Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.
Australia has an incredible level of biodiversity, with many species that are entirely unique to the country and not found anywhere else in the world. However, because of factors including climate change, hunting, deforestation, habitat loss, and introduction of invasive species, many of the country’s animals are facing extinction and endangerment. Charities and organizations are attempting to aid the recovery of some species, and new laws have been introduced in a bid to curb the rate of extinctions in Australia.
Below, we have listed 10 statistics about Australian endangered species, as well as those that are endangered and face a battle to survive.
Click to Skip Ahead:
The 10 Australian Endangered Species Statistics
- 86% of Australia’s mammals cannot be found anywhere else in the world
- Australia has the second highest number of endemic animal species in the world
- 27 million marsupials were killed as part of the government’s Marsupial Destruction Act between 1877 and 1930
- In the past 200 years, 34 mammals have become extinct
- 100 species of animal have now become extinct since European colonisation
- 1,700 Australian plant and animal species are threatened
- 13 species of animal were added to Australia’s list of extinct animals in 2022
- There are more extinct animals in Australia than any other country
- The Australian Bandicoot was saved from extinction in 2021
- The Western Quoll and Phascogale could also soon see a return from extinction
Australia’s Animals
1. 86% of Australia’s mammals cannot be found anywhere else in the world
(WWF)
Australia is a unique continent that is geographically isolated from the rest of the world. Australia also has diverse weather and terrain, some of which has led to animal groups having to evolve to meet the demands placed on them. This combination of unique conditions and isolation has led to equally unique animals, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world. In fact, 86% of Australia’s mammals are only found in Australia, which is why conservationists consider it so important to ensure their survival.
2. Australia has the second highest number of endemic animal species in the world
(Sydney Morning Herald)
Although there are some countries that have a greater number of animal species overall, there is only one country that has more unique animals, referred to as endemic species. The country with more endemic species is Indonesia, which is located next to Australia.
History
3. 27 million marsupials were killed as part of the government’s Marsupial Destruction Act between 1877 and 1930
(Sydney Morning Herald)
There are many causes of species endangerment. Some species, such as the Tasmanian Tiger, have been hunted to extinction. Some species become extinct because they have very specific habitat requirements, which means that they are unable to grow their numbers and eventually become extinct. A common cause of endangerment is habitat loss, caused by human expansion into breeding and nesting grounds.
Between 1877 and 1930, there was another cause of species endangerment in Australia. The government established the Marsupial Destruction Act which not only meant it was legal to hunt and kill certain species of marsupial, but hunters were paid a bounty for every animal they killed. It is estimated that nearly 30 million marsupials were killed during this time.
4. In the past 200 years, 34 mammals have become extinct
(Sydney Morning Herald)
After Captain Cook’s landing in 1770, Australia was colonized by Europeans in 1788. In less than 250 years, 34 species of mammals, that we know of, have become extinct. It is likely that the number is higher as not all species will have been monitored or even known. It is estimated that that is the same number of mammal species that have become extinct, during the same time, in the rest of the world combined.
5. 100 species of animal have now become extinct since European colonisation
(Nature Australia)
It isn’t just mammals that have faced extinction during this time. More than 100 total species of different orders have become extinct. Again, this number is realistically likely to be much higher.
6. 1,700 Australian plant and animal species are threatened
(WWF)
And, as well as animals, endemic and local species of plants are also threatened. In total, more than 1,700 species of flora and fauna are currently considered endangered. An endangered species is one that is considered to be at serious risk of extinction.
7. 13 species of animal were added to Australia’s list of extinct animals in 2022
(Nature Australia)
New laws and guidelines aim to combat the problem of endangerment, but in 2021, 13 species of animals were added to the country’s list of officially extinct animals according to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This included one species of mammal, the Christmas Island pipistrelle. Other species added to the list include the Nullarbor barred bandicoot and the Capricorn rabbit-rat. 38% of the world’s extinct species are now Australian, rising from 34% in 2020.
8. There are more extinct mammal species in Australia than any other country
(Nature Australia)
Compared to countries like Indonesia and Brazil, Australia does not have that many unique mammal species – approximately 350 compared to more than 600 each. However, it does have the most extinct mammal species of any country.
Recovery
9. The Australian Bandicoot was saved from extinction in 2022
(BBC)
Thanks to the work of conservationists and charities, it isn’t all bad news. The Australian Bandicoot was on the brink of extinction. There were believed to be only 150 of the small marsupials left in the wild but thanks to reintroduction programs, there are now thought to be more than 1,500. This is the first time Australia has brought a species back from “extinct in the wild” to now be considered “endangered”. While the Bandicoot is not in the clear yet, they have been handed fox-free and protected habitats where they can hopefully continue to thrive.
10. The Western Quoll and Phascogale could also soon see a return from extinction
(FAME)
Two other species, the Western Quoll and the Phascogale, are also in the process of potentially being saved from endangerment. These two species hail from South Australia and are predators, which means that they are deemed to have an important role to play in the local ecosystem. They have been reintroduced in 2014 and again in 2021.
Frequently Asked Questions About Australian Endangered Species
What Percentage Of Animals Are Endangered?
It is very difficult to give an accurate percentage of animals that are endangered because less than 3% of all animal species have been assessed. It is estimated that approximately 3% of all species to have ever lived survive today, however, and 16,928 species are classified as being threatened with extinction. (IUCN)
What Australian Animals Are Endangered?
Hundreds of species of Australian animal are endangered. The Silver-headed Antechinus was only discovered in 2013 but is considered to be one of the most at-risk species. Other species include the Mountain pygmy possum and the Hastings River mouse, both of which are highly susceptible to forest fires and have suffered huge losses in the past few years. The long-footed potoroo and the Kangaroo echidna also saw their habitats decimated during the 2019-2020 bush fires and are in critical danger as a result. Many species suffered because of the bush fires. (Wilderness)
How Many Australian Animals Are Endangered?
On average one Australian species becomes extinct every five years and there are currently around 300 animal species that are considered endangered. (TrishansOz)
Are Koalas Endangered?
The koala is one of the most widely recognized animals on the planet, and while it is not currently listed as endangered, the bush fires that wreaked havoc throughout Australia have seen their numbers dwindle massively. The koala is currently listed as vulnerable, but it is possible that they will be upgraded to endangered, especially in the territories of Queensland, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory. (The Guardian)
Is The Tasmanian Tiger Extinct?
The Thylacine was a marsupial that lived on the Australian mainland and some islands. Although it became extinct on the mainland more than 2,000 years ago, it continued to live on the island of Tasmania. The last thylacine, or Tasmanian Tiger, died in captivity in 1963 and its extinction has been put down to extensive hunting by humans. Although there have been reported sightings of the animal, none have been confirmed and it is widely accepted that the animal is extinct.
Related Read:
Conclusion
Australia is a hugely biodiverse country and continent and has one of the largest number of endemic animal species of any country in the world. However, many of its species are considered endangered and Australia has a growing list of extinct animal species. The recent bushfires have further decimated populations of animals that were already struggling because of habitat loss and hunting.
Featured Image Credit: Mike_68, Pixabay