Nature Conservation

More than 70 of NSW’s animal and plant species are thought to have become extinct since European settlement. Today, a staggering 1,078 native species, populations and ecological communities throughout NSW are threatened with extinction.

Only a small proportion of the State - less than 10 per cent - comes under the protection of national parks, conservation reserves or protected areas. Most vulnerable plants and animals face a battle for survival on the privately owned land that comprises the bulk of NSW.

Wildlife refuges

The Nature Conservation Trust (NCT) of NSW is demonstrating that rural land holders have a vital role to play in biodiversity protection and halting species decline. A small but growing number are joining with us to address significant threats to biodiversity – threats such as pest animals, weeds, disease, climate change, and the loss of habitat from land clearing and degradation.

The conservation land covenants developed by the NCT are a practical way for rural property owners to provide immediate and enduring protection for endangered species like the black-striped wallaby, squirrel glider, crimson spider orchid and elegant brolga. Across the State, our rural partners are transforming their properties into vital wildlife refuges.

Role of private land conservation

In 2009, just 8.4 per cent – around 6.7 million hectares – of NSW was contained within protected areas such national parks and World Heritage sites. That means that over 90 per cent of the State's threatened native plants and animal habitats is in the hands of private land managers.

Wildlife

The NCT is working with land holders to better understand and protect the wealth of biodiversity on private lands. This section contains details of the NCT’s flagship endangered plants and animals.

Conserving biodiversity

Private land owners recognise that the future sustainability of the environments on which we all depend – economically and socially – lies in a co-operative approach to conservation on private land.