Register      Login
Pacific Conservation Biology Pacific Conservation Biology Society
A journal dedicated to conservation and wildlife management in the Pacific region.
REVIEW (Open Access)

The threats to Australia’s imperilled species and implications for a national conservation response

Stephen G. Kearney https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0026-970X A J , Josie Carwardine B , April E. Reside C , Diana O. Fisher C , Martine Maron A , Tim S. Doherty D , Sarah Legge https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6968-2781 E F , Jennifer Silcock E , John C. Z. Woinarski G , Stephen T. Garnett G , Brendan A. Wintle H and James E. M. Watson A I
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Steele Building, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia.

B CSIRO Land and Water, Box 2583, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia.

C School of Biological Science, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia.

D Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Vic. 3125, Australia.

E NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Research, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia.

F Fenner School of the Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2602, Australia.

G NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub, Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, NT 0909, Australia.

H School of Biosciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic. 3010, Australia.

I Wildlife Conservation Society, Global Conservation Program, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, New York, USA.

J Corresponding author. Email: stephen.kearney@uq.edu.au

Pacific Conservation Biology 25(3) 231-244 https://doi.org/10.1071/PC18024
Submitted: 15 February 2018  Accepted: 21 August 2018   Published: 17 September 2018

Journal Compilation © CSIRO 2019 Open Access CC BY-NC-ND

Abstract

Since European occupation of Australia, human activities have caused the dramatic decline and sometimes extinction of many of the continent’s unique species. Here we provide a comprehensive review of threats to species listed as threatened under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Following accepted global categories of threat, we find that invasive species affect the largest number of listed species (1257 species, or 82% of all threatened species); ecosystem modifications (e.g. fire) (74% of listed species) and agricultural activity (57%) are also important. The ranking of threats was largely consistent across taxonomic groups and the degree of species’ endangerment. These results were significantly different (P < 0.01) from recent analyses of threats to threatened species globally, which highlighted overexploitation, agriculture and urban development as major causes of decline. Australia is distinct not only in the biodiversity it contains but also in the extent and mixture of processes that threaten the survival of these species. Notably, the IUCN threat classification scheme separates the numerous threats (e.g. urban development, agriculture, mining) that cause habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation, hence further research is required to quantify the net impact of these types of habitat change. We provide feasible suggestions for a more coordinated national approach to threatened species conservation, which could provide decision makers and managers at all levels with improved resources and information on threats and management. Adequate policy, legislative support and funding are critical for ensuring that on-ground management is successful in halting the decline of Australia’s threatened species.

Additional keywords: EPBC Act, extinction, fire, habitat loss, invasive species, protected areas, threatening processes


References

ABARES (2016). ‘Land use in Australia’. Australian Bureau of Agricultural Resource Economics and Science. Available at: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/aclump/land-use [accessed 1 February 2018].

ABS (2010). Inland waters – water storage. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Available at: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Lookup/by%20Subject/1370.0~2010~Chapter~Water%20storage%20(6.3.6.2) [accessed 1 February 2018].

ABS (2016). Regional population growth, Australia, 2014–15 – population density. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Available at: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Previousproducts/3218.0Main%20Features152014-15?opendocument&tabname=Summary&prodno=3218.0&issue=2014-15&num=&view [accessed 1 February 2018].

Allek, A., Assis, A. S., Eiras, N., Amaral, T. P., Williams, B., Butt, N., Renwick, A. R., Bennett, J. R., and Beyer, H. L. (2018). The threats endangering Australia’s at-risk fauna. Biological Conservation 222, 172–179.
The threats endangering Australia’s at-risk fauna.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Auld, T. D. (1993). The impact of grazing on regeneration of the shrub Acacia carnei in arid Australia. Biological Conservation 65, 165–176.
The impact of grazing on regeneration of the shrub Acacia carnei in arid Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Auld, T. D., and Scott, J. (1997). Conservation of endangered plants in urban fire-prone habitats. In ‘Proceedings: Fire Effects on Rare and Endangered Species and Habitats Conference, Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, November 1995’. (Ed. J. M. Greenlee.) pp. 163–171. (International Association of Wildland Fire.)

Barker, R. D., and Caughley, G. (1991). Distribution and abundance of kangaroos (Marsupialia: Macropodidae) at the time of European contact: Victoria. Australian Mammalogy 15, 81–88.

Barlow, J., Peres, C. A., Henriques, L. M. P., Stouffer, P. C., and Wunderle, J. M. (2006). The responses of understorey birds to forest fragmentation, logging and wildfires: an Amazonian synthesis. Biological Conservation 128, 182–192.
The responses of understorey birds to forest fragmentation, logging and wildfires: an Amazonian synthesis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Barrett, S., and Yates, C. J. (2015). Risks to a mountain summit ecosystem with endemic biota in southwestern Australia. Austral Ecology 40, 423–432.
Risks to a mountain summit ecosystem with endemic biota in southwestern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Berris, K., Barth, M., Mooney, T., Paton, D., Kinloch, M., Copley, P., Maguire, A., Crowley, G., and Garnett, S. T. (2018). From the brink of extinction: successful recovery of the glossy black-cockatoo on Kangaroo Island. In ‘Recovering Australian Threatened Species: a Book of Hope’. (Eds S. Garnett, P. Latch, D. Lindenmayer, and J. C. Z. Woinarski.) Chapter 9, pp. 75–84. (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne.)

Bickford, S., Gell, P., and Hancock, G. J. (2008). Wetland and terrestrial vegetation change since European settlement on the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia. The Holocene 18, 425–436.
Wetland and terrestrial vegetation change since European settlement on the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bird, P., Mutze, G., Peacock, D., and Jennings, S. (2012). Damage caused by low-density exotic herbivore populations: the impact of introduced European rabbits on marsupial herbivores and Allocasuarina and Bursaria seedling survival in Australian coastal shrubland. Biological Invasions 14, 743–755.
Damage caused by low-density exotic herbivore populations: the impact of introduced European rabbits on marsupial herbivores and Allocasuarina and Bursaria seedling survival in Australian coastal shrubland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Blumstein, D. T. (2002). Moving to suburbia: ontogenetic and evolutionary consequences of life on predator‐free islands. Journal of Biogeography 29, 685–692.
Moving to suburbia: ontogenetic and evolutionary consequences of life on predator‐free islands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Booth, C. (2018). Land clearing versus invasive species: which is the biggest threat? Available at: https://invasives.org.au/blog/land-clearing-vs-invasive-species-biggest-threat/ [accessed 16 July 2018].

Bottrill, M. C., Walsh, J. C., Watson, J. E. M., Joseph, L. N., Ortega-Argueta, A., and Possingham, H. P. (2011). Does recovery planning improve the status of threatened species? Biological Conservation 144, 1595–1601.
Does recovery planning improve the status of threatened species?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bowman, D. (2003). Australian landscape burning: a continental and evolutionary perspective. In ‘Fire in Ecosystems of South-west Western Australia: Impacts and Management’. (Eds I. Abbott and N. Burrows.) pp. 107–118. (Backhuys Publishers: Leiden.)

Bowman, D. M. J. S., Murphy, B. P., Burrows, G. E., and Crisp, M. D. (2012). Fire regimes and the evolution of the Australian biota. In ‘Flammable Australia: Fire Regimes, Biodiversity and Ecosystems in a Changing World’. (Eds R. A. Bradstock, J. E. Williams, and M. A. Gill.) Chapter 2, pp. 27–47. (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne.)

Bradshaw, C. J. A. (2012). Little left to lose: deforestation and forest degradation in Australia since European colonization. Journal of Plant Ecology 5, 109–120.
Little left to lose: deforestation and forest degradation in Australia since European colonization.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bradshaw, C. J., Sodhi, N. S., and Brook, B. W. (2009). Tropical turmoil: a biodiversity tragedy in progress. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 7, 79–87.
Tropical turmoil: a biodiversity tragedy in progress.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bradstock, R., Penman, T., Boer, M., Price, O., and Clarke, H. (2014). Divergent responses of fire to recent warming and drying across south‐eastern Australia. Global Change Biology 20, 1412–1428.
Divergent responses of fire to recent warming and drying across south‐eastern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Brook, B. W., Sodhi, N. S., and Bradshaw, C. J. (2008). Synergies among extinction drivers under global change. Trends in Ecology & Evolution 23, 453–460.
Synergies among extinction drivers under global change.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Burgman, M. A., Keith, D., Hopper, S. D., Widyatmoko, D., and Drill, C. (2007). Threat syndromes and conservation of the Australian flora. Biological Conservation 134, 73–82.
Threat syndromes and conservation of the Australian flora.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cahill, D. M., Rookes, J. E., Wilson, B. A., Gibson, L., and McDougall, K. L. (2008). Phytophthora cinnamomi and Australia’s biodiversity: impacts, predictions and progress towards control. Australian Journal of Botany 56, 279–310.
Phytophthora cinnamomi and Australia’s biodiversity: impacts, predictions and progress towards control.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Casanova, M. T., and Powling, I. J. (2014). What makes a swamp swampy? Water regime and the botany of endangered wetlands in western Victoria. Australian Journal of Botany 62, 469–480.
What makes a swamp swampy? Water regime and the botany of endangered wetlands in western Victoria.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

CBD (2010). COP 10 Decision X/2. The Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011–2020 and the Aichi biodiversity targets. Convention On Biological Diversity. Available at: http://www.cbd.int/decision/cop/default.shtml?id= 12268 [accessed 4 February 2018].

Chapman, A. D. (2009). ‘Numbers of Living Species in Australia and the World.’ 2nd edn. (Australian Biodiversity Information Services: Toowoomba.)

Clavero, M., Brotons, L., Pons, P., and Sol, D. (2009). Prominent role of invasive species in avian biodiversity loss. Biological Conservation 142, 2043–2049.
Prominent role of invasive species in avian biodiversity loss.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Commonwealth of Australia (2013). Recovery plans required to be prepared. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery-plans/required [accessed 1 February 2018].

Commonwealth of Australia (2014). MERIT database. Available at: https://fieldcapture.ala.org.au/ [Accessed 9 July 2018].

Commonwealth of Australia (2015a). Species Profile and Threats Database. Available at http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl [accessed 1 February 2018].

Commonwealth of Australia (2015b). Threatened species strategy. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/51b0e2d4-50ae-49b5-8317-081c6afb3117/files/ts-strategy.pdf [accessed 1 February 2018].

Commonwealth of Australia (2016). Threat abatement plans. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/threat-abatement-plans [accessed 1 February 2018].

Commonwealth of Australia (2017a). About the EPBC Act. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/about [accessed 1 February 2018].

Commonwealth of Australia (2017b). Recovery plans made or adopted under the EPBC Act. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicshowallrps.pl [accessed 1 February 2018].

Cook, C. N., Valkan, R. S., Mascia, M. B., and McGeoch, M. (2017). Quantifying the extent of protected‐area downgrading, downsizing and degazettement in Australia. Conservation Biology 31, 1039–1052.
Quantifying the extent of protected‐area downgrading, downsizing and degazettement in Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Côté, I. M., Darling, E. S., and Brown, C. J. (2016). Interactions among ecosystem stressors and their importance in conservation. Proceedings. Biological Sciences 283, .
Interactions among ecosystem stressors and their importance in conservation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cox, J. G., and Lima, S. L. (2006). Naiveté and an aquatic–terrestrial dichotomy in the effects of introduced predators. Trends in Ecology & Evolution 21, 674–680.
Naiveté and an aquatic–terrestrial dichotomy in the effects of introduced predators.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cresswell, I. D., and Murphy, H. T. (2017). Australia state of the environment 2016: biodiversity, independent report to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment and Energy. Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy, Canberra.

Crisp, M. D., Burrows, G. E., Cook, L. G., Thornhill, A. H., and Bowman, D. M. (2011). Flammable biomes dominated by eucalypts originated at the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary. Nature Communications 2, 193.
Flammable biomes dominated by eucalypts originated at the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Crowley, G. M., and Garnett, S. T. (1998). Vegetation change in the grasslands and grassy woodlands of east-central Cape York Peninsula, Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology 4, 132–148.
Vegetation change in the grasslands and grassy woodlands of east-central Cape York Peninsula, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

DEC (2004). Grevillea caleyi R. Br. (Proteaceae) recovery plan. Department of Environment and Conservation, Hurstville, NSW. Available at: https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/57db038f-ea98-4369-a16c-4651810f0857/files/g-caleyi.pdf [accessed 19 April 2018].

Denham, A. J., and Auld, T. D. (2004). Survival and recruitment of seedlings and suckers of trees and shrubs of the Australian arid zone following habitat management and the outbreak of Rabbit Calicivirus Disease (RCD). Austral Ecology 29, 585–599.
Survival and recruitment of seedlings and suckers of trees and shrubs of the Australian arid zone following habitat management and the outbreak of Rabbit Calicivirus Disease (RCD).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

DEWHA (2008a). Approved conservation advice for Acacia carneorum (needle wattle). Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/66685-conservation-advice.pdf [accessed 19 April 2018].

DEWHA (2008b). Approved conservation advice for Dryandra aurantia (orange dryandra). Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/64889-conservation-advice.pdf [accessed 3 February 2018].

DEWHA (2009). Approved conservation advice for Engaewa pseudoreducta (Margaret River burrowing crayfish). Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/82674-conservation-advice.pdf [accessed 3 February 2018].

DoE (2013). Conservation Advice Bidyanus bidyanus (silver perch). Department of Environment, Canberra. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/76155-conservation-advice.pdf [accessed 3 February 2018].

Doherty, T. S., Dickman, C. R., Nimmo, D. G., and Ritchie, E. G. (2015). Multiple threats, or multiplying the threats? Interactions between invasive predators and other ecological disturbances. Biological Conservation 190, 60–68.
Multiple threats, or multiplying the threats? Interactions between invasive predators and other ecological disturbances.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Doherty, T. S., Glen, A. S., Nimmo, D. G., Ritchie, E. G., and Dickman, C. R. (2016). Invasive predators and global biodiversity loss. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 113, 11261–11265.
Invasive predators and global biodiversity loss.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dowling, B., and Weston, M. A. (1999). Managing a breeding population of the hooded plover Thinornis rubricollis in a high-use recreational environment. Bird Conservation International 9, 255–270.
Managing a breeding population of the hooded plover Thinornis rubricollis in a high-use recreational environment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

DSEWPC (2013). ‘Chytridiomycosis (amphibian chytrid fungus disease). Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities. Available at: https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/279bf387-09e0-433f-8973-3e18158febb6/files/c-disease_1.pdf [accessed 19 April 2018].

Dudgeon, D., Arthington, A. H., Gessner, M. O., Kawabata, Z. I., Knowler, D. J., Lévêque, C., Naiman, R. J., Prieur-Richard, A. H., Soto, D., Stiassny, M. L., and Sullivan, C. A. (2006). Freshwater biodiversity: importance, threats, status and conservation challenges. Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society 81, 163–182.
Freshwater biodiversity: importance, threats, status and conservation challenges.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Eldridge, D. J., Costantinides, C., and Vine, A. (2006). Short‐term vegetation and soil responses to mechanical destruction of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) warrens in an Australian box woodland. Restoration Ecology 14, 50–59.
Short‐term vegetation and soil responses to mechanical destruction of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) warrens in an Australian box woodland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Evans, M. C., Watson, J. E. M., Fuller, R. A., Venter, O., Bennett, S. C., Marsack, P. R., and Possingham, H. P. (2011). The spatial distribution of threats to species in Australia. Bioscience 61, 281–289.
The spatial distribution of threats to species in Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fensham, R., and Fairfax, R. (2008). Water-remoteness for grazing relief in Australian arid-lands. Biological Conservation 141, 1447–1460.
Water-remoteness for grazing relief in Australian arid-lands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Garnett, S. T., Szabo, J. K., and Dutson, G. (2011). ‘The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2010.’ (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne.)

Garnett, S., Franklin, D., Ehmke, G., VanDerWal, J., Hodgson, L., Pavey, C., Reside, A. E., Welbergen, J. A., Butchart, S. H. M., Perkins, G., and Williams, S. (2013). ‘Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Australian Birds.’ (National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility: Gold Coast, Australia.)

Garnett, S., Latch, P., Lindenmayer, D., and Woinarski, J. C. Z. (2018). ‘Recovering Australian Threatened Species: a Book of Hope.’ (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne.)

Geldmann, J., Barnes, M., Coad, L., Craigie, I. D., Hockings, M., and Burgess, N. D. (2013). Effectiveness of terrestrial protected areas in reducing habitat loss and population declines. Biological Conservation 161, 230–238.
Effectiveness of terrestrial protected areas in reducing habitat loss and population declines.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Geyle, H. M., Woinarski, J. C. Z., Baker, G. B., Dickman, C. R., Dutson, G., Fisher, D. O., Ford, H., Holdsworth, M., Jones, M. E., Kutt, A., Legge, S., Leiper, I., Loyn, R., Murphy, B. P., Menkhorst, P., Reside, A. E., Ritchie, E. G., Roberts, F. E., Tingley, R., and Garnett, S. T. (2018). Quantifying extinction risk and forecasting the number of impending Australian bird and mammal extinctions. Pacific Conservation Biology 24, 157–167.
Quantifying extinction risk and forecasting the number of impending Australian bird and mammal extinctions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hannah, L., Roehrdanz, P. R., Ikegami, M., Shepard, A. V., Shaw, M. R., Tabor, G., Zhi, L., Marquet, P. A., and Hijmans, R. J. (2013). Climate change, wine, and conservation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 110, 6907–6912.
Climate change, wine, and conservation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Harris, J. B. C., Tingley, M. W., Hua, F., Yong, D. L., Adeney, J. M., Lee, T. M., Marthy, W., Prawiradilaga, D. M., Sekercioglu, C. H., Winarni, N., and Wilcove, D. S. (2017). Measuring the impact of the pet trade on Indonesian birds. Conservation Biology 31, 394–405.
Measuring the impact of the pet trade on Indonesian birds.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hawke, A. (2009). The Australian Environment Act – report of the independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Australian Government Department of the Environment, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra.

Hughes, L. (2003). Climate change and Australia: trends, projections and impacts. Austral Ecology 28, 423–443.
Climate change and Australia: trends, projections and impacts.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

IUCN (2015a). Red List Category summary country totals (animals). IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Available at: http://cmsdocs.s3.amazonaws.com/summarystats/2017-3_Summary_Stats_Page_Documents/2017_3_RL_Stats_Table_6a.pdf [accessed 2 February 2018].

IUCN (2015b). Red List Category summary country totals (plants). IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Available at: http://cmsdocs.s3.amazonaws.com/summarystats/2017-3_Summary_Stats_Page_Documents/2017_3_RL_Stats_Table_6b.pdf [accessed 2 February 2018].

IUCN (2017). Threats Classification Scheme (Version 3.2). Available at: http://www.iucnredlist.org/technical-documents/classification-schemes/threats-classification-scheme [accessed 2 February 2018].

Kearney, S. G., Adams, V. M., Fuller, R. A., Possingham, H., and Watson, J. E. M. (2018). Estimating the benefit of well-managed protected areas for threatened species conservation. Oryx , .
Estimating the benefit of well-managed protected areas for threatened species conservation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kingsford, R. T. (2000). Ecological impacts of dams, water diversions and river management on floodplain wetlands in Australia. Austral Ecology 25, 109–127.
Ecological impacts of dams, water diversions and river management on floodplain wetlands in Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kingsford, R. T., Bino, G., and Porter, J. L. (2017). Continental impacts of water development on waterbirds, contrasting two Australian river basins: global implications for sustainable water use. Global Change Biology 23, 4958–4969.
Continental impacts of water development on waterbirds, contrasting two Australian river basins: global implications for sustainable water use.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Legge, S., Murphy, B. P., McGregor, H., Woinarski, J. C. Z., Augusteyn, J., Ballard, G., Baseler, M., Buckmaster, T., Dickman, C. R., Doherty, T., Edwards, G., Eyre, T., Fancourt, B. A., Ferguson, D., Forsyth, D. M., Geary, W. L., Gentle, M., Gillespie, G., Greenwood, L., Hohnen, R., Hume, S., Johnson, C. N., Maxwell, M., McDonald, P. J., Morris, K., Moseby, K., Newsome, T., Nimmo, D., Paltridge, R., Ramsey, D., Read, J., Rendall, A., Rich, M., Ritchie, E., Rowland, J., Short, J., Stokeld, D., Sutherland, D. R., Wayne, A. F., Woodford, L., and Zewe, F. (2017). Enumerating a continental-scale threat: how many feral cats are in Australia? Biological Conservation 206, 293–303.
Enumerating a continental-scale threat: how many feral cats are in Australia?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Legge, S., Lindenmayer, D. B., Robinson, N. M., Scheele, B. C., Southwell, D. M., and Wintle, B. C. (Eds) (2018). ‘Monitoring Threatened Species and Ecological Communities.’ (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne.)

Legge, S., Woinarski, J. C. Z., Burbidge, A., Palmer, R., Ringma, J., Mitchell, N., Radford, J., Bode, M., Wintle, B., Baseler, M., Bentley, J., Carter, O., Copley, P., Dexter, N., Dickman, C., Gillespie, G., Hill, B., Johnson, C., Latch, P., Letnic, M., Manning, A., Menkhorst, P., Morris, K., Moseby, K., Page, M., Pannell, D., and Tuft, K. (). Havens for threatened Australian mammals: the contributions of fenced areas and offshore islands to protecting mammal species that are susceptible to introduced predators. Wildlife Research , .
Havens for threatened Australian mammals: the contributions of fenced areas and offshore islands to protecting mammal species that are susceptible to introduced predators.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lemckert, F. (1999). Impacts of selective logging on frogs in a forested area of northern New South Wales. Biological Conservation 89, 321–328.
Impacts of selective logging on frogs in a forested area of northern New South Wales.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lemckert, F., and Brassil, T. (2000). Movements and habitat use of the endangered giant barred river frog (Mixophyes iteratus) and the implications for its conservation in timber production forests. Biological Conservation 96, 177–184.
Movements and habitat use of the endangered giant barred river frog (Mixophyes iteratus) and the implications for its conservation in timber production forests.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Letnic, M., and Dickman, C. R. (2006). Boom means bust: interactions between the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), rainfall and the processes threatening mammal species in arid Australia. Biodiversity and Conservation 15, 3847–3880.
Boom means bust: interactions between the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO), rainfall and the processes threatening mammal species in arid Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Letnic, M., Tamayo, B., and Dickman, C. R. (2005). The responses of mammals to La Nina (El Nino Southern Oscillation)–associated rainfall, predation, and wildfire in central Australia. Journal of Mammalogy 86, 689–703.
The responses of mammals to La Nina (El Nino Southern Oscillation)–associated rainfall, predation, and wildfire in central Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Letnic, M., Ritchie, E. G., and Dickman, C. R. (2012). Top predators as biodiversity regulators: the dingo Canis lupus dingo as a case study. Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society 87, 390–413.
Top predators as biodiversity regulators: the dingo Canis lupus dingo as a case study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lindenmayer, D. B., and Possingham, H. P. (2013). No excuse for habitat destruction. Science 340, 680–680.
No excuse for habitat destruction.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lindenmayer, D. B., Piggot, M., and Wintle, B. A. (2013). Counting the books while the library burns: why conservation monitoring programs need a plan for action. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 11, 549–555.
Counting the books while the library burns: why conservation monitoring programs need a plan for action.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lintermans, M. (2007). ‘Fishes of the Murray–Darling Basin: an Introductory Guide.’ (Murray–Darling Basin Authority: Canberra.)

Mahony, M. J. (1993). The status of frogs in the Watagan Mountains area the Central Coast of New South Wales. In ‘Herpetology in Australia: A Diverse Discipline’. (Eds D. Lunney, and D. Ayers.) pp. 257–264. (Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales: Sydney.)

Marris, E. (2016). Tasmanian bushfires threaten iconic ancient forests. NATNews 530, 137–138.

Martin, T. G., Nally, S., Burbidge, A. A., Arnall, S., Garnett, S. T., Hayward, M. W., Lumsden, L. F., Menkhorst, P., McDonald‐Madden, E., and Possingham, H. P. (2012). Acting fast helps avoid extinction. Conservation Letters 5, 274–280.
Acting fast helps avoid extinction.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Maxwell, S. L., Fuller, R. A., Brooks, T. M., and Watson, J. E. M. (2016). Biodiversity: the ravages of guns, nets and bulldozers. Nature 536, 143–145.
Biodiversity: the ravages of guns, nets and bulldozers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

McCarthy, M. A., Thompson, C. J., and Garnett, S. T. (2008). Optimal investment in conservation of species. Journal of Applied Ecology 45, 1428–1435.
Optimal investment in conservation of species.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

McDonald, J. A., Carwardine, J., Joseph, L. N., Klein, C. J., Rout, T. M., Watson, J. E. M., Garnett, S. T., McCarthy, M. A., and Possingham, H. P. (2015). Improving policy efficiency and effectiveness to save more species: a case study of the megadiverse country Australia. Biological Conservation 182, 102–108.
Improving policy efficiency and effectiveness to save more species: a case study of the megadiverse country Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

McDougall, K. L., Summerell, B. A., Coburn, D., and Newton, M. (2003). Phytophthora cinnamomi causing disease in subalpine vegetation in New South Wales. Australasian Plant Pathology 32, 113–115.
Phytophthora cinnamomi causing disease in subalpine vegetation in New South Wales.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

McGregor, H. W., Legge, S., Jones, M. E., and Johnson, C. N. (2014). Landscape management of fire and grazing regimes alters the fine-scale habitat utilisation by feral cats. PLoS One 9, e109097.
Landscape management of fire and grazing regimes alters the fine-scale habitat utilisation by feral cats.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mittermeier, R. A., Gil, P. R., and Mittermeier, C. G. (1997). ‘Megadiversity: Earth’s Biologically Wealthiest Nations.’ (CEMEX: Mexico City.)

Mollusc Specialist Group (1996). Fluvidona dulvertonensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.1996.RLTS.T1292A3398300.EN [accessed 3 February 2018]10.2305/IUCN.UK.1996.RLTS.T1292A3398300.EN

Morgan, J. W. (1998). Importance of canopy gaps for recruitment of some forbs in Themeda triandra–dominated grasslands in south-eastern Australia. Australian Journal of Botany 46, 609–627.
Importance of canopy gaps for recruitment of some forbs in Themeda triandra–dominated grasslands in south-eastern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Murphy, S., Legge, S., and Heinsohn, R. (2003). The breeding biology of palm cockatoos (Probosciger aterrimus): a case of a slow life history. Journal of Zoology 261, 327–339.
The breeding biology of palm cockatoos (Probosciger aterrimus): a case of a slow life history.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

National Land and Water Resources Audit (2001). Australian dryland salinity assessment 2000: extent, impacts, processes, monitoring and management options. National Heritage Trust, & National Land and Water Resources Audit: Canberra.

Newsome, A. (1975). An ecological comparison of the two arid-zone kangaroos of Australia, and their anomalous prosperity since the introduction of ruminant stock to their environment. The Quarterly Review of Biology 50, 389–424.
An ecological comparison of the two arid-zone kangaroos of Australia, and their anomalous prosperity since the introduction of ruminant stock to their environment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Nielsen, D. L., and Brock, M. A. (2009). Modified water regime and salinity as a consequence of climate change: prospects for wetlands of southern Australia. Climatic Change 95, 523–533.
Modified water regime and salinity as a consequence of climate change: prospects for wetlands of southern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

NRMMC (2009). Australia’s strategy for the National Reserve System 2009–2030. Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council, Australian Government, Canberra.

NRMMC (2010). Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010–2030. Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Australian Government, Canberra.

Ortega-Argueta, A. (2008). Evaluating recovery planning for threatened species in Australia. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Queensland, Brisbane.

Pedler, R. D., Brandle, R., Read, J. L., Southgate, R., Bird, P., and Moseby, K. E. (2016). Rabbit biocontrol and landscape‐scale recovery of threatened desert mammals. Conservation Biology 30, 774–782.
Rabbit biocontrol and landscape‐scale recovery of threatened desert mammals.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Podger, F., Palzer, C., and Wardlaw, T. (1990). A guide to the Tasmanian distribution of Phytophthora cinnamomi and its effects on native vegetation. Tasforests 2, 13–20.

Ponder, W. F. (1996). Tornelasmias capricorni. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.1996.RLTS.T21996A9345780.EN [accessed 3 February 2018]10.2305/IUCN.UK.1996.RLTS.T21996A9345780.EN

Powell, O., Silcock, J., and Fensham, R. (2015). Oases to oblivion: the rapid demise of springs in the south‐eastern Great Artesian Basin, Australia. Ground Water 53, 171–178.
Oases to oblivion: the rapid demise of springs in the south‐eastern Great Artesian Basin, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Preece, N., Harvey, K., Hempel, C., and Woinarski, J. C. (2010). Uneven distribution of weeds along extensive transects in Australia’s Northern Territory points to management solutions. Ecological Management & Restoration 11, 127–134.
Uneven distribution of weeds along extensive transects in Australia’s Northern Territory points to management solutions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Price, O., Drucker, A., Edwards, G., Fisher, A., Woinarski, J., and Saalfeld, K. (2008). Review of threats to biodiversity in the Northern Territory. Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport, Northern Territory.

Reiter, N., Weste, G., and Guest, D. (2004). The risk of extinction resulting from disease caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi to endangered, vulnerable or rare plant species endemic to the Grampians, western Victoria. Australian Journal of Botany 52, 425–433.
The risk of extinction resulting from disease caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi to endangered, vulnerable or rare plant species endemic to the Grampians, western Victoria.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Reside, A. E., VanDerWal, J., Phillips, B. L., Shoo, L. P., Rosauer, D. F., Anderson, B. J., Welbergen, J. A., Moritz, C., Ferrier, S., and Harwood, T. D. (2013). Climate change refugia for terrestrial biodiversity: defining areas that promote species persistence and ecosystem resilence in the face of climate change. National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility, Gold Coast, Australia.

Reside, A. E., Beher, J., Cosgrove, A. J., Evans, M. C., Seabrook, L., Silcock, J. L., Wenger, A. S., and Maron, M. (2017). Ecological consequences of land clearing and policy reform in Queensland. Pacific Conservation Biology 23, 219–230.
Ecological consequences of land clearing and policy reform in Queensland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rhodes, J. R., Cattarino, L., Seabrook, L., and Maron, M. (2017). Assessing the effectiveness of regulation to protect threatened forests. Biological Conservation 216, 33–42.
Assessing the effectiveness of regulation to protect threatened forests.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ripple, W. J., Abernethy, K., Betts, M. G., Chapron, G., Dirzo, R., Galetti, M., Levi, T., Lindsey, P. A., Macdonald, D. W., Machovina, B., and Newsome, T. M. (2016). Bushmeat hunting and extinction risk to the world’s mammals. Royal Society Open Science 3, 160498.
Bushmeat hunting and extinction risk to the world’s mammals.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ritchie, E. G., Bradshaw, C. J., Dickman, C. R., Hobbs, R., Johnson, C. N., Johnston, E. L., Laurance, W. F., Lindenmayer, D., McCarthy, M. A., Nimmo, D. G., Possingham, H., Pressey, R. L., Watson, D. M., and Woinarski, J. (2013). Continental-scale governance and the hastening of loss of Australia’s biodiversity. Conservation Biology 27, 1133–1135.
Continental-scale governance and the hastening of loss of Australia’s biodiversity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Russell-Smith, J. (2001). Pre-contact Aboriginal, and contemporary fire regimes of the savanna landscapes of northern Australia: patterns, changes and ecological responses. Ngoonjook 20, 6–32.

Russell-Smith, J., Yates, C. P., Whitehead, P. J., Smith, R., Craig, R., Allan, G. E., Thackway, R., Frakes, I., Cridland, S., and Meyer, M. C. (2007). Bushfires ‘down under’: patterns and implications of contemporary Australian landscape burning. International Journal of Wildland Fire 16, 361–377.
Bushfires ‘down under’: patterns and implications of contemporary Australian landscape burning.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Salafsky, N., Salzer, D., Stattersfield, A. J., Hilton‐Taylor, C., Neugarten, R., Butchart, S. H., Collen, B., Cox, N., Master, L. L., O’Connor, S., and Wilkie, D. (2008). A standard lexicon for biodiversity conservation: unified classifications of threats and actions. Conservation Biology 22, 897–911.
A standard lexicon for biodiversity conservation: unified classifications of threats and actions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Saunders, D. A., Mawson, P., and Dawson, R. (2011). The impact of two extreme weather events and other causes of death on Carnaby’s black cockatoo: a promise of things to come for a threatened species? Pacific Conservation Biology 17, 141–148.
The impact of two extreme weather events and other causes of death on Carnaby’s black cockatoo: a promise of things to come for a threatened species?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Shearer, B. L., Crane, C. E., Barrett, S., and Cochrane, A. (2007). Phytophthora cinnamomi invasion, a major threatening process to conservation of flora diversity in the South-west Botanical Province of Western Australia. Australian Journal of Botany 55, 225–238.
Phytophthora cinnamomi invasion, a major threatening process to conservation of flora diversity in the South-west Botanical Province of Western Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Silcock, J. L., Piddocke, T. P., and Fensham, R. J. (2013). Illuminating the dawn of pastoralism: evaluating the record of European explorers to inform landscape change. Biological Conservation 159, 321–331.
Illuminating the dawn of pastoralism: evaluating the record of European explorers to inform landscape change.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Smales, I., Brown, P., Menkhorst, P., Holdsworth, M., and Holz, P. (2000). Contribution of captive management of orange-bellied parrots to the recovery programme for the species in Australia. International Zoo Yearbook 37, 171–178.
Contribution of captive management of orange-bellied parrots to the recovery programme for the species in Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Smith, A. P., and Quin, D. G. (1996). Patterns and causes of extinction and decline in Australian conilurine rodents. Biological Conservation 77, 243–267.
Patterns and causes of extinction and decline in Australian conilurine rodents.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

State of the Environment Committee (2011) Australia state of the environment 2011. Independent report to the Australian Government Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, Canberra.

Stephens, S., and Maxwell, S. (1996). ‘Back from the Brink: Refining the Threatened Species Recovery Process.’ (Surrey Beatty: Sydney.)

Stojanovic, D., Webb, M., and Heinsohn, R. (2017). Swift parrots need protection from sugar gliders, but that’s not enough. Available at: http://theconversation.com/swift-parrots-need-protection-from-sugar-gliders-but-thats-not-enough-85906 [accessed 3 February 2018].

Stuwe, J., and Parsons, R. F. (1977). Themeda australis grasslands on the Basalt Plains, Victoria: floristics and management effects. Austral Ecology 2, 467–476.
Themeda australis grasslands on the Basalt Plains, Victoria: floristics and management effects.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Taylor, B. D., and Goldingay, R. L. (2010). Roads and wildlife: impacts, mitigation and implications for wildlife management in Australia. Wildlife Research 37, 320–331.
Roads and wildlife: impacts, mitigation and implications for wildlife management in Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tedesco, P., Bigorne, R., Bogan, A., Giam, X., Jézéquel, C., and Hugueny, B. (2014). Estimating how many undescribed species have gone extinct. Conservation Biology 28, 1360–1370.
Estimating how many undescribed species have gone extinct.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tershy, B. R., Shen, K. W., Newton, K. M., Holmes, N. D., and Croll, D. A. (2015). The importance of islands for the protection of biological and linguistic diversity. Bioscience 65, 592–597.
The importance of islands for the protection of biological and linguistic diversity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Trombulak, S. C., and Frissell, C. A. (2000). Review of ecological effects of roads on terrestrial and aquatic communities. Conservation Biology 14, 18–30.
Review of ecological effects of roads on terrestrial and aquatic communities.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

TSSC (2013) Commonwealth listing advice on Banksia aurantia (orange dryandra). Threatened Species Scientific Committee, Canberra. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/82763-listing-advice.pdf [accessed 19 April 2018].

TSSC (2015a). Appendix 1: Threatened Species Scientific Committee Guidelines for assessing the conservation status of native species according to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Regulations 2000. Threatened Species Scientific Committee, Canberra. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/b561c693-7412-423a-b82d-aefcefaaaee2/files/seap-manual-appendix-1.pdf [accessed 3 February 2018].

TSSC (2015b). Conservation advice Papasula abbotti Abbott’s booby. Threatened Species Scientific Committee, Canberra. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/59297-conservation-advice-01102015.pdf [accessed 3 February 2018].

TSSC (2016a). Conservation advice Paralucia spinifera purple copper butterfly. Threatened Species Scientific Committee, Canberra. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/26335-conservation-advice-16122016.pdf [accessed 3 February 2018].

TSSC (2016b). Conservation advice Boronia exilis Scott River boronia. Threatened Species Scientific Committee, Canberra. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/64844-conservation-advice-15072016.pdf [accessed 3 February 2018].

TSSC (2016c). Conservation advice Eulamprus leuraensis Blue Mountains water skink. Threatened Species Scientific Committee, Canberra. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/59199-conservation-advice-16122016.pdf [accessed 03 February 2018].

TSSC (2016d). Conservation advice Fregata andrewsi Christmas Island frigatebird. Threatened Species Scientific Committee, Canberra. Available at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/1011-conservation-advice-07122016.pdf [accessed 3 February 2018].

Venter, O., Magrach, A., Outram, N., Klein, C. J., Possingham, H. P., Di Marco, M., and Watson, J. E. M. (2018). Bias in protected‐area location and its effects on long‐term aspirations of biodiversity conventions. Conservation Biology 32, 127–134.
Bias in protected‐area location and its effects on long‐term aspirations of biodiversity conventions.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Waldron, A., Mooers, A. O., Miller, D. C., Nibbelink, N., Redding, D., Kuhn, T. S., Roberts, J. T., and Gittleman, J. L. (2013). Targeting global conservation funding to limit immediate biodiversity declines. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 110, 12144–12148.
Targeting global conservation funding to limit immediate biodiversity declines.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Walsh, J. C., Watson, J. E. M., Bottrill, M. C., Joseph, L. N., and Possingham, H. P. (2013). Trends and biases in the listing and recovery planning for threatened species: an Australian case study. Oryx 47, 134–143.
Trends and biases in the listing and recovery planning for threatened species: an Australian case study.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ward, D. J., Lamont, B. B., and Burrows, C. L. (2001). Grasstrees reveal contrasting fire regimes in eucalypt forest before and after European settlement of southwestern Australia. Forest Ecology and Management 150, 323–329.
Grasstrees reveal contrasting fire regimes in eucalypt forest before and after European settlement of southwestern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Watson, J. E. M., Evans, M. C., Carwardine, J., Fuller, R. A., Joseph, L. N., Segan, D. B., Taylor, M. F., Fensham, R. J., and Possingham, H. P. (2011). The capacity of Australia’s protected-area system to represent threatened species. Conservation Biology 25, 324–332.

Watson, J. E. M., Shanahan, D. F., Di Marco, M., Allan, J., Laurance, W. F., Sanderson, E. W., Mackey, B., and Venter, O. (2016). Catastrophic declines in wilderness areas undermine global environment targets. Current Biology 26, 2929–2934.
Catastrophic declines in wilderness areas undermine global environment targets.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wayne, A., Wilson, B., and Woinarski, J. (2017). Falling apart? Insights and lessons from three recent studies documenting rapid and severe decline in terrestrial mammal assemblages of northern, south-eastern and south-western Australia. Wildlife Research 44, 114–126.
Falling apart? Insights and lessons from three recent studies documenting rapid and severe decline in terrestrial mammal assemblages of northern, south-eastern and south-western Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Welbergen, J. A., Klose, S. M., Markus, N., and Eby, P. (2008). Climate change and the effects of temperature extremes on Australian flying-foxes. Proceedings. Biological Sciences 275, 419–425.
Climate change and the effects of temperature extremes on Australian flying-foxes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Weste, G. (2003). The dieback cycle in Victorian forests: a 30-year study of changes caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi in Victorian open forests, woodlands and heathlands. Australasian Plant Pathology 32, 247–256.
The dieback cycle in Victorian forests: a 30-year study of changes caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi in Victorian open forests, woodlands and heathlands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Williams, N. S., Morgan, J. W., McCarthy, M. A., and McDonnell, M. J. (2006). Local extinction of grassland plants: the landscape matrix is more important than patch attributes. Ecology 87, 3000–3006.
Local extinction of grassland plants: the landscape matrix is more important than patch attributes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wintle, B., and Bekessy, S. (2017). Let’s get this straight, habitat loss is the number-one threat to Australia’s species. Available at: https://theconversation.com/lets-get-this-straight-habitat-loss-is-the-number-one-threat-to-australias-species-85674 [accessed 16 July 2018].

Woinarski, J. C. Z., and Recher, H. (1997). Impact and response: a review of the effects of fire on the Australian avifauna. Pacific Conservation Biology 3, 183–205.
Impact and response: a review of the effects of fire on the Australian avifauna.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Woinarski, J. C. Z., Legge, S., Fitzsimons, J. A., Traill, B. J., Burbidge, A. A., Fisher, A., Firth, R. S. C., Gordon, I. J., Griffiths, A. D., Johnson, C. N., McKenzie, N. L., Palmer, C., Radford, I., Rankmore, B., Ritchie, E. G., Ward, S., and Ziembicki, M. (2011). The disappearing mammal fauna of northern Australia: context, cause, and response. Conservation Letters 4, 192–201.
The disappearing mammal fauna of northern Australia: context, cause, and response.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Woinarski, J. C. Z., Green, J., Fisher, A., Ensbey, M., and Mackey, B. (2013). The effectiveness of conservation reserves: land tenure impacts upon biodiversity across extensive natural landscapes in the tropical savannahs of the Northern Territory, Australia. Land (Basel) 2, 20–36.
The effectiveness of conservation reserves: land tenure impacts upon biodiversity across extensive natural landscapes in the tropical savannahs of the Northern Territory, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Woinarski, J. C. Z., Burbidge, A. A., and Harrison, P. L. (2014). ‘The Action Plan for Australian Mammals 2012.’ (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne.)

Woinarski, J. C. Z., Burbidge, A. A., and Harrison, P. L. (2015). Ongoing unraveling of a continental fauna: decline and extinction of Australian mammals since European settlement. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 112, 4531–4540.
Ongoing unraveling of a continental fauna: decline and extinction of Australian mammals since European settlement.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Woinarski, J. C. Z., Garnett, S. T., Legge, S. M., and Lindenmayer, D. B. (2017a). The contribution of policy, law, management, research, and advocacy failings to the recent extinctions of three Australian vertebrate species. Conservation Biology 31, 13–23.
The contribution of policy, law, management, research, and advocacy failings to the recent extinctions of three Australian vertebrate species.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Woinarski, J. C. Z., Murphy, B., Legge, S., Garnett, S., Lawes, M., Comer, S., Dickman, C., Doherty, T., Edwards, G., and Nankivell, A. (2017b). How many birds are killed by cats in Australia? Biological Conservation 214, 76–87.
How many birds are killed by cats in Australia?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

World Bank (2017). World Bank country and lending groups – high-income economies. Available at: http://data.worldbank.org/about/country-and-lending-groups#High_income [accessed 4 February 2018].