NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service releases second annual Threatened Species Framework report

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has released its 2023-24 Threatened Species Framework annual report, alongside a new interactive data trends webpage that displays the progress of 92 threatened species across the state’s national parks and reserves.

This is the second report published under the NPWS Threatened Species Framework for zero extinctions, following the inaugural report released on Threatened Species Day in 2024, which covered the 2021-22 and 2022-23 financial years.

Key Highlights:

• 92 threatened species are featured in the 2023-24 data trends webpage, with 125 species now analysed since the Framework’s launch.
• 35 species are showing stable or increasing trends, including the Malleefowl and Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby, thanks to targeted management actions.
• 7 species are showing declining trends, such as the Canberra grassland earless dragon, which is now part of a captive breeding program to reverse this decline.
• For some species, like the soft grevillea, more data is needed to determine population trends.

The Threatened species data trends webpage replaces the previous static status report and offers a dynamic, user-friendly way to explore how species are tracking within the park estate. This is also part of the NSW Government commitment to zero extinctions in NSW national parks.

Programs contributing to these outcomes include:

• Assets of Intergenerational Significance
• Feral predator-free areas
• EcoHealth performance scorecards
• Feral animal and weed control
• New park acquisitions.

These efforts are supported by the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program, the NSW Koala Strategy, and partnerships with non-government conservation organisations.

The full report and interactive data trends can be accessed at: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/parks-reserves-and-protected-areas/npws-conservation/zero-extinctions-threatened-species-framework

Quote attributable to Trish Harrup, Executive Director, Conservation and Aboriginal Partnerships NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS):

"This report and new digital platform reflect the NPWS ongoing commitment to evidence-based conservation management.

“Our goal is zero extinctions in NSW national parks. This report and the new interactive webpage show the breadth of work being done and the progress we’re making to protect our most vulnerable plants and animals.”