REPORTABLE BACKGROUND
The Albanese Labor Government is investing $24 million to support projects that better protect 73 threatened native species.
Across Australia, 61 projects have been awarded Saving Native Species grants of up to $500,000 to better protect frogs, birds, fish, invertebrates, mammals, reptiles and plants.
The funding supports a range of species-saving efforts such as captive-breeding for return to the wild, cracking down on invasive animals, and restoring and enhancing habitats.
These projects will help to reduce the risk of extinction for many of the 110 priority plants and animals in the 10-year Threatened Species Action Plan.
Lord Howe Island Board is receiving funding for two projects on Lord Howe Island:
• $394,538 for the for the Lord Howe Island Phasmid
• $500,000 for the Little Mountain Palm
The Lord Howe Island Phasmid project will include activities such as controlling Coastal Morning Glory, an invasive weed and helping to maintain the Phasmid in captivity on Lord Howe Island and at Melbourne Zoo.
The Little Mountain Palm project will implement an invasive weed program in its habitats and a local community awareness campaign and support another priority species, the Mount Lidgbird Charopid Land Snail.
The Lord Howe Island Phasmid is a nocturnal, flightless insect that was once common and widespread across Lord Howe Island and is listed as critically endangered under national environment law due its very small population size and restricted distribution.
The Little Mountain Palm is only found on Lord Howe Island and is listed as critically endangered under national environmental law due to the predation of its seeds by introduced rats, and invasive weeds. Other activities in this project include developing an insurance population and monitoring climate impacts to this species.
Recovery actions in each project are guided by statutory conservation planning documents and the latest information about the species and threats they are facing. This $24 million funding is just one part of our $550 million investment to protect native species and tackle invasive pests.
Further information about the Threatened Species Action Plan and the 110 priority species list is at: The Threatened Species Action Plan – DCCEEW
Quotes attributable to the Federal Member for Sydney and Minister for the Environment and Water, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP:
“Our government is committed to achieving our target of zero new extinctions in Australia and our $24 million investment in grassroots projects will help to better protect our threatened species.
“This funding is about supporting the dedicated scientists, conservationists, and passionate local groups in communities right across Australia who are working hard to save our precious native plants and animals.
“Many of our beloved threatened species have battled the impacts of disease, feral pests and the devastating impacts of the Black Summer bushfires.
“That’s why we’re taking strong action to better protect and recover our native wildlife, where it makes the most difference, including here on Lord Howe Island .”
Further information:
Back from the Brink: Saving the Lord Howe Island Phasmid
The main goals are to reduce the risk of extinction of this critically endangered species and pave the way for full recovery in the wild. The project aims to achieve these goals through the following actions:
(i) Controlling coastal morning glory on Balls Pyramid
(ii) Maintaining healthy captive populations of Phasmids on Lord Howe Island and the Melbourne Zoo by managing and improving the genetic and physical health of the population
(iii) Setting up a network of sensors to monitor environmental variables that are sensitive to climate change in potential phasmid habitat
(iv) Eradicating a recent infestation of African Big-headed Ants
(v) Preparing a comprehensive reintroduction plan, including community education and consultation.
$394,538 has been committed to this project, which will be administered by the Lord Howe Island Board.
Securing the future of the Lord Howe Island Little Mountain Palm
This project focuses on preserving the habitat of the Little Mountain Palm (LMP) and enhancing population viability through:
• Weed control: Implement an invasive weed control program to reduce competition and allow the LMP to thrive
• Habitat protection: Implement priority actions to manage habitat and mitigate threats
• Genetic Management: Conduct genetic assessments, propagate diverse palms, and create an ex-situ conservation program
• Climate Resilience: Monitor climate impacts; explore assisted migration and adaptive management strategies
• Research and Monitoring: A review of threats, population, and disease dynamics to inform adaptive management
• Awareness campaign: Educate and involve others in LMP conservation efforts
This work will also support the Mount Lidgbird Charopid Land Snail. $500,000 has been committed to this project which will be administered by the Lord Howe Island Board.