- WA's largest and longest-running native species conservation program marks milestone
- Success stories include recovery of WA's numbat population
- Western Shield expansion targets more invasive species and increases operational footprint to 4.7 million hectares
- Cook Labor Government committed to protecting and restoring the environment
On National Threatened Species Day (7 September), one of Australia's longest-running conservation programs is marking 30 years of protecting our native wildlife.
The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions' (DBCA's) Western Shield program works to protect Western Australia's native species from introduced predators, including foxes and feral cats, through baiting and other control methods.
One of Western Shield's most significant achievements has been the recovery of the numbat, which was downgraded from Endangered to Near Threatened on the Internation Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.
Once reduced to just a few hundred animals, the numbat's recovery is a powerful example of what can be achieved through sustained effort, scientific research, habitat management, predator control and collaboration between government, researchers, Traditional Owners, community groups and conservation partners.
Other iconic species being safeguarded under Western Shield include the northern quoll, black-flanked rock wallaby, greater bilby, chuditch, woylie, quokka, western swamp tortoise, western ground parrot and Gilbert's potoroo.
As the program enters its fourth decade, all invasive animal management programs delivered by DBCA, and in partnership with other agencies, are being integrated under Western Shield. WA's flagship conservation program now includes cane toad management, feral pig and deer control, wildlife monitoring, feral cat and fox control, research and other initiatives aimed at reducing threats to native wildlife.
Western Shield also contributes to a range of both primary and secondary school educational programs, helping to improve the community's knowledge of threatened species and the role fox and feral cat management can play in ensuring the survival of native animals in the wild.
Western Shield thanks its past and present partners for their contribution to improving on-ground conservation outcomes.
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"As we celebrate Western Shield's 30th anniversary, I would like to acknowledge the many conservation partners and agency staff, past and present, whose efforts have helped shape one of Australia's longest running and most successful wildlife conservation programs.
"The Cook Labor Government's recent investments in the Feral Cat Strategy and the Forest Management Plan are strengthening Western Shield efforts to manage existing threats like foxes and feral cats, and respond to new challenges, including increased feral pig control.
"Over the past year, Western Shield's predator management footprint has expanded from 3.8 million hectares to 4.7 million hectares, providing greater protection for native species from the Kimberley to the South West.
"At a time when wildlife populations are facing increasing pressures, including the potential impacts of bird flu, building resilience is more important than ever.
"The work of Western Shield continues, ensuring WA's unique native species can persist and recover for generations to come."
