Hon Lynn MacLaren questions the Minister for Environment regarding the proposed up-listing of the western ringtail possum to critically endangered status, and the government's response. The Minister confirms awareness and actions underway.

AnsweredQoN 1054Legislative Council
Asked
24 September 2014
Portfolio
Environment

QuestionView source ↗

WESTERN
RINGTAIL POSSUM
1054. Hon LYNN MacLAREN to the
minister representing the Minister for Environment:
I refer to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial
Research Organisation publication ''The Action Plan for Australian
Mammals 2012''.
(1) Is the
minister aware of this significant publication and the recommendation that the
western ringtail possum threat category should be increased from vulnerable to
critically endangered?
(2) Has this matter been raised with
the Threatened Species Scientific Committee for urgent attention?
(3) If yes to
(2), has the committee made a determination on action to be taken to address
this increased level of threat?
(4) If yes to (3), what action will
be taken?
(5) If no to (2) and (3), why not?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for some notice of this question.
(1) Yes. The
minister is aware of the recent publication of ''The Action Plan for
Australian Mammals 2012'' and its recommendations concerning all species
listed in Western Australia under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, including
recommendations relating to the western ringtail possum.
(2) Yes. A
nomination to change the assigned threat category for the western ringtail
possum was tabled at the most recent WA Threatened Species Scientific Committee
meeting held on 7 April 2014.
(3) The WA
Threatened Species Scientific Committee considered the nomination and
additional information relating to this matter, and subsequently made a
recommendation on the appropriate threat status for the western ringtail
possum.
(4) The WA
Threatened Species Scientific Committee recommendations regarding the threat
status of species are being considered by the Department of Parks and Wildlife
prior to referral to the minister. The Department of Parks and Wildlife has
initiated a number of management measures for the western ringtail possum,
including preparation of a new recovery plan and assessment of habitat on the
southern Swan coastal plain.
(5) Not applicable.

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