BIODIVERSITY LOSS IN AUSTRALIA

Australia is one of the most diverse nations in the world. Having one of the most isolated
inhabited continents with oldest geology any geographic variation makes it one of the most
biological unique and highly diverse countries. Desert, Great Barrier Reef, native species such as
Koala, Kangaroos are some of the aspects of Australia’s biodiversity. (Statistics, 2010)

However, As compared to other continents Australia is said to be experience largest decline in

Biodiversity over the past years. Australia’s rate of species decline is among the highest in the
world. According to the EPBC Act, around 50 species from Australia has been declared extinct,
of which 27 are mammals, 23 birds and 4 frogs. (Statistics, 2010). Not only are that, around 426
animal species presumed as extinct while 1,339 plant species are declared as endangered.
(Statistics, 2010)

Biodiversity is under human threat in Australia. Changes in the landscape, industrialization and
many other activities have put many of the species at risk. Some of these human activities that
contribute to the declining biodiversity include habitat loss, misuse of resources, pollution and
invasive species. (Statistics, 2010) (Government, 2015). According to WWF Australia, one of
the greatest threats that Australia is facing is threat to the Great Barrier Reef and climate change
is one of the contributing factor that leads to the growing threats to Coral reefs. According to the
Outlook Report for the Great Reef Barrier (2014), “Climate change remains the most serious
threat to the Great Barrier Reef. It is already affecting the reef and is likely to have far-reaching
consequences in the decades to come.” (WWF, 2015). Other threats include Pollution,
industrialization and obsolete fishing practices. (Shah, 2013). Extinction of the Great Barrier
Reef can have a major impact as the Reef is home to thousands of aquatic species, and serves as
sources of food for people living near coral reefs. Coral Reef also acts as barrier protecting the
coastal and beaches from cyclones and hurricanes. (Initiative, 2015)

ECONOMY

Australian Economy has benefited immensely from biodiversity. Biodiversity of the natural
environment has recreational and commercial for many Australians. It is estimated that tourism,
recreational and commercial fishing in the Great Barrier Reef contributes to $5 to $6 billion to
the Australian Economy. Murray-Darling Basin is estimated to provide $187 billion in
ecosystems annually. It is estimated that Australia’s commercial fisheries contribute $2.2 Billion,
Kangaroo harvesting $245 million, wildflower export $30 Million. (Statistics, 2010). These
Biodiversity related activities contribute significantly and directly to the Australian economy. A
decline in biodiversity will affect directly and indirectly to the Australian Economy.

Great Barrier Reef contributes as much as Aus $ 6 Billion to the Australian Economy. It is
estimated that if the global warming, climate changes, ocean acidification persists bleaching of
Coral Reef will continue and by 2030, the reef are expected to die off and replaced by non
nourishing Algae. This will also result in the extinction of Species that are supported by the reef.
It has been estimated that within a decade there will be a significant decline in biodiversity in the
Reef. (Scientists, 2011). Since Great Reef is a major attraction for Tourist, declining species and
extinction of the reef will result in less tourism. Loss of fish species will also affect the
commercial fishing market. Australia’s economy enjoys many benefits of biodiversity through
recreation, tourism and fishing therefore, a decrease in biodiversity will has a major impact on its
economy.

Decline in the Biodiversity is already affecting Australian economy. The cost in monetary terms
to protect the biodiversity is huge. Billion of Aus$ are being spent on conservation campaigns,
introduction of species. For example In Kakadu National Park more than $500,000 is spent
annually in just trying to eradicate woody species. Decline in Biodiversity is significantly
affecting the economy and if the decline continues, loss in Biodiversity will continue to possess a
danger to Australian economy. (Statistics, 2010)

ENVIRONMENT

This loss of diversity will affect the environment. The loss of bio diversity has resulted in many
environmental problem and Australia will continue to face them if no actions are taken. One of
the major impacts that Australia is facing is the disturbance in the natural ecosystem due to
invasive species. Invasive species are major factor that contribute to loss of species from
predation, competition with local species, over grazing and trampling (Statistics, 2010). One of
the examples would be of the invasion of Yellow Crazy Ant on Christmas Island. This invasion
lead to the reduction of the red land crabs in the island. These crabs were an important species as
they were responsible for maintaining unique characteristics and species composition of Island’s
vegetation. After their extinction because of Yellow Crazy Ants, nutrient availability pattern has
changes, which has resulted in the change in forest structure and composition. This has affected
other species living there. For example bat, which is not also presumed extinct. (Statistics, 2010).

One of the consequences that Australia will be facing is natural disasters like Hurricane and
Cyclone. The Great Barrier Reef which protects the coastal community, cities and the beaches
are under threat from climatic changes and other human activities. If the Reef becomes extinct,
which is expected, Australian will become more prone to natural disasters. (Department, 2015)

Political

The loss of biodiversity crisis has its influence on government’s action and policies. Due to the
loss of biodiversity, Australian government now has to invest enormous amount of money to
conserve the biodiversity, take actions to address ongoing biodiversity loss in Australia.

The Australian government understands the importance of the biodiversity and in collaboration
with all the States and cities it has invested and implemented a few programs like National
Reserve System Program and Maintaining Australia’s Biodiversity Hotspots Programs to protect
biodiversity for the future generations. The National Reserve System is a framework designed to
conserve natural landscapes and protect the endangered species. It comprises of more than
10,000 protected lands covering 17.88 percent of the country. (Environment, 2015).
Furthermore, Maintaining Australia’s Biodiversity hotspots is a proactive approach to manage
the threats in areas that are still fairly intact and maintain their biodiversity values. (Environment,
2015)

Also, in protecting the biodiversity the Australian government has come up with a framework
called Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation strategy 2010-2030. It serves as a guideline on how
governments, sectors and communities and industries should mange and protect Australia’s
animals, plants and the ecosystem in the coming decades. The vision of this approach is that
Biodiversity in Australia is healthy and resilient to threats. And also, to ensure that biodiversity
is valued in both in its own right and for our existence. (Council, 2010)
Works Cited

Council, N. R. (2010). Australia’s Biodiversity Conservation strategy 2010-2030. Canberra : Australian

Government . Retreived from http://www.environment.gov.au/land/nrs

Department, E. (2015). Climate change impacts on biodiversity in Australia. Australia. Retreived from
http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/climate-change-impacts-biodiversity-australia

Environment, D. o. (2015). National Reserve System . Australia: Australian Government . Retreived from
http://www.cbd.int/doc/world/au/au-nbsap-v2-en.pdf

Government, A. (2015). Threatened Species & Ecological Communities. Retreived from

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened

Initiative, I. C. (2015). Benefits of Coral Reefs. Ministry of the Environment. Retreived from
http://www.icriforum.org/about-coral-reefs/benefits-coral-reefs

Scientists, U. o. (2011). Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Cambridge. Retreived from

http://www.climatehotmap.org/global-warming-locations/great-barrier-reef-australia.html

Shah, A. (2013). Coral Reefs. Global Issues. Retreived from

http://www.globalissues.org/article/173/coral-reefs

Statistics, A. B. (2010). Australia's Biodiversity. Australia: Australian Government. Retreived from

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Previousproducts/1301.0Feature%20Article12009%
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&view#Endnote14

WWF. (2015). Threats to the Great Barrier Reef. Retreived from

http://www.wwf.org.au/our_work/saving_the_natural_world/oceans_and_marine/priority_oc
an_places/great_barrier_reef/threats/