Caladenia melanema, photo taken by Andrew Brown DEC

What is the definition of a Threatened Species?

The Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 provides for taxa (species, subspecies and varieties) of native plants (flora) and native animals (fauna) to be specially protected because they are under identifiable threat of extinction, are rare, or otherwise in need of special protection. Such specially protected wildlife (fauna and flora) is considered to be "threatened".

What is a Threatened Ecological Community?

The Minister for the Environment may list an ecological community as being threatened if the community is presumed to be totally destroyed, or is considered to be at risk of becoming totally destroyed.

Which species and communities are threatened?

Lists of threatened flora, fauna and ecological communities are updated each year and are available on the DEC website.

How can I find out if threatened flora, fauna or ecological communities have been identified at a location I have an interest in?

DEC is the custodian of databases providing distributional data on threatened taxa and communities. Data held on threatened species and communities may be sensitive, and only provided for legitimate reasons. Information from these database will show if any threatened taxa or communities have been seen in the area, or the likelihood of such taxa or communities being present. This information is particularly useful to persons planning developments or other activities in areas that may impinge on threatened wildlife, or who wish to study field populations.

What is the recovery process?

For more information on the 'recovery process' and how it provides the overall framework for the conservation of threatened species and communities see Recovery Planning and Implementation.

How does DEC prioritise conservation actions for threatened species and communities?

Various DEC policies outline how conservation actions should be prioritised. DEC uses IUCN criteria for assigning species and communities to threat categories.

Is DEC undertaking research on threatened flora and fauna?

Yes, both flora and fauna research is being carried out.

Who manages the co-ordination of threatened species and ecological community conservation within DEC?

Species and Communities Branch co-ordinates the conservation of threatened species and ecological communities. However a substantial proportion of the on-ground work is undertaken by DECs Regional Services Division and the Science Division.

Species and Communities Branch can be contacted on (08) 9334 0455.