Land and Biodiversity

Threatened Species

Victoria has a diverse range of native species, which are integral to ecosystem function. However, extensive habitat loss in many parts of Victoria, along with the impacts of exotic pests and other forms of environmental degradation, has placed a large number of Victoria’s native species under threat and at risk of extinction. Victoria has the highest number of threatened species by biogeographic sub-region in Australia, including the State’s mammal and bird emblems — Leadbeater’s Possum and the Helmeted Honeyeater. The number of species considered threatened is increasing, while survey effort is decreasing.

This section provides an analysis of the conservation status of Victoria’s native plant and animal species, trends in survey effort and trends in specific threatened species populations, to contribute to our understanding of habitat pressures on biodiversity. This section also provides an overview of the legislative and policy responses to threatened species management in Victoria and presents recommendations for the enhanced management of threatened species and issues of data collection and management.

Part 4.2.3 - Threatened Species (PDF - 370 KB)