A study out of the University of New South Wales reviews over 24,000 scientific publications related to conservation in the Oceanic region and reveals a troubling picture for biodiversity and species extinctions across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. The review identified six major threatening processes (habitat loss and degradation, invasive species, climate change, overexploitation, pollution, and disease) and developed a set of conservation policies for each process.
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Professor Tony Peacock is CEO of the Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre, ACT
“This is an important paper because it is a genuine attempt by prominent scientists to point to policies most likely to deliver better conservation outcomes. It’s also a timely reminder that we desperately need better conservation outcomes as the world faces the sixth great extinction event, the first to be caused by man.”
Professor Chris West is CEO of the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia and Professor of Zoology, University of Adelaide and Professor of Biodiversity Conservation, Flinders University, SA.
“A valuable paper and analysis of key threats to biodiversity which underlines the urgent need for action. It reinforces understanding of the relative causes of accelerating extinction - and, crucially, presents policy recommendations. It combines analysis of causes of extinction, rational listing of what needs to be done and a clear call to arms to save what we can.
Policy priorities and prevention emphasis - actions needed to avert an extinction crisis - a wake up call. Useful - but we desperately need to do something, many things now.”
Dr Barry Traill is Director of the Wild Australia Program - a joint program of Pew Australia and The Nature Conservancy, Queensland
“Our wildlife is in serious trouble. This study puts into sharp focus the threats that continue to wipe out our native animals and plants. Action is needed now to prevent a future where the heritage of Australia, and our nearest neighbours, could be just a memory.”