Federal EPA tightens rules after WA fails to protect finches
A federal investigation found a problem. Western Australia failed to implement plans to protect endangered Gouldian finches in a Kununurra conservation zone.
The National Environmental Protection Agency completed an investigation into Western Australia's management of an 11,470-hectare conservation zone near Kununurra. The WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development failed to implement approved plans protecting endangered Gouldian finches.
It also failed to manage buffer areas properly. The EPA imposed new strict rules.
They require improved finch breeding habitat and wet season foraging habitat. No Gouldian finches were recorded in nest boxes within the buffer zone over the last four years.
A separate count by charity Save the Gouldian Fund at Wyndham, 100km north-west of Kununurra, found an average of 680 birds. 78 per cent were juveniles.
This suggests a good breeding season.
- 11,470 hectares
- Conservation zone size
- Average 680 birds at Wyndham
- Finches elsewhere
- Near Kununurra, Western Australia
- Location
Why it mattersEndangered species protection now has tighter federal oversight. State governments must comply with conservation orders. If they don't, they face penalties.
AustraliaStrengthens protection for Australia's endangered Gouldian finches and sets a precedent for enforcing state government compliance with federal wildlife rules.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
