Fast Facts 38. Vegetation clearing as a threat
April 2003
The clearing of native vegetation is a threatening process operating on both ecosystems and species. The Audit's Terrestrial Biodiversity Assessment identified regions where vegetation clearing threatens biodiversity.
Threatened Ecosystems
- Extensive clearing and increased fragmentation of remnants are principal factors threatening ecosystems in eastern Australia. In northern Australia, horticulture and the introduction of improved pastures threaten ecosystems.
- Urgent action is required to address vegetation clearing and protect threatened ecosystems and species and critical areas such as the Murray-Darling Basin.
Map 1: Regions where native vegetation clearing threatens ecosystems.
Threatened Species
Major threats to threatened species include:
- extensive vegetation clearing in Queensland, New South Wales and Tasmania
- increased fragmentation of remnants in New South Wales and Western Australia
Enhanced community action in multi-species recovery is needed.
Map 2: Regions where native vegetation clearing threatens species.
Further Information:
- See Australian Terrestrial Biodiversity Assessment 2002 for more details.
- Also see Audit reports Landscape Health in Australia 2001 and Australian Native Vegetation Assessment 2001.
- Or go to the Australian Natural Resources Atlas (www.environment.gov.au/atlas).
- Email: info@nlwra.gov.au
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