Species nominations not prioritised for assessment
The following public nominations for threatened species were considered by the Minister of Environment and have not been included on a Finalised Priority Assessment List. This is because at the time of nomination and consideration, other species were considered to be of greater conservation concerns and a higher priority for listing assessment. A copy of the nominations and reasons that the species was not prioritised for assessment, are available below. Nominations are also available for data deficient species not prioritised for assessment for reasons of data deficiency.
| Species name | Years considered | Reasons the nomination was not prioritised |
|---|---|---|
| Acizzia veski | 2010, 2011 & 2014 |
Vesk's plant-louse (Acizzia veski ) is a small winged plant-louse (~3 mm) that feeds on plant sap and can provide a large part of the diet of many insectivorous birds and predatory invertebrates. The species is currently known from one location within the Stirling Range National Park of Western Australia. The species is known from the host plant Acacia veronica which is listed as a Priority 3 species under Western Australian legislation. This species has a very restricted distribution which is wholly protected within the Stirling Range National Park. The Committee recognises that its conservation may derive some benefit from listing under the EPBC Act. However, other species were considered to be of greater conservation concern and were considered to be a higher priority for listing. It is therefore not recommended for inclusion on the 2014 FPAL. The species is not automatically eligible for reconsideration for inclusion on the 2015 PPAL. Nomination - Acizzia veski (Vesk's plant-louse) (PDF - 190.84 KB) | (DOC - 219.5 KB) |
| Acizzia keithi | 2010, 2011 & 2014 |
Keith's plant-louse (Acizzia keithi) is a small winged plant-louse (~3 mm) that feeds on plant sap and can provide a large part of the diet of many insectivorous birds and predatory invertebrates. The species is currently known only from one population of its host plant, Pultenaea glabra in the Blue Mountains, NSW. The host plant Pultenaea glabra is listed nationally as 'vulnerable' because of its disjunct distribution and vulnerability to threatening processes such as fire, habitat clearing and dieback. Given that the host plant already has the protection of listing under the EPBC Act, there may be limited conservation value in also listing A. keithi. Other species were considered to be of greater conservation concern and were considered to be a higher priority for listing. It is therefore not recommended for inclusion on the 2014 FPAL. The species is not automatically eligible for reconsideration for inclusion on the 2015 PPAL. Nomination - Acizzia keithi (Keith's plant-louse) (PDF - 122.04 KB) | (DOC - 214 KB) |
| Aipysurus fuscus | 2014, 2015 | The dusky sea snake (Aipysurus fuscus) has a very restricted distribution in the Timor Sea.The species now occurs only on Scott and Hiberian Reefs, which are separated by ~260 km of unsuitable habitat, and is reported to no longer occur on Ashmore Reef. The estimated number of individuals is very low and there is evidence of a substantial population reduction in the last 10 years. It is possibly affected by hybridisation with Aipysurus laevis (olive seasnake). The species is already afforded protection as a listed marine species under the EPBC Act and there are limited opportunities to mitigate potential threats. The species is not recommended for inclusion in the 2015 PPAL. The species is not automatically eligible for reconsideration in the 2016 PPAL.
Nomination - Aipysurus fuscus (PDF - 1021.27 KB) | (DOCX - 97.72 KB) |
| Aptychotrema timorensis | 2021, 2022 | The spotted shovelnose ray (Aptychotrema timorensis) is endemic to the Timor Sea, found off the continental shelf, at depths greater than 124 metres. The species is not listed as threatened under Commonwealth, state or territory legislation. The main threat to the spotted shovelnose ray is commercial fishing in Indonesian waters, with illegal fishing and bycatch possibly occurring in Australian waters. There are limited data to determine the size of the population or the severity of any population decline. There are no data to support or reject the hypothesis that the population is either severely fragmented (with a small single non-viable population) or that a single threatening process may reduce the population to non-viable numbers. The Action Plan for Australian Sharks and Rays 2021 noted this species may be eligible for listing in the Vulnerable category of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 list of threatened species, however due to data limitations it recommended prioritising data collection rather than listing assessment. On this basis, the TSSC does not recommend including the species on the 2022 FPAL. The TSSC suggests that given the potential vulnerability of this species to fisheries pressure and bycatch and the uncertainties associated with the population status, survey efforts should be focussed on determining the species population size, status, and distribution. The TSSC may reconsider the species in the future if new information becomes available. The species is not automatically eligible for reconsideration for inclusion on the 2023 PPAL. |
| Bolemoreus hindwoodi = Lichenostomus hindwoodi | 2013 & 2014 |
The Eungella honeyeater (Bolemoreus hindwoodi) is endemic to the Clarke Range, west of Mackay in Queensland; it occurs mainly in the Eungella National Park and the Crediton State Forest. The species was a publicly nominated for inclusion in the vulnerable category under the EPBC Act. The species is listed as Near Threatened under Queensland legislation. The nomination presents a case for population decline based on a series of formal and informal surveys carried out since 1980; the main threats are considered to be logging and mining exploration, and possibly habitat change from encroaching habitation. However, the severity of the declines and the scale and impacts from the threats were unclear. The nomination did not include data (on either the survey results, or the scale and impacts of the threats) that could be independently assessed by the Committee. The Committee therefore recommended excluding the species from the 2014 FPAL. However, the Committee suggested that the nominator should seek advice from a relevant expert and consider revising the nomination so that it better addressed the listing criteria. The nomination is not automatically eligible for consideration for inclusion on the 2015 PPAL. Nomination - Bolemoreus hindwoodi (Eungella honeyeater) (PDF - 227.73 KB) | (DOCX - 66.24 KB) |
| Brachaelurus colcloughi | 2020 & 2021 |
The Colclough’s Shark (Brachaelurus colcloughi) is an endemic, small-sized ‘carpet shark’ which is found in continental shelf waters off northern New South Wales and southern-central Queensland. The species is not listed under any state or territory legislation. The IUCN Red List listed the species as Vulnerable in 2015, The species is not currently listed under Commonwealth legislation. While it is possible that the species’ population is less than 10 000 mature individuals, information on the species is limited, and new records extending the species’ range were found recently, indicating that estimates for the species’ population and extent could be underestimated. Therefore, the Committee recommended excluding the species from the 2021 Finalised Priority Assessment List. The nomination is not automatically eligible for consideration for inclusion on the 2022 Proposed Priority Assessment List. Nomination - Brachaelurus colcloughi (PDF - 473.61 KB) | (DOCX - 76.25 KB) |
| Canis dingo (dingo) = Canis familiaris | 2016 & 2017 | The dingo is found across Australia, in all states and territories except Tasmania. The dingo was nominated by the public for inclusion as Vulnerable species under the EPBC Act. This nomination was in addition to the removal of the dingo key threatening process nomination. The dingo is listed as a Threatened (Vulnerable) species in protected areas under Victorian legislation and protected in the Northern Territory. However, both dingoes and dingo-dog hybrids are declared pest species and/or controlled in all mainland jurisdictions. The nomination presents a case for population decline based on suspected future reductions in the south-eastern and south-western subpopulations. The main threat in these regions is persecution from broad-scale predator control programs (trapping, baiting and shooting), facilitated by habitat exclusion (barrier fencing), and habitat loss. However, population data for dingoes and dingo-dog hybrids are limited and currently insufficient to assess whether past, current and future rates of decline meet the thresholds required for listing. The Committee therefore recommended excluding the species from the 2017 FPAL. The species will not be reconsidered for the 2018 PPAL. |
| Canis lupus ssp. dingo (dingo) = Canis familiaris | 2010 & 2011 & 2012 |
The dingo is found across Australia, in all states and territories except Tasmania. It has been affected by land clearing, agricultural practices, urbanisation, hybridisation with domestic dogs, lethal control, state and territory laws and, in the earlier part of the 20th century the erection of the Dingo Barrier Fence. The Committee found that this species presents a complex range of issues, relating particularly to definition of species' bounds, cultural and ecological significance, interbreeding with wild dogs, and contested management and legislative requirements at regional, state and national levels. The Committee recommended the dingo not be prioritised, but that the merits of developing a wildlife conservation plan should be investigated. Nomination - Canis lupus ssp. dingo (dingo) (PDF - 596.77 KB) | (DOC - 418.5 KB) |
| Carcharhinus longimanus | 2014, 2015 | The oceanic whitetip shark (Carcharhinus longimanus) has a pantropcial and subtropical distribution. The population that occurs in Australian waters has been assessed by the Western Central Pacific Fishery Commission to be depleted to a level that would likely result in its listing in a threatened category. The species is currently afforded significant protection in Australian waters as a result of a ban on landings by Australian fishers, because of its listing on: (1) Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and (2) Appendix II of the Convention on Migratory species. Given this level of existing protection, listing as threatened under the EPBC Act is unlikely to provide additional protection. As such, the species is not recommended for including on the 2015 FPAL. It is not automatically eligible for reconsideration in the 2016 PPAL.
Nomination - Carcharhinus longimanus (PDF - 1.83 MB) | (DOCX - 652.75 KB) |
| Cephaloscyllium variegatum (saddled swellshark) |
2021, 2022 |
The saddled swellshark (Cephaloscyllium variegatum) is a medium-sized ‘catshark’ endemic to the east coast of Australia, most commonly at depths between 115–605 m, from Rockingham Bay in Queensland to Tathra in New South Wales. The species is not listed as threatened under Commonwealth, state or territory legislation. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species listed the species as Near Threatened in 2019. The Action Plan for Australian Sharks and Rays 2021 does not recommend considering this species for EPBC Act threatened species listing. While it is likely the species has experienced declines off the southern Qld/NSW coastline, this represents only 20 % of the species range and is based on data from several species, aggregated to genus-level. Commercial fishing effort on the outer continental shelf and upper slope has varied in intensity throughout the species’ distribution, with the northern parts of its range having experienced lower fishing intensity. On this basis, the TSSC does not recommend including the species on the 2022 FPAL. There is a need to obtain species-specific catch information, and more recent data on catch rates for comparison with older datasets. The TSSC may reconsider the species in the future if new information becomes available. The nomination is not automatically eligible for reconsideration for inclusion on the 2023 PPAL. |
| Crinia sloanei | 2014, 2015-nomination not prioritised for assessment 2017-Prioritised for assessment 2019-Listed as Endangered SPRAT profile |
Sloanes Froglet (Crinia sloanei) is a small ground-dwelling frog, restricted to the floodplains of the Murray Darling Basin in NSW, with a small number of records extending into northern Victoria along the Murray River and some of its tributaries. There is evidence that it is rare and has experienced a greater decline than other sympatric frog species, particularly over the last 40 years. Remaining habitat largely occurs on small rural holdings and its survival is likely to be dependent on sympathetic management by private landholders. The species is being assessed as part of a review of the status of all Australian frog species. At the outcome of that review, the Committee will automatically consider this species for inclusion on a future PPAL.
Nomination - Crinia sloanei (PDF - 1.09 MB) | (DOCX - 83.28 KB) |
| Cycas rumphii (a cycad) | 2007 & 2008 |
There is likely to be a conservation benefit in assessing this nomination for listing and sufficient information to undertake an assessment. However, there are insufficient resources at this time to give this nomination priority over those recommended for assessment because the species' ecological role is not as substantial and the level of threat acting on the species is not as high as other nominations. The species will be covered under a regional recovery plan for Christmas Island which is currently being developed. Nomination - Cycas rumphii (a cycad) (PDF - 247.26 KB) | (DOC - 120.5 KB) |
| Dentiraja australis | 2020 & 2021 |
In 2021 the then Minister for the Environment decided to give priority to assessment of species which were affected by the 2019-20 bushfires. To allow for the Committee to focus on fire-affected species, the Minister has decided to omit the Sydney Skate from the 2021 priorities under the EPBC Act. The 2020 nomination for Sydney Skate will be reconsidered in future prioritisation processes as potential Committee nominations. Nomination - Dentiraja australis (PDF - 482.61 KB) | (DOCX - 145.46 KB) |
| Diuris curta (headland donkey orchid) |
2021, 2022 | Diuris curta is an orchid species endemic to Australia occurring on coastal headlands between Byfield in Queensland and Hat Head in New South Wales. The species was publicly nominated for listing as Endangered under the EPBC Act. The species is likely to have a precarious geographic distribution based on a restricted area of occupancy (<500 km2), low estimated number of mature individuals and continuing impacts from threats. The species may have undergone reduction in numbers following the 2019-2020 bushfires however it is unknown whether all suitable habitat has been adequately surveyed and as such the distribution of the species is not well understood. In addition, there is a need to confirm the identity of the orchid species at several locations. The total number of mature individuals and numbers in each subpopulation also requires further quantitative data. On this basis, the TSSC does not recommend including the species on the 2022 FPAL. The TSSC suggests that further information should be sought to confirm observations, species distribution, population size and trends. The nomination is not automatically eligible for consideration for inclusion on the 2023 PPAL. |
| Eretmochelys imbricata (Hawksbill turtles) | 2016 & 2017 | Eretmochelys imbricata (Hawksbill turtles) are found in tropical, subtropical and temperate waters in all the oceans of the world. Nesting of hawksbill turtles in Australia occurs on the Dampier Archipelago and Montebello Islands in Western Australia, in northeast Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory and on islands in the northern Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait, Queensland. The species is listed as Vulnerable in Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland, and has been publicly nominated for uplisting from Vulnerable to Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act. The threats to hawksbill turtles are entanglement in ghost nets, illegal take within and outside Australia’s jurisdiction, and predation of eggs and hatchlings. Nesting and foraging habitat are being impacted by development and climate change. The nomination presents a case for population decline based on numbers of nesting females recorded on Milman Island in the Great Barrier Reef between 1999 and 2010. Whilst the decline of nesting turtles at Milman Island is noted, it is not known how representative this is of declines across the national extent. The Committee therefore recommended excluding the species from the 2017 PPAL. The species will not be automatically reconsidered for the 2018 PPAL. The committee notes that substantial information pertaining to population trends of hawksbill turtles in Queensland will be available in the next 12 months, which may support a new nomination. |
| Four large macropods: Macropus fuliginosus, Macropus giganteus, Macropus robustus robustus and M. erubescens, Macropus rufus |
2012 & 2013 |
The Committee considered that the nomination was unlikely to succeed for any of the four species. The evidence provided did not appropriately address, and was not likely to meet, any criteria for listing. The nomination also failed to adequately address the status of the four species across the full national extent. Nomination - Four large macropods (PDF - 719.44 KB) | (DOCX - 528.41 KB) |
|
Grevillea montis-cole subsp. montis-cole |
2019, 2020 |
In 2020 the then Minister for the Environment decided to give priority to assessment of species which were affected by the 2019-20 bushfires. The Australian Government understands that the Mount Cole Grevillea, which is endemic to Victoria, is being assessed by the Victorian Scientific Advisory Committee. The Minister has decided to omit it from the 2020 priorities under the EPBC Act and to wait until the Victorian assessment is provided through the Common Assessment Method to enable efficient and aligned listing. Nomination - Grevillea montis-cole subsp. montis-cole (PDF - 1.34 MB) | (DOCX - 529.34 KB) |
|
Heteroponera majeri |
2019, 2020 |
The ant, Heteroponera majeri, is endemic to Australia and known from two locations in Armadale, Western Australia. The species was publicly nominated in 2019 for listing as Critically Endangered. The species is not listed under Western Australian or Commonwealth threatened species legislation. This ant has not been located since 1976, despite considerable survey effort. Climate change and wildfire are considered the main threats. The nomination does not include data that could be independently assessed by the Committee. The Committee suggests that the nominator consider revising the nomination so that it better informs the listing criteria and submit it to the WA TSSC for assessment as a state endemic. This nomination is not automatically eligible for consideration for inclusion on the Commonwealth’s 2021 Proposed Priority Assessment List. Nomination - Heteroponera majeri (PDF - 370.67 KB) | (DOCX - 294.58 KB) |
|
Hoplostethus atlanticus |
2021, 2022 |
The orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) is a teleost fish species found in deep offshore southern Australian waters, from Fraser Island in Queensland, southwards around Tasmania, and across the Great Australian Bight to the North West Shelf region of Western Australia. Orange Roughy also occur on seamounts and ocean ridges east of Lord Howe Island and south of Tasmania, and on the South Tasman Rise which straddles the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and extends into the high seas. The species is, or has been, commercially harvested by fishers primarily in the Commonwealth Trawl Sector of the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF), and also in the Great Australian Bight Trawl and East Coast Deepwater Trawl Sectors of the SESSF and the South Tasman Rise Fishery. Orange roughy was listed as Conservation Dependent across its national distribution under the EPBC Act in 2006. The species is not listed as threatened under state or territory legislation. A Commonwealth Rebuilding Strategy is in place. |
| Hydrophis donaldi | 2014, 2015 | The rough-scaled sea snake (Hydrophis donaldi) has been nominated by the public for listing in the Vulnerable category under the EPBC Act. This newly discovered species appears to be rare but few data have been collected, making an assessment against the EPBC listing criteria difficult. Collection localities are restricted to coastal regions of Weipa, Queensland. Data are not currently available to estimate population trends, total population size, or the number of mature individuals. Further survey work needs to be carried out before this species could be assessed for listing under the EPBC Act. This species is thus not recommended for inclusion on the 2015 PPAL. The taxon may be reconsidered for the 2016 PPAL if further information relevant to the listing criteria is made available. It will not automatically be reconsidered for the 2016 PPAL.
Nomination - Hydrophis donaldi (PDF - 944.4 KB) | (DOCX - 69.3 KB) |
| Lasiorhinus latifrons | 2014, 2015, 2020, 2021 | The Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons) is endemic to Australia, and a species of significance to Indigenous Australians. It occurs in the Murraylands west of the Murray River, on the Yorke Peninsula and Eyre Peninsula in South Australia, and across the Nullarbor Plain from South Australia into Western Australia. In addition, there are two sub-populations in the south-western corner of New South Wales. The species was publicly nominated for inclusion in the Vulnerable category under the EPBC Act. The species is currently listed as Endangered in New South Wales and as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List and by The Action Plan for Australian Mammals 2012. The nomination presents a case that continuing multiple threats may be causing population decline. The main threats are considered to be sarcoptic mange, habitat destruction and licensed culling. The nomination did not include sufficient data on declining population trends or confirmed Area of Occupancy, and published data suggest the species has generally increased in distribution and abundance since the 1980s. The Committee recommended excluding the species from the 2021 Finalised Priority Assessment List, and that the nominator obtain further survey data on population trends and area of occupancy. The nomination is not automatically eligible for consideration for inclusion on the 2022 Proposed Priority Assessment List.
2014 - Nomination - Lasiorhinus latifrons (PDF - 1.03 MB) | (DOCX - 302.25 KB) 2020 - Nomination - Lasiorhinus latifrons (PDF - 824.29 KB) | (DOCX - 86.97 KB) |
|
Lioponera bicolor |
2019, 2020 |
The ant, Lioponera bicolor, is endemic to Australia, recorded from two locations in Armadale, Western Australia. The species was publicly nominated for listing as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act. The species is not listed under Western Australian or Commonwealth threatened species legislation. The species has not been located for over 100 years. The main threats are considered to be urbanization, and possibly wildfire. However, the severity of the declines and the scale and impacts from the threats are unclear. The nomination did not include data that could be independently assessed by the Committee. The Committee suggests that the nominator consider revising the nomination so that it better informs the listing criteria and submit it to the WA TSSC for assessment as a state endemic. This nomination is not automatically eligible for consideration for inclusion on the Commonwealth’s 2021 Proposed Priority Assessment List. Nomination - Lioponera bicolor (PDF - 537.85 KB) | (DOCX - 378.17 KB) |
| Litoria raniformis (Growling grass frog) | 2017, 2018 | Litoria raniformis (growling grass frog) is found across a large area of coastal and inland south-east Australia, including Tasmania, Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. The species’ range has contracted, with the most pronounced contraction in New South Wales. The species is currently listed as ‘Vulnerable’ under the EPBC Act, ‘Threatened’ under Victorian legislation, ‘Endangered’ under New South Wales legislation, and ‘Vulnerable’ under Tasmanian and South Australian legislation. The species was publicly nominated for transfer into the ‘Endangered’ category under the EPBC Act in 2017. The nomination presents a case for population decline based on a literature review of papers and websites, citing formal and informal surveys carried out since the 1970’s. The main threats were considered to be habitat loss and degradation (particularly around Melbourne), drought and disease (Chytridiomycosis). The nomination did not include data on the scale of decline or impacts of the threats. A workshop of frog experts was held in Canberra in June 2016 to assess the status of all Australian frog species. The experts independently concluded that the current EPBC ‘Vulnerable’ listing for the species was appropriate. The Committee therefore recommends excluding this species from the 2018 FPAL. The species has a recovery plan (2012) and there is a threat abatement plan for Chytridiomycosis (2016). This species will not be automatically considered for inclusion in the 2019 PPAL. |
|
Manta alfredi (reef manta ray) |
2012 & 2013 |
Overall and across all regions, there is a paucity of reliable information on relative decline, either historical or recent, of both species of manta (FAO panel for CITES, 2012). The species is listed by the IUCN as vulnerable at a global scale. The rate of population reduction appears to be high in several regions, up to as much as 80% over the last three generations (approximately 75 years), and globally a decline of 30% is strongly suspected, however, populations are likely to be stable in locations where they receive significant protection, such as Australia (IUCN, 2011). Nomination - Manta alfredi (reef manta ray) (PDF - 1 MB) | (DOCX - 154.38 KB) |
|
Olax obcordata (sweetheart leaves) |
2012 & 2013 |
The only extant populations are protected in a high conservation status reserve, and there are no clear causes of decline. Therefore, listing would have limited additional benefit at this time. Nomination - Olax obcordata (sweetheart leaves) (PDF - 333.64 KB) | (DOC - 171.5 KB) |
| Orectolobus maculatus (spotted wobbegong) | 2016 & 2017 | Orectolobus maculatus (spotted wobbegong) is likely to be endemic to coastal waters of southern Australia, occurring from Swain Reefs in Queensland around to Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, excluding Tasmania. The species was publicly nominated in 2016 for inclusion in the vulnerable category under the EPBC Act. The species is not currently listed under any state legislation as threatened but in New South Wales it is a “no take” species for recreational fishers under management regulations introduced in 2008. The nomination presents a case for population decline based on recorded catches for New South Wales managed Ocean Trap and Line Fishery between the 1997/98 and 2007/08 fishing seasons, and that its’ area of occupancy may be limited. However, further interpretation of these data also notes that fishing effort (number of days fished) also declined. Spotted wobbegong is not targeted by fisheries operating in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, or Victoria and catches are low. As a result, there is no new evidence since the Committee’s previous assessment in 2013 to infer or suspect population decline for the spotted wobbegong or changes to its area of occupancy to classify it as limited, restricted or very restricted at a national scale. The Committee therefore recommended excluding the species from the 2017 FPAL. |
|
Ornithorhynchus anatinus |
2021, 2022 | Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) is endemic to Australia. It is widespread throughout eastern Australia, occurring in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Australian Capital Territory, Tasmania and South Australia. Evidence suggests that platypuses in Tasmania are genetically distinct from those on the mainland. The platypus is currently listed as Endangered under South Australian legislation and Vulnerable under Victorian legislation. The species is included in the Near Threatened category of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The platypus was publicly nominated for listing as Vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The nomination presents evidence that population reduction is occurring across the species’ range, using analysis of inferred declines in the number of occupied sub-catchments and rivers and declines in localised areas in some parts of the range. Population models incorporating data from many platypus monitoring projects and research publications were presented, as were projections of future decline. The analysis of changes in occurrence within sub-catchments relied on Atlas of Living Australia data which may be difficult to interpret if changes in sampling effort through time, and uneven sampling effort over the range are not accounted for. The models used to inform the nomination incorporate the potential impacts of threats to the species, including vegetation clearing, fragmentation, urbanisation, river regulation, drought, fire and climate change. However, the models make assumptions about the relationships between magnitude of threats and their impacts on the platypus, which are difficult to substantiate. Therefore, there is the possibility that the species may not be as sensitive to these threats as assumed in the models. Although there is evidence of population decline in the platypus, there is considerable uncertainty about whether the decline reaches 30 percent over a three-generation period (required for listing as a threatened species). If the species were to be assessed based on currently available information, it is plausible that the platypus would be found ineligible for listing because that level of information is insufficient to resolve uncertainties about rates of decline. On this basis, the TSSC does not recommend including the species on the 2022 FPAL. The TSSC suggests improvements to the modelling process, with additional decline scenarios and improved understanding of the effects of known threats on the species. The species is not automatically eligible for reconsideration for inclusion on the 2023 PPAL. |
| Prasophyllum anticum (pretty leek-orchid) | 2016 & 2017 | Prasophyllum anticum (pretty leek-orchid) is endemic to Victoria, occurring in a flora reserve close to Port Fairy. The species was publicly nominated for listing as critically endangered under the EPBC Act. The pretty leek-orchid is currently listed as Threatened in Victoria. The Committee has not prioritised this species for assessment because it is currently afforded protection under Victorian legislation, it is found in a conservation reserve, and threats such as invasive species are subject to management. The Committee therefore recommended excluding the species from the 2017 FPAL. The nomination is not automatically eligible for consideration for inclusion on the 2018 PPAL. |
|
Pteropus conspicillatus |
2013 & 2014-nomination not prioritised for assessment 2021,2022 |
The spectacled flying-fox (Pteropus conspicillatus) occurs in far north Queensland and in Papua New Guinea. It is an important keystone species for the values of the World Heritage Listed Rainforests as a highly mobile seed disperser and pollinator. The species was up-listed to Endangered on the EPBC Act in February 2019 based on long-term monitoring which demonstrated decline. Since that time its national population has continued to decline and suffered further impacts. The species was publicly nominated for listing as Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act and the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992. The species is currently under assessment by the Queensland Species Technical Committee through the Common Assessment Method. This assessment will be considered by the Commonwealth TSSC once it is finalised. On this basis, the TSSC does not recommend including the species on the 2022 FPAL. The species is not automatically eligible for reconsideration for inclusion on the 2023 PPAL. |
| Riekoperla darlingtoni | 2020 & 2021 | The Mount Donna Buang Wingless Stonefly (Riekoperla darlingtoni) is a cryptic wingless insect with a body length of about 12 mm. The species is restricted to a few springs and trickles within 3 km range of Mt Donna Buang in the Yarra Ranges, approximately 60 km east-northeast of Melbourne, Victoria. The species was publicly nominated in 2020 for inclusion in the Critically Endangered category on the threatened species list under the EPBC Act. The species has recently been reassessed in Victoria under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and will be considered by the Commonwealth based on the Victorian assessment, through the Intergovernmental memorandum of understanding - Agreement on a common assessment method for listing of threatened species and threatened ecological communities.
Nomination - Riekoperla darlingtoni (PDF - 978.81 KB) | (DOCX - 572.32 KB) |
| Sarcophilus harrisii | 2014, 2015 | The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) occurs only in Tasmania, where it is widespread across a range of land tenures. It was listed as Endangered under both the EPBC Act and Tasmanian legislation following substantial declines between 1996 and 2005 as a result of devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). A public nomination to delist the species was received in 2014. The nomination draws attention to information indicating that the anticipated declines have stabilised and the species is no longer threatened. However, an assessment by scientific experts undertaken for the Action Plan for Australian Mammals 2012 found the species remained eligible for listing as Endangered. The Committee notes that there is some evidence that the species’ decline may have stabilised, and that the impacts of the disease may be less severe in some populations than others. However, research indicates that the DFTD has not yet spread to all parts of the devil’s range and hence some level of ongoing decline is likely over the foreseeable future. The Committee also notes that a species can remain listed under the EPBC Act even if it no longer meets the requirements of the listing criteria, if the fact that it is listed is resulting in actions that are preventing it from becoming threatened. The Committee considers that the species is likely to still meet criteria for EPBC listing at this time. Accordingly, this species is not recommended for inclusion on the 2015 FPAL but may be considered as part of the review of species covered by the Mammal Action Plan. The nomination is not automatically eligible for consideration for inclusion on the 2016 PPAL.
Delisting nomination - Sarcophilus harrisii (PDF - 740.8 KB) | (DOCX - 53.44 KB) |
| Seriolella brama (blue warehou) |
2021, 2022 | The blue warehou (Seriolella brama) is a teleost fish species found in coastal shelf, upper continental slope and seamount waters (3–550 m) offshore from New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria and South Australia. The species is commercially harvested as incidental bycatch, primarily in the Commonwealth-managed Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery. The species was listed as Conservation Dependent under the EPBC Act in early-2015, and a Commonwealth Rebuilding Strategy is in-place. The species is not listed as threatened under state or territory legislation. The species has experienced a national population reduction of at least 80% and there is no evidence that the species’ population has substantially recovered since it was listed as Conservation Dependent. However, the Blue Warehou Rebuilding Strategy (implemented in 2008 and revised in 2014) plus recent additional management changes are proposed to meet the objective of stock rebuilding by or before 2024. The TSSC considers the rebuilding timeframe to remain plausible (to the limit reference point of approximately 16 years from the date of intervention implementation). On this basis, the TSSC does not recommend including the species on the 2022 FPAL. The species is not automatically eligible for reconsideration for inclusion on the 2023 PPAL. |
| Solanum bauerianum | 2009, 2010 & 2014-nomination not prioritised for assessment 2017-Prioritised for assessment 2018-Listed as Extinct SPRAT profile |
This species is listed as extinct in NSW. The Committee is focussing on species where a conservation benefit may be obtained. The Committee may consider the species for assessment in the future if additional information becomes available. Nomination - Solanum bauerianum (PDF - 109.45 KB) | (DOC - 195.5 KB) |
|
Sousa sahulensis |
2019, 2020 |
The Australian Humpback Dolphin Sousa sahulensis is listed as a migratory species under the EPBC Act and Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List and under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992. The species was publicly nominated for listing as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. The species is found in coastal and estuarine waters from Moreton Bay (Qld) to Shark Bay (WA) including the waters of some offshore islands and reefs. It occurs in small and relatively isolated sub-populations, between which genetic sampling indicates limited movement. The nomination presents a case for listing a species as a nationally small population that is undergoing decline at several locations. However, due to the species’ wide range, new sub-populations continue to be found and the evidence demonstrating decline at a national scale is limited. The Committee is aware of current research to synthesise information on this species and the Australian Snubfin Dolphin Orcaella heinsohni. The Committee will consider both species once that research has been completed and appropriate Indigenous engagement undertaken. The nomination is not automatically eligible for consideration for inclusion on the 2021 Proposed Priority Assessment List. Nomination - Sousa sahulensis (PDF - 535.11 KB) | (DOCX - 460.75 KB) |
| Squalus chloroculus | 2020 & 2021 |
In 2021 the then Minister for the Environment decided to give priority to assessment of species which were affected by the 2019-20 bushfires. To allow for the Committee to focus on fire-affected species, the Minister has decided to omit the Greeneye Spurdog from the 2021 priorities under the EPBC Act. The 2020 nomination for the Greeneye Spurdog will be reconsidered in future prioritisation processes as potential Committee nominations. Nomination - Squalus chloroculus (PDF - 438.7 KB) | (DOCX - 75.64 KB) |
| Squatina albipunctata | 2020 & 2021 |
In 2021 the then Minister for the Environment decided to give priority to assessment of species which were affected by the 2019-20 bushfires. To allow for the Committee to focus on fire-affected species, the Minister has decided to omit the Eastern Angelshark from the 2021 priorities under the EPBC Act. The 2020 nomination for Eastern Angelshark will be reconsidered in future prioritisation processes as potential Committee nominations. Nomination - Squatina albipunctata (PDF - 445.43 KB) | (DOCX - 70.65 KB) |
| Stiphodon rutilaureus | 2013 & 2014 |
The orange cling goby (Stiphodon rutilaureus) occurs in Australia, Northern Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Bismarck Archipelago and New Caledonia. In Australia, the species is known from 12 creeks (a short 50-200m reach in each) along a narrow coastal strip in the central Wet Tropics from Russell Heads in to Emmagen Creek. The species was publicly nominated for listing as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. The Committee recognizes that the species has a fragmented and restricted distribution and that, while some populations are in National Parks, others are threatened by peri-urban development including water extraction and riparian zone clearing. While the Committee recognises that the species would benefit from listing, other species are considered to be of greater conservation concern and the species was not recommended for inclusion on the 2014 FPAL other species are considered to be of greater conservation concern. The species will not be automatically eligible for reconsideration in 2015. Nomination - Stiphodon rutilaureus (orange cling goby) (PDF - 305.96 KB) | (DOCX - 532.74 KB) |
| Stiphodon birdsong | 2013 & 2014 |
The birdsong cling goby (Stiphodon birdsong) has been recorded from Papua, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia and the Australian Wet Tropics. In Australia, the known extent of occurrence spans a narrow coastal strip, at least from Oliver Creek near Cape Tribulation to the Malbon-Thompson Range. The species was publicly nominated for listing as vulnerable under the EPBC Act. The Committee recognizes that the species has a fragmented and restricted distribution and, while some populations occur in National Parks, would benefit from listing. However, other species are considered to be of greater conservation concern and the birdsong cling goby was not recommended for inclusion on the 2014 PPAL. The species will not be automatically eligible for reconsideration in 2015. Nomination - Stiphodon birdsong (birdsong cling goby) (PDF - 305.27 KB) | (DOCX - 508.2 KB) |
| Stiphodon atratus = Stiphodon sp. 1 | 2013 & 2014 |
The emerald cling goby (Stiphodon atratus) has been recorded from Indonesia, Northern New Guinea, Admiralty Islands, Halmahera Island, Bismarck Archipelago, Bouganville, Vanuatu and New Caledonia and the Australian Wet Tropics. In Australia, the known extent of occurrence spans a narrow coastal strip, from Nyletta Creek in the south of the Wet tropics (Liverpool Creek catchment) to Camp Creek on Cape York. The species was publicly nominated for listing as vulnerable under the EPBC Act. The Committee recognizes that the species has a fragmented and restricted distribution and, while some populations occur in National Parks, would benefit from listing. However, other species are considered to be of greater conservation concern and the Emerald Cling Goby was not recommended for inclusion on the 2014 PPAL. The species will not be automatically eligible for reconsideration in 2015. Nomination - Stiphodon atratus (emerald cling goby) (PDF - 309.92 KB) | (DOCX - 543.95 KB) |
| Tenuibranchiurus glypticus (swamp crayfish) | 2015 & 2016 | The swamp crayfish (Tenuibranchiurus glypticus) is a unique, small freshwater crayfish species which occurs in coastal swamps on the southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales coast. Its extent of occurrence ranges from the Kinkuna section of Burrum Coast National Park in Queensland, southwards along the coastline to Lake Hiawatha in New South Wales. The species was nominated by the public for inclusion in the Vulnerable category under the EPBC Act in 2015. In 2015, the species was listed under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992 in the Endangered category. Its area of occupancy within this stretch of coastline is fragmented and the species occurs in small, isolated locations, several of which are threatened by urban development. However, more data are required for the species to be confidently assessed against the EPBC Act listing criteria. Similarly, more evidence is required to evaluate potential threats to the species. The Committee therefore recommends that other species are considered to be of greater conservation concern and to exclude this species from the 2016 PPAL. The Committee also notes that the species will not be automatically eligible for reconsideration in the 2017 PPAL. |
| Tylophora linearis | 2017, 2018 | Tylophora linearis is a clonal climbing plant, up to two metres high that occurs in New South Wales and southern Queensland. This species is listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act. It has been publicly nominated for de-listing as a result of new information, which suggests that the species is more abundant and widespread than previously known. This species was nominated for delisting in 2017, and additional information was provided in 2018, including the timeframe over which the species has declined, whether it is severely fragmented, and a scientific justification for the method used to estimate the number of mature individuals. The species has triggered the EPBC Act on a number of occasions. However, the species continues to be threatened by land clearance, which may result in the species becoming threatened if it was to be removed from the list. Therefore, the Committee has not prioritised the species for inclusion on the 2018 FPAL. This species will not be automatically considered for inclusion in the 2019 PPAL. |
| Urolophus bucculentus (sandyback stingaree) |
2021, 2022 | The sandyback stingaree (Urolophus bucculentus) is a species found in waters offshore from Australia and New Guinea. In Australia, the species has a relatively wide distribution around south-eastern Australia, extending from Swain Reefs in Queensland to Beachport in South Australia, including waters around Tasmania. It occurs at depths of 65–274 m. The species is not currently listed as threatened under Commonwealth or state/territory legislation. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species listed the species as Vulnerable in 2019. While it is likely the species has experienced population decline off the southern NSW coastline, declines for stingaree species (collectively) were documented mostly prior to the last three generations (i.e., 1992–2021). Information on the species’ population status on continental shelf habitats outside of NSW is very limited, and there may be refuge afforded to the species in areas with lower fishing effort. The Action Plan for Australian Sharks and Rays 2021 noted this species may be eligible for listing in the Vulnerable category of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 however due to data limitations it recommended prioritising data collection rather than listing assessment. On this basis, the TSSC does not recommend including the species on the 2022 FPAL. The TSSC may reconsider the species in the future if new information becomes available. The species is not automatically eligible for reconsideration for inclusion on the 2023 PPAL. |
|
Urolophus orarius |
2021, 2022 |
Coastal stingaree (Urolophus orarius) is endemic to the eastern Great Australian Bight, South Australia, including Spencer and St Vincent gulfs, occurring at depths of 5–50 m. It is known from few locations and most recent surveys indicated a severe reduction in the population size. The main threat to this species is prawn trawling where it is caught as bycatch. The South Australian Prawn Fisheries operate over half the known range of the species. The Coastal Stingaree, like other stingarees, is presumed to have limited biological productivity with small litter sizes and potentially biennial reproductive cycles. Previous surveys across part of the species’ range encountered a small number of individuals and the catches were not standardised for survey effort. Surveys are required to better understand population dynamics for this this species. On this basis, the TSSC does not recommend including the species on the 2022 FPAL. The TSSC may reconsider the species in the future if new information becomes available. The species is not automatically eligible for reconsideration for inclusion on the 2023 PPAL. |
|
Urolophus sufflavus |
2021, 2022 |
The yellowback stingaree (Urolophus sufflavus) is an endemic ray with a relatively restricted eastern Australian range from North Stradbroke Island in Queensland to Green Cape in New South Wales. It occurs at depths of 45–320 m. The species is not currently listed as threatened under Commonwealth, state or territory legislation. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species listed the species as Vulnerable in 2019. While it is likely the species has experienced population decline off the southern New South Wales coastline, declines for stingaree species (collectively) were documented mostly prior to the last three generations (i.e., 1995–2021). Information on the species’ population status outside of surveyed areas is limited, and there may be refuge afforded to the species in areas with lower fishing effort. The Action Plan for Australian Sharks and Rays 2021 noted this species may be eligible for listing in the Vulnerable category of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 however due to data limitations it recommended prioritising data collection rather than listing assessment. On this basis, the TSSC does not recommend including the species on the 2022 FPAL. The TSSC may reconsider the species in the future if new information becomes available. The species is not automatically eligible for reconsideration for inclusion on the 2023 PPAL. |
|
Urolophus viridis |
2021, 2022 |
The greenback stingaree (Urolophus viridis) is endemic to south-eastern Australia, ranging from North Stradbroke Island in Queensland to Portland in Victoria, including waters around Tasmania. It occurs at depths of 20–330 m. The species is not currently listed under Commonwealth or state/territory legislation. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species listed the species as Vulnerable in 2019. While it is likely the species has experienced population decline off the southern NSW coastline, declines for stingaree species (collectively) were documented mostly prior to the last three generations (i.e., 1991–2021). Information on the species’ population status outside of surveyed areas is very limited, and there may be refuge afforded to the species in areas with lower fishing effort. The Action Plan for Australian Sharks and Rays 2021 noted this species may be eligible for listing in the Vulnerable category of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, however due to data limitations it recommended prioritising data collection rather than listing assessment. On this basis, the TSSC does not recommend including the species on the 2022 FPAL. The TSSC may reconsider the species in the future if new information becomes available. The species is not automatically eligible for reconsideration for inclusion on the 2023 PPAL. |
| Westralunio carteri (Carter's freshwater mussel) | 2014, 2015-nomination not prioritised for assessment 2016-Prioritised for assessment 2018-Listed as Vulnerable SPRAT profile |
Carter’s Freshwater Mussel (Westralunio carteri) is endemic to Western Australia and was once found from Moore River in the north to King George Sound in the south and inland to the Avon River. The species has undergone a reduction (~50%) in range, largely as a consequence of salinisation, and is now restricted to freshwater streams, rivers, reservoirs and lakes within 50-100 km of the coast, from Gingin Brook southward to the Kent River, Goodga River and Waychinicup River. The species was nominated by the public for listing as Vulnerable under the EPBC Act. While the Committee recognizes that the species may meet the criteria for listing, there is insufficient information available to support an assessment of its current conservation status. The Committee recommends excluding the species from the 2015 PPAL, and notes it will not automatically be eligible for consideration for inclusion on the 2016 PPAL.
Nomination - Westralunio carteri (PDF - 1005.49 KB) | (DOCX - 240.99 KB) |
|
Zearaja maugeana (maugean skate) |
2021, 2022 | The maugean skate (Zearaja maugeana) is endemic to Australia, occurring in two estuarine brackish systems in south-west Tasmania (Macquarie Harbour and Bathurst Harbour). The species is currently listed as Endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), Tasmanian legislation, and the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The Action Plan for Australian Sharks and Rays 2021 also found this species to be eligible for listing in the Endangered category of the EPBC Act (i.e., its current listing status), and recommended that management be maintained and improved. The species was publicly nominated in 2021 for up-listing to Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act. The nomination presents a case for a reduction in area of occupancy, primarily through the Bathurst Harbour population likely being locally extinct and continuing threats to the species including habitat degradation and declines in water quality from fish farming and ongoing sediment contamination from historic mining, increased boating activities from ecotourism and recreational users, and bycatch in recreational and commercial gillnetting. The National Environmental Science Program Marine and Coastal Hub has recently funded research into the presence/absence of the species in Bathurst Harbour, however uncertainty remains regarding the status of this population. The magnitude of decline and the scale and impacts of the threats are unclear. Further research is required to determine past/present population status, dynamics and trends; past/present spatial distribution; impacts of ongoing threats; and options for active conservation and remediation in Macquarie Harbour. On this basis, the TSSC does not recommend including the species on the 2022 FPAL. The species is not automatically eligible for reconsideration for inclusion on the 2023 PPAL. |
Species – possible future consideration
The following nominations have not been prioritised but are eligible for consideration in the next assessment cycle
| Species name | Years considered | Reasons the nomination was not prioritised |
|---|---|---|
| Phascolarctos cinereus (Strzelecki/South Gippsland koala) |
2022 | The Strzelecki/South Gippsland koala may represent the only part of the larger Victorian koala population that retains its original genetic variability, not having been diluted or replaced by that of koalas from French Island which have been translocated to much of the remainder of the state. However, it is not able to be assessed at this time because the boundaries of the subpopulation are unclear. The focus of the EPBC Act listing process is at the species level. The EPBC Act does allow, in exceptional cases, for a distinct population of a species to be determined to be a species for the purposes of the Act, and thus assessed and listed. However, to do so the entity must be able to be easily identified and be demographically separate from adjacent populations. This may be the case for the Strzelecki/South Gippsland koala but significant additional genetic and spatial research will be required to confirm this and to adequately circumscribe the entity. In addition, data available to assess the Strzelecki/South Gippsland koala appear to be insufficient to evaluate it against the quantitative listing criteria. Further research is required to estimate population size and any declines. On this basis, the TSSC does not recommend including the species on the 2022 FPAL. The nomination is automatically eligible for consideration for inclusion on the 2023 PPAL. |
| Vombatus ursinus (common wombat, bare-nosed wombat) |
2022 | The common or bare-nosed wombat (Vombatus ursinus) is found in Tasmania, eastern New South Wales and eastern Victoria with scattered populations in south-eastern South Australia and south-western Victoria. The species was publicly nominated for inclusion in the Vulnerable category under the EPBC Act. The nomination presents a case for listing based on current and future threats from disease (Sarcoptes scabiei), road mortality, climate change and habitat loss. However, the scale and impacts of the threats are unclear. Data are not available on population size, population trend, or the scale and impacts of the threats. On this basis, the TSSC does not recommend including the species on the 2022 FPAL. The nomination is automatically eligible for consideration for inclusion on the 2023 PPAL. |