Fire and Threatened SpeciesThe South Esk pine (Callitris oblonga) and

yellow eyebright (Euphrasia scabra) arethreatened by inappropriate fire regimes. Thefirst is threatened by frequent fire and theother by infrequent fire. South Esk pine regeneration relies on seed

which is held in cones in the tree’s canopyand then released to germinate after fire. Asingle fire before young trees are old enoughto produce sufficient numbers of cones toprovide seed will drive the species toextinction at any site. In contrast, YellowEyebright is an annual plant that produces andreleases seed into the soil every year. Becauseit has soil-stored seed that can germinate afterfire and replenishes the seed store every year,yellow eyebright can persist in an environmentof relatively frequent fire. However, if there is along period between fires the vegetation oftenbecomes too dense for annual species togerminate and survive. The longevity of seedin the soil and the period between firesdetermines the ability of Yellow Eyebright tosurvive.

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Research on Yellow Eyebright

For species like those above we mustassess the need to intervene and apply theappropriate fire regime in areas in whichthey are known to occur. By monitoringspecies response to fire management, thatmanagement can be adapted to anychanges in the demography of species. Insome cases, fire will need to be excludedfrom sensitive vegetation and habitats.

Inappropriate or Illegal HarvestingImpacts from commercial or amateur

activities can often result in added pressureon threatened species or be the directcause of their decline. For example,longline fishing, drift net and trawl fisheriesall result in incidental catch (bycatch) ofnon-target species and are a major cause ofmortality for Tasmania’s threatenedalbatross and other marine species,especially birds such as giant petrels.Threatened marine turtles becomeentangled in fishing lines after beingattracted to buoys which are suspected toresemble jellyfish. They are also ingestingplastic. Gill net fishing often results in theloss of the net and/or entanglement ofnon-target species including small dolphinsand whales.Illegal collection and export of Tasmania’s

threatened stag beetles and cave speciesand, until recently, recreational fishing forspecies such as the giant freshwater crayfish(Astacopsis gouldi) are processes which haveall contributed to the decline of thesespecies.

ObjectivesThe objectives for managing inappropriate

or illegal harvesting of flora and faunaare to:• mitigate the impacts of inappropriate

harvesting; and• prevent illegal harvesting.Actions1. Develop or instigate threat abatement

plans (including the adoption of nationaland international plans and agreements)for incidental bycatch resulting fromdeep sea trawling, drift net and longlinefishers.

2. Implement management plans forsustainable harvesting of native flora andfauna where harvesting is appropriate.

3. Review the impacts of gillnetting onthreatened species.

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4. Assess impacts on threatened species ofactivities such as kelp harvesting in sensitiveenvironments.

5. Provide guidelines for appropriateharvesting techniques where incidentalimpacts on threatened species occur.

6. Coordinate monitoring and enforcement toprevent illegal harvesting of threatenedspecies.

7. Focus enforcement efforts on the prioritythreatened species that are subject to illegalharvesting.

Performance indicators• National threat abatement plans are

being implemented.• The incidence of illegal harvesting has

declined.• Species threatened by inappropriate or

illegal harvesting are no longerdeclining.

Inappropriate Harvesting andThreatened SpeciesMost species of albatross and giant petrel

have foraging ranges stretching throughoutthe southern oceans. Therefore acollaborative effort and consensus ofagreement between countries is needed toensure their long term protection and survival.

Tasmania has been at the forefront ofdeveloping ways to reduce the accidentaldeath of seabirds, particularly albatross, fromlonglining and commercial fishing operations.The Macquarie Island Wandering Albatross(Diomedea exulans) has declined to just tenbreeding pairs and is considered to be“Critically Endangered”. Approaches havebeen to work directly with the fishing industryto develop improved techniques for settinglongline hooks and trawl nets, to participatein national and international forums to

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Wandering Albatross, Macquarie Island

enforce fishing bans, setting of night lines,and seasonal constraints on a global scale.Industry is now aware of the urgency of theproblem and the need for conservationpractices.

Impact of StockDomestic stock graze in many native plant

communities throughout Tasmania. Sensitivevegetation such as alpine, riparian and coastalcommunities can be easily destroyed ordegraded through constant trampling of stockseeking water or feed. Stock can interferewith the habitat and successful breeding of awide range of plants and animals and manynative plants cannot withstand heavy grazingor browsing by livestock. This, in conjunctionwith other agricultural activities, can lead tosome native species declining to the point oflocal extinction.The greatest impacts of stock are caused by:

• repeated grazing of flowers that areessential for seed production and thecontinued survival of threatened plants;

• grazing of habitat plants that harbourinvertebrates, or grazing of seedlingsthat are essential for maintenance andregeneration of the community;

• trampling of vegetation;• damage to fragile ecosystems such as

sand dune systems;• soil compaction and erosion preventing

seedling establishment;• fouling of water;• degradation of river and creek bank

vegetation; and• the spread of weed seeds from pastures

into native vegetation.

On the other hand, many threatened plantspecies require some disturbance as a triggerto germination or to provide openings or newhabitat for them to occupy. In restrictedcircumstances, removal of stock may meanloss of a regeneration niche for a species.Therefore a planned grazing regime isrequired to promote and maintain conditionssuitable to sustain the ecological community.

ObjectiveThe objective for managing the impact of

stock is to:• adopt stock management practices that

prevent or minimise the specific andcombined impacts on threatenedspecies.

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Actions1. Develop and implement an agricultural

code for sustainable grazing in consultationwith landowners that includes provisions forthreatened species protection.

2. Protect threatened species habitats frominappropriate stock access or grazing.

3. Protect threatened flora from grazingduring flowering periods to ensure thatseed is available for regeneration.

4. Determine and promote sustainable grazingregimes in areas of threatened vegetationsensitive to trampling and over-grazing.

5. Use tools such as fencing for temporaryand/or permanent stock exclusion fromareas containing threatened species.

6. Promote the use of alternative stockwatering systems where impacts onthreatened species occur.

7. Rehabilitate degraded threatened specieshabitats.

8. Provide extension services for landholdersmanaging areas containing threatenedspecies.

Performance Indicators• An agricultural code of sustainable

grazing management practice is in use.• Critical habitat is protected from stock

impacts.• Viable populations of threatened species

persist in grazed ecologicalcommunities.

• Ecologically sustainable grazingmanagement practices are accepted andadopted by landholders.

• Species threatened by the impact ofstock are recovering, with populationincrease in the wild.

Impact of Stock and Threatened SpeciesNative wintercress (Barbarea australis) is a

riverine plant now found only along the Ouse,Mersey, the Shannon, the Nive and Clyderivers and along a creek located in the easternCentral Plateau. These rivers are part of theecosystem of one of Australia’s mostendangered vegetation types, the grassywoodlands. Though it appears that thisspecies has always been rare, many of thepopulations have disappeared and mostremaining populations occur only on privateland. This species is highly palatable to nativeanimals and domestic stock and the majorityof sites where Barbarea australis is located arestocked with sheep, adding significantly to the

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grazing pressure placed on these plants.Other threats such as willow infestation,alteration of the river courses and floodregimes by hydroelectric development andirrigation combine withthe impact of stockto make this species highly vulnerable tolocal extinction.For Barbarea australis to survive, threats

compromising existing populations need tobe reduced. Because Barbarea australis isbiennial, population densities need to bemaintained at levels which are self-sustaining. It is vital that the plants areable to mature and produce seed.Protecting this species from grazing willhelp achieve this and at the same time helpprotect the river systems by controllingstock access.With limited resources, acquiring land to

protect this species is not feasible.Therefore as a safeguard, additionalpopulations of Barbarea australis are beingre-established outside the presentdistribution but within the known range ofthe species. In conjunction withdeveloping management guidelines withlandholders to help protect existingpopulations, this should ensure thatBarbarea australis is less likely to becomeextinct.

Priority Threatened Species

There are currently over 600 species ofplants and animals in Tasmania listed onthe Threatened Species Protection Act 1995as being either Endangered, Vulnerable orRare. The list is continually being reviewedusing scientific assessment processes, andwill in future include non-vascular plants,marine organisms, and invertebrate groupsnot previously considered. Some specieslike the orange-bellied parrot, wedge-tailed

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eagle and King’s holly are well known to thecommunity. Others like aquatic insects, logdwelling beetles or small herbaceous plantsand grasses are largely unknown and littlepublicised. Many of these species are uniqueto Tasmania and are part of this island’smagnificent natural heritage.

With so many species listed, it is not possibleto deal with each threatened speciesindividually. In many cases, as mentionedearlier, this is neither practical, necessary orsensible. While dealing with threateningprocesses can be effective, some individualthreatened species require specific recoveryactions and immediate remedial actionbecause threat abatement programs may takedecades to become fully effective.Choosing those species most in need of

specific attention is not straightforward andthe species with the most pressing needschange with circumstances. This strategydoes not identify individual priority species,but sets out the process by which speciesrequiring specific action may be identified andprioritised. As a general rule those specieswhich are most endangered will be givenhighest priority for recovery attention.

Setting Species PrioritiesThe Scientific Advisory Committee,

established under the Threatened SpeciesProtection Act 1995, has a number of rolesincluding advising on priorities. Its purpose, asdetailed in the Threatened Species ProtectionAct, is to advise the Minister and the Directoron:• the listing and de-listing of taxa of flora

and fauna;• threatening processes;• the criteria to be followed in the

determination of critical habitats;• other matters relating to the

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Barbarea australis growing in a nursery bed

King’s holly

conservation of threatened native floraand fauna; and

• the review and approval of listingstatements.

Additionally under the Regional ForestAgreement the Scientific Advisory Committeehas a role to endorse any changes to thePriority Species listing in Attachment 2 of theAgreement or new or altered managementprescriptions where relevant.Fundamental priorities for action on

threatened species in Tasmania are providedthrough the schedules of the ThreatenedSpecies Protection Act 1995. These are:1. Endangered species (highest priority);2. Vulnerable (second priority); and3. Rare at risk (lower priority).

The Scientific Advisory Committee hasdeveloped quantifiable criteria for the listingof species under the Act in these threecategories.Priorities can further be determined

according to those species listed on theschedules of the Commonwealth EnvironmentProtection and Biodiversity Conservation Act1999 as nationally Endangered or Vulnerable.Priorities within the Commonwealth'sschedules are set by the Endangered SpeciesAdvisory Committee (ESAC). The ESACpriorities represent those species ESACconsiders most important for preparation andimplementation of recovery plans. Commonwealth funding for recovery

programs is limited to ESAC priority speciesbut other Tasmanian priority species maybenefit as a result of implementing ESACpriority recovery programs.A multi-species approach which integrates

flora and/or fauna is a practical and effectiveapproach to threatened species conservation.Wherever possible a multi-species approachwill be adopted in this strategy.

ObjectivesThe objectives of setting species priorities are to:

• determine those threatened species mostin need of protection and recoveryaction;

• determine the most effective use ofprotection and recovery resources; and

• develop an instant response plan for

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species requiring action but not having arecovery plan.

Actions1. Apply the following criteria to prioritising

protection and recovery action forthreatened species in Tasmania:

• national priorities;• State threat classification as listed in

the schedules of the Threatened SpeciesProtection Act 1995;

• endemism;• taxonomic distinctiveness;• keystone role;• grouping or multi-species options;• cultural and community significance;• likelihood of recovery with minimum

action; and• reservation status of the species.

2. Classify Tasmania’s endemic threatenedspecies according to national criteria andhave them recognised nationally byinclusion on national lists and work withother relevant governments wherethreatened species extend beyondTasmania.

3. Direct recovery resources and actions to thehighest priority species.

4. Publish a list of threatened species priorities.Performance Indicators• A priority list of threatened species is

developed for Tasmania.• Protection and recovery actions are

developed for the highest priorityspecies.

• Endemic threatened species are listednationally.

• Management actions are underway forpriority species.

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Table 3: Examples of approaches to threatenedspecies conservation which will benefit more than one threatened species

Table 4: Examples of Species Identified By Priority Criteria

A variety of levels of action will be takenon threatened species according to theirpriority. These actions are set out below.

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Listing StatementsListing statements are required by legislation

for all listed species. They includedistributional and biological data, recoveryprogram information, actions carried out andactions required. The quickest and mostreadily obtainable advice on threats andmanagement of a particular species will beprovided in listing statements. They offer abrief but comprehensive outline of the bestmanagement practices to protect the speciesand its habitat and how to obtain furtheradvice from specialists.

ObjectivesThe objectives of preparing listing statements

are to:• comply with the requirements of the

Threatened Species Protection Act 1995;and

• provide a summary of the currentknowledge and requirements formanagement and conservation of eachthreatened species.

Actions1. Prepare listing statements for listed

threatened species.2. Give priority to preparation of statements in

accordance with the priorities detailed inAction 1(Pg 19).

3. Use listing statements in place of recoveryplans where the required recovery actionsdo not warrant preparation of a fullrecovery plan.

Criteria

Level of endangerment

Endemism

Taxonomic distinctiveness

Cultural and community significance

High likelihood of recoverywith minimum action

Reservation status/landtenure

Examples

Listed as endangered in Tasmania but not recognised nationallysuch as anchor plant, broad-toothed stag beetle

Endemic species that are not a national priority such as Wally’swattle

Monospecific genus in Tasmania such as creeping pine, bluepincushion, spotted handfish

Southern right whale

King’s holly

Grey goshawk, orchids that are not well protected in reserves

Group

Taxonomic groupapproach

Ecological community

Threatening process

Habitat type

Geographic/regionalapproach

Examples of projects

Plants in the familiesFabaceae andRhamnaceae;several burrowing crayfish species

Threatened speciesoccurring in grasslands

A broad range of plantspecies susceptible toPhytophthora cinnamomi;inappropriate harvestingsuch as long-line fishingaffecting many sea birdspecies

Forest, tree-hollow or cavedependent fauna

Macquarie Island whichhas a large range ofthreatened species

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Performance Indicators• Listing statements are prepared.• Listing statements provide concise

current information on threatenedspecies.

• Listing statements provide a useful basisfor action in the absence of moredetailed recovery programs.

Critical HabitatAny habitat that is determined by the

Director after consultation with the ScientificAdvisory Committee, to be critical to thesurvival of a species may be declared ascritical habitat in accordance with Section 23of the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995.Generally, identification of any critical

habitats will be based on the followingcriteria:The critical habitat for a threatened taxonincludes that part of the habitat of any listedtaxon of the native flora or fauna that iscritical to the survival of that taxon. Usually inthe case of endangered and vulnerable taxa,this would include all areas which arecurrently occupied by the taxon and whichare at risk from threatening processes, unless:a) the extent and populations of the taxon are

known to be limited by threateningprocesses that do not relate to the physicalmodification of land or water (eg. hunting,fishing, predation by feral animals,diseases), and not limited by the availabilityof suitable land or water, in which case nocritical habitat would be declared;

b) it can be demonstrated that part of thearea occupied by the taxon is inhabitedintermittently, with individuals in this areanot contributing to the perpetuation of thespecies, in which case only the areasnecessary for the core populations wouldbe declared critical habitat;

c) it can be demonstrated that an area that

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does not support populations of the taxonat present needs to be protected in order toensure the long term future of the taxon, inwhich case it would be declared criticalhabitat.

In undertaking assessment of the criticalhabitat of any listed species, the Directorwould need to consider each species on a caseby case basis. Critical habitat would normallyonly be defined when it is the mostappropriate mechanism for ensuring thefuture survival of any taxon.

ObjectiveThe objective for determination of critical

habitat is to:• ensure threatened species can survive

and flourish in the wild.Actions1. Identify areas of habitat critical to the

survival of listed threatened speciesfocussing first on the priority threatenedspecies.

2. Prepare maps in accordance with theThreatened Species Protection Act 1995showing the boundaries, extent and detailsof critical habitat areas.

3. Make the public and other notificationsrequired by the Threatened SpeciesProtection Act 1995 of any critical habitatdetermined by the Director.

4. Identify and implement the recoveryprogram mechanisms necessary forprotection and management of criticalhabitat.

Performance Indicators• Critical habitats are identified and

notified as required under the ThreatenedSpecies Protection Act 1995.

• Appropriate recovery mechanisms are inplace for each area of critical habitat.

• Threatened species populations in criticalhabitat are recovering.

Morrisby’s gum

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Recovery PlansSpecies requiring individual long-term

strategies or requiring complex plannedmanagement may be managed under arecovery plan with actions identified forseveral years. Recovery plans will usually beprepared detailing the actions required forthe recovery and long term security of oneor more species or ecological communitiesfor a period of five years. They will alsousually detail the funds required to carryout these actions.

ObjectiveThe objective for preparing recovery plans

is to:• provide detailed action programs for

recovery of threatened species.Actions1. Prepare a recovery plan for all national

priority species.2. Seek funding for implementation of

recovery plans for national priorityspecies and, where appropriate whenthreatened species extend beyondTasmania, prepare joint recovery planswith other relevant governments.

3. Identify and prepare recovery plans forTasmanian priority species best managedby this mechanism.

4. Establish recovery teams representing awide range of interests and expertiseincluding community to guide theimplementation of recovery plans.

5. Implement recovery plans.Performance Indicators• Recovery plans for national priority

species and appropriate Tasmanianpriority species are prepared andfunded.

• Species dealt with by a recovery planare recovering.

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Land Management Plans andAgreements and Public AuthorityManagement AgreementsSome species or groups of species may best

be managed under specific agreements withthe landholders involved. Land managementplans and management agreements asidentified in the Threatened Species ProtectionAct 1995 are prepared following discussionsbetween landholders and government. Theywill be drawn up in cases where theconservation actions are well known for thespecies in question and where the affectedland is identified. Land management plansand agreements are prepared on a voluntarybasis. However, land managementagreements are binding on both parties asdetailed in the Threatened Species ProtectionAct 1995. These plans and agreements willbecome increasingly important as necessaryrecovery actions are identified in listingstatements and recovery plans.Land management agreements may be

prepared for a variety of purposes and includefixed term or perpetuity agreements and mayrelate to individual sites or to processes.Land management plans and agreements

may take a wide range of forms depending onthe situation, such as Part Five PlanningAgreements, management prescriptions,conservation covenants or private wildlifesanctuaries, etc.A Public Authority Management Agreement

may be made with one or more publicauthorities for the management of listedspecies or threatening processes.

ObjectivesThe objectives of preparing land

management plans and managementagreements are to:• protect threatened species in

cooperation with landholders; and• ensure agreement on the means of, and

resources required for, protection.Actions1. Identify threatened species and areas

requiring land management plans.2. Consult with and cooperatively prepare

land management plans with affectedlandholders.

3. Make written agreements with landholdersidentifying works, resources and othermatters to be dealt with arising from landmanagement plans.

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Spotted handfish

4. Make written agreements with publicauthorities where necessary to protectthreatened species.

5. Ensure existing or new programspromoting land management protectionsoptions, e.g. covenanting, work incooperation with the threatened speciesprogram.

Performance Indicators• Land management plans are prepared

for key areas and species.• Landholders support the measures

contained in land management plans.• Landholder and public authority

management agreements are in placeand are being implemented.

Recognising ThreatenedEcological Communities

Ecological communities are difficult to clearlydefine and identify to stakeholders.Consequently ecological communities werenot listed in the Threatened Species ProtectionAct 1995. However, during the more recentRegional Forest Agreement (RFA) process,threatened forest communities wererecognised as the basis for the conservationassessment of forest values on private land.Not only does the RFA recognise threatenedforest communities and the need for theirprotection in the same way as threatenedspecies, but similar recognition is given toecological communities in the EnvironmentProtection and Biodiversity Conservation Act1999.One result of the RFA has been the

identification of a suite of threatened forestcommunities in Tasmania. Thesecommunities satisfied criteria that identifiedthem as severely depleted since Europeansettlement. Depletion of the extent of acommunity is not the only criterion potentiallyrendering them threatened. The threateningprocesses, listed and discussed earlier, impacton ecological communities in exactly thesame way as they do on single species. Thedegree to which threatening processes havedegraded or altered any of Tasmania’secological communities is an additionalcriterion for judging which communities arethreatened.Although severely depleted communities

containing threatened species are a significantconservation priority, these communities canpartly be addressed through habitatconservation of individual species. However,

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there are threatened ecological communitieswhich do not contain any threatenedindividual species. They may include forexample, communities of cave animals oranimals from other specific habitats and thesecombinations of fauna and flora making updistinct ecological communities also needrecognition. All of these community typesneed protection and recovery action. Prioritycommunities are those that have been mostseverely reduced in extent or degradedthroughout a large portion of their range,such as coastal saltmarsh communities.

Threatened ecological communities haverecently been listed in the Commonwealth’sEnvironment Protection and BiodiversityConservation Act 1999. Tasmanian legislationdoes not currently recognise threatenedecological communities. Their formalrecognition and listing should be consideredin the near future.

ObjectivesConsistent with the Commonwealth

Environment Protection and BiodiversityConservation Act 1999 and the Regional ForestAgreement, the objectives of recognisingthreatened ecological communities are to:• protect threatened ecological

communities in Tasmania;• amend the Threatened Species Protection

Act 1995 to allow listing of threatenedecological communities as identifiedthrough clear and unambiguous criteria;and

• direct actions to the threatenedecological communities most in need ofprotection and recovery.

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Green and gold frog

Actions1. Prepare clear definitions for the

identification of threatened ecologicalcommunities.

2. Identify threatened ecological communities.

3. Identify threats to these communities.4. Consult with stakeholders in relation to

the making of amendments to theThreatened Species Protection Act 1995 toinclude threatened ecologicalcommunities.

5. Prepare legislative amendments forParliamentary approval.

6. Apply the following criteria to prioritisingprotection of threatened ecologicalcommunities that do not containthreatened species:

• communities that are subject tocurrent and continuing threats likelyto lead to extinction;

• communities that have suffered amarked decrease in geographicdistribution or a marked alteration incommunity structure;

• communities that have lost or are indanger of losing native species thatplay a major role in the community;

• communities that have such arestricted geographic distributionthat the community could be lost inthe short term by the action of athreatening process; and

• community processes have alteredto the extent that a markedalteration of community structurewill occur.

Performance Indicators• Threatened ecological communities

are defined.• Threats to ecological communities are

identified.

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• Legislative amendments are in place.• Threatened ecological communities are

listed.• Protection and recovery actions are

focussed on priority threatenedecological communities.

Involving the Community

The involvement of the entire Tasmaniancommunity is essential for long termconservation of threatened species inTasmania. This will require increased publicawareness and understanding of the issuesand the processes which have caused theirdecline. Community pride in and ownershipof the conservation of species which arethreatened will be a key factor in the successof the Strategy.Programs to encourage and support

community involvement will focus on:• education and information; and• involvement in nominating species,

planning, implementing recovery actionsand monitoring populations, threats andrecovery actions.

Community Education and InformationObjectivesThe objectives of community education and

information are to:• encourage community understanding of

the issues involved in threatened speciesconservation;

• inform the community about Tasmanianthreatened species and threateningprocesses and their management; and

• obtain and develop community supportfor threatened species conservation.

Actions1. Prepare, publicise, and make readily

available factual information and extensionmaterial on threatened species, threateningprocesses and threatened species programs.

2. Encourage the media and publishers toprofile threatened species and programs tomitigate threatening processes.

3. Develop and promote threatened specieseducation and information in consultationwith community groups and integrate itwith community based programs such asLandcare, Bushcare, Farmwi$e, Land forWildlife, Coastcare, Wildcare, Waterwatch,Oceancare, Fishcare and the ThreatenedSpecies Network, etc.

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Small toungue orchid

4. Encourage inclusion of a threatened speciescurriculum in schools.

5. Inform people when they are likely to beaffected by threatened species recoveryprograms.

6. Inform landholders of the implications ofthreatened species occurring on their land.

7. Make public information on threatenedspecies and threatening processes availableon the internet and databases which can beaccessed readily by the community.

8. Provide information on threatened speciesin a form suitable for its intended audience.

Performance Indicators• There is an increased profile of

threatened species and threateningprocesses in the print and electronicmedia.

• Threatened species curriculum or themesare integrated into the teaching programof schools.

• A threatened species database isavailable to the general public on theinternet and is widely used.

• Information on threatened species andthreatening processes is readily availablein a variety of media to members of thepublic.

• There is increasing community supportfor threatened species conservation.

Community Involvement ObjectivesThe objectives of community involvement

are to:• prepare and implement threatened

species recovery programs supported byand including the community;

• utilise community interest and resourcesin implementing threatened speciesrecovery programs;

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• utilise community interest and resourcesin establishing and maintaining effectivebaseline and specific purpose monitoringfor threatened species recoveryprograms; and

• maintain community support forthreatened species conservation.

Actions1. Encourage community participation in

nominating species for listing or de-listingon the Schedules of the Threatened SpeciesProtection Act 1995.

2. Provide and publicise opportunities for thepublic to be involved in preparation andimplementation of threatened speciesrecovery programs.

3. Make draft and final documents availableto the community.

4. Establish clear and accessible linksbetween Nature Conservation Branch(Threatened Species Unit) and thecommunity.

5. Provide opportunities for members of thecommunity to participate in trainingprograms and field days.

6. Prepare listing statements and recoveryplans in a form that landholders andcommunity interest groups are readily ableto adopt and implement.

7. Encourage ownership of and activeparticipation in threatened speciesrecovery programs by landholders,community groups and individuals.

8. Encourage individuals and communitybased groups to be actively involved inprotecting threatened species and theirhabitat.

9. Integrate threatened species conservationwith other community programs andprojects.

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New Holland mouse

Community involvement in planting

10. Provide opportunities for members ofthe community to assist withmonitoring by:

• counting and surveying;• recording major changes;• measuring impacts and population

trends; and• identification.

11. Encourage use of the Parks and WildlifeService WildCARE program.

Performance Indicators• Key community stakeholders are

represented on relevant threatenedspecies recovery teams and threatabatement teams.

• Individuals and community basedgroups are actively engaged inthreatened species conservation.

• Landholders and community groupsare using listing statements andrecovery plans to manage threatenedspecies on their land.

• The public provide comment on andsupport for threatened speciesnominations and recovery programs.

Working with Land Owners,Land Managers and Industry

State government agencies, localgovernment, other resource managers suchas landholders and industry are key playersin conserving threatened species. State andlocal government agencies are bound bythe principles of the Resource Managementand Planning System of Tasmania, which,while promoting sustainable use of naturaland physical resources, equally promotesthe maintenance of ecological processesand genetic diversity. Everyone has aresponsibility to abide by the requirementsof the Threatened Species Protection Act1995.Management and conservation of

threatened species needs to be taken intoaccount in development proposals and inall aspects of planning which affect landand the marine environment in Tasmania.Providing relevant information and training,integrating planning and action, andmonitoring success will be crucial inachieving successful outcomes. Localgovernment is seen as a key participant inthis process.

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ObjectivesThe objectives of working with land owners,

land managers and industry are to:• provide planners and managers with the

necessary knowledge and skills toprotect threatened species within theirarea;

• integrate threatened speciesconservation with the activities of allland owners, land managers andindustry. Secure the willing support ofmanagers and industry for the programsand

• ensure threatened species conservation isaddressed in all aspects of planning.

• develop incentives to encourage landowners, managers and industry toconserve threatened species.

Actions1. Establish public authority management

agreements with public authorities toprovide accreditation for the managementof those threatened species detailed in theagreement, and consistent with therequirements of the Tasmanian ThreatenedSpecies Protection Act 1995.

2. Include conservation of threatened speciesand management of threatening processesin the development of major planninginitiatives such as catchment managementplans, coast and clean seas plans and localgovernment planning schemes.

3. Provide land owners, land managers andindustry with information detailing theirstatutory responsibilities for protection oflisted species.

4. Provide appropriate information onidentification, distribution, and status ofthreatened species, details of definedcritical habitats, the impacts of threateningprocesses, as well as relevant listingstatements, recovery plans and threatenedspecies management guidelines to landowners, land managers and industryincluding local government.

5. Hold training days for landowners, landmanagers and industry on appropriateways of managing threatened species.

6. Include information on threat abatement inindustry training programs such as thosefor the fishing industry, and sustainablefarming.

7. Establish clear and accessiblecommunication links between the NatureConservation Branch (Threatened SpeciesUnit) and landowners, land managers andindustry.

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8. Develop a range of packages and optionsto assist landowners, managers andindustry to conserve threatened specieswithout disadvantage.

Performance Indicators• A comprehensive threatened species

information package including localitymaps is available in a readily useableform to resource managers and industry.

• The Threatened Species Unit regularlyparticipates in industry and communitytraining programs, field days, workshops,seminars and other forums.

• Requirements for threatened speciessurveys for planning are published.

• Industry training programs includethreatened species issues in theircurriculum.

• Public authority managementagreements are in place.

• Threatened species are routinelyconsidered as part of all managementplanning and operations.

• All planning documents and initiativescontain accurate and pertinentreferences to threatened speciesprotection.

• Land management plans are preparedwithin five years for individual propertiesor groups of properties containingthreatened species.

• Landowners, land managers and industrysupport threatened species planscovering their land or area of operation.

Social and Economic Factors

Care and responsibility for land and water isan accepted principle for most of thecommunity. It is a matter of pride to mostlandholders that they are managing their

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resources in an ecologically sustainablemanner. Likewise, most landholders are verywilling to play their part in ensuring thatthreatened species can survive in the longterm. Most landholders want to hand theiroperations on to the next generation in asgood or better condition than when theybegan to manage them. Indeed, communityexpectation is moving towards a positionwhere landholders have a duty of caretowards threatened species.However, fundamental to obtaining and

encouraging support for conservingthreatened species and addressing threateningprocesses is ensuring that landholders do nothave to bear undue cost in the process. Manythreatened species occur in relatively smalldefined areas and can be managed orprotected with minimum action.To ensure that the social and economic

impact of the implementation of managementagreements for threatened species and anumber of other matters are fully considered,the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995establishes the Community Review Committee(CRC). The CRC has a membership of nineincluding:• the Chairperson;• a person nominated by the Tasmanian

Farmers and Graziers Association; • an economist; • a representative of the rural industry; • a representative of the forest industry; • a representative of the fishing industry; • two members of the Scientific Advisory

Committee;• and a person nominated by the Local

Government Association of Tasmania.

The roles of the CRC as laid out in theThreatened Species Protection Act 1995 are:• to receive and consider draft recovery

plans and listing statements;• in respect of private land to assist in and

make recommendations to the Ministeron the preparation of land managementplans and land managementagreements;

• to provide for conciliation as may berequired in any matter arising from aland management agreement or for thepurpose of making any such agreement;

• to consider the social and economicimpact of the implementation of landmanagement agreements;

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Orange-bellied parrot with chicks

• to advise the Minister on the effect ofinterim protection orders;

• to consider and advise on othermatters that may be referred to it bythe Minister.

The role of the CRC is to be well informedof the conservation requirements ofthreatened species in relation to theimpacts and potential affects onlandholders. The CRC receives all copies oflisting statements, recovery plans and otherrelevant documents for information. Whererequired, it assists landholders with thepreparation of land management plans andthe agreements which flow from them.The CRC also has an important role in

providing for conciliation in matters arisingfrom or during the process of drawing upland management agreements includingdisputes which may arise between thegovernment and landholders.

ObjectiveThe objective of considering social and

economic factors is to:• ensure that landholders do not carry

an unreasonable burden forconserving threatened species on theirland.

Actions1. Prepare species management programs

in cooperation and consultation withlandholders. Ensure that theresponsibilities of both parties are clearlyidentified, funding sources are identified,and the costs of materials and on-groundwork are apportioned.

2. Provide support to facilitate the recoveryand/or conservation of threatenedspecies on private land where possibleand appropriate.

3. Develop innovative strategies forconserving threatened species whichminimise potential adverse impacts oneconomic production.

4. Examine and develop mechanisms tohelp landholders conserve threatenedspecies on their land, eg rate relief forconservation management, to ensurethey are not disadvantaged.

Performance Indicators• Landholders and managers support

threatened species conservation ontheir land.

• Landholders and managers are beinghelped with threatened speciesconservation on their land.

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Research and Monitoring

While threatened species management hasbeen under way in Tasmania since the 1970s,the refinement of international assessmentcriteria by the IUCN in 1994 now provides asound platform for classifying the level ofspecies endangerment and identifying speciesmost at risk. Often the ranking of species isbased on limited information and relies onhistoric records and expert judgement. Tobetter assess and manage our threatenedspecies and threatening processes we muststrive to fill gaps in our knowledge.Information on species’ taxonomy, biology,ecology, habitat requirements and toleranceto disturbance is needed.The most important and fundamental

requirement for threatened speciesconservation is maintenance of up-to-dateinformation on the species listed in theSchedules of the Threatened Species ProtectionAct 1995. Many distribution records havelimited use because of a lack of supportingdata. Our knowledge is only as good as thedata we have collected, so an ongoing effortis required to maintain the best currentinformation on threatened species includingtaxonomy, ecology and threats to the species’existence.Research and monitoring is not limited to

the work of universities and governmentsalone. A whole community approach isrequired with the development of a centraldatabase incorporating all threatened speciesdata. Resource managers and industry,community groups and the general public canall help. The Scientific Advisory Committee,with its expertise in the sciences of flora andfauna conservation, can also contribute adviceon the directions and scope of research intothreatened species.

ObjectivesThe objectives of research and monitoring

are to:• improve understanding of threatened

species for management and the issuesto be confronted in protecting them;

• establish and maintain comprehensiveinformation, including data onthreatened species; and

• provide the scientific basis formanagement decisions in support ofthreatened species conservation.

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Actions1. Research the locality and distribution of

threatened species.2. Research the ecology, biology and habitat

requirements of threatened species.3. Research the taxonomy of threatened

species.4. Monitor the condition of threatened

species habitats.5. Regularly review the status of threatened

species.6. Determine the conservation status of

poorly understood groups of species suchas marine species and communities,invertebrates, non-vascular plants andthose with high local endemism.

7. Identify threatening processes and theirimpacts.

8. Research the tolerance of threatenedspecies to threatening processes.

9. Undertake research to develop threatamelioration strategies.

10. Encourage and collaborate in threatenedspecies research undertaken by researchinstitutes, specialist groups, fieldnaturalists groups and others.

11. Ensure that management prescriptions forthreatened species in recovery plans,listing statements, codes of practice, etc,are effective and adequate.

12. Develop a list of research opportunities forresearch institutes, organisations andothers interested in threatened speciesmanagement.

13. Assist with supervision of undergraduateand postgraduate students undertakingapplied research on threatened species.

14. Seek research assistance from national orinternational organisations and encouragecollaborative work and the interchange ofinformation.

15. Encourage community participation inresearch programs.

16. Develop and maintain accessible databases for storage and retrieval ofthreatened species information.

17. Target research to the highest priorityspecies.

18. Develop funding opportunities forincreased research and monitoring.

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Performance Indicators• Readily accessible, comprehensive and

current databases on threatened speciesare available.

• Threatening processes are wellunderstood by both researchers and thegeneral community.

• The status of each threatened species isbased on the best available research andmonitoring.

• The threatened status of marine species,invertebrates and non-vascular plants isbetter known.

• Threat amelioration strategies are basedon well researched information.

• The number of species of indeterminatestatus is reduced.

Resourcing and Implementing the Strategy

Resources are essential to implement theThreatened Species Strategy. These resourcesmust be directed carefully to achievemaximum benefit for the investment of timeand money. Two approaches to threatenedspecies conservation have been set out in thisStrategy. They are to address threateningprocesses at the broad scale as well as toprepare and implement priority speciesrecovery and management programs at thelocal scale. Implementing these approacheswill require flexibility and strategic thinking tomake best use of resources, harnessing themin various combinations to address theobjectives of the Strategy, from administrationand education to research and on-groundworks.Over the last few years, however, with

increased recognition of the significance ofbiological conservation and threatenedspecies, Commonwealth and Stategovernments have allocated greater fundingfor threatened species conservation. Howeverthis level of funding needs to be increased tomeet the objectives of this Strategy. Just asimportant as the amount of resources is theway we deploy them. We must always bestriving to improve our efficiency andtargeting resources to the most effective end.Similarly, community and industry resourcesneed to be developed to ensure theirresponsibilities are addressed in a timelymanner. The more quickly action can betaken to abate threats, the lower the cost ofdoing so and the less the potential forextinction. Much of the Strategy is aimed at

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prevention mechanisms which will yieldconsiderable financial savings in the longerterm.

ObjectivesThe objectives for resourcing and

implementing the Strategy are to:• improve the level of resources

available for threatened speciesmanagement within all levels ofgovernment and across thecommunity; and

• ensure effective utilisation ofresources; and;

• ensure effective implementation of theStrategy.

Actions1. Develop an implementation plan for this

Strategy as a priority. This plan shouldshow who will carry out the actions,when they are to be carried out andcompleted, and what priority should beassigned to each action.

2. Prepare a budget plan identifying theresources required to implement theStrategy.

3. Encourage government agencies andlandholders responsible for managingland on which threatened species occurto direct resources into conservingspecies through joint agreements.

4. Establish a fund raising program toattract community and industrydonations, bequests or sponsorship,particularly to the Threatened SpeciesTrust Fund.

5. Encourage community and industry tocontribute expertise, labour, materialsand loan of equipment in communitybased conservation programs.

6. Raise finance through provision of athreatened species managementconsultancy service by the NatureConservation Branch.

7. Maintain national partnershipagreements supporting research andmanagement of threatened species.

8. Adopt innovative methods to minimisethe cost and impact of threatenedspecies conservation.

9. Combine efforts where resource needsare similar.

10. Seek financial or other resourcecontributions from those makingfinancial gain from threatened species.

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11. Seek compensatory financing or otherresourcing from those contributing tothreatening processes.

12. Encourage non-government organisationssuch as the Bush Heritage Trust to targetfunds towards threatened speciesconservation.

Performance Indicators• More threatened species or threatening

processes are being targeted because ofincreased resources.

• The Threatened Species Trust Fund isfinancially well supported.

• Funding for threatened speciesconservation across all levels ofgovernment shows an upward trend.

• The general community, support groupsand industry are actively involved inconservation of threatened speciesthrough funding, in kind support, orvolunteer work.

Reviewing the Strategy

Threatened species problems, ourknowledge, and management opportunitiesand techniques evolve. Periodic review of theStrategy will be required to ensure that it isbeing implemented, that it is achieving itsintended outcomes, to optimise itseffectiveness, and to adapt to alteredcircumstances.

ObjectivesThe objectives for reviewing the Strategy areto:• ensure that the Strategy is being

implemented;• check that outcomes are those intended

by the Strategy; and• improve performance by building on

experience.Actions1. Establish a program to monitor and

evaluate implementation of the Strategy.2. Incorporate monitoring provisions in

recovery programs including listingstatements, recovery plans and threatabatement plans.

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