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NSW threatened species

Australia is estimated to be home to more than 500,000 animal and plant species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. Over the last 200 years, more than 100 animal and plant species have become extinct. In fact, more mammals have died out in Australia than in any other continent. In NSW, there are more than 850 animal and plant species at risk of extinction, including the koala, humpback whale and Wollemi pine. Our ecological systems and some populations of plants and animals are also threatened.

There are numerous threats to our native plants and animals in NSW and more broadly across Australia. Loss of habitat, weeds and feral animals, pollution, disease and climate change all play a role. The NSW Government is working with local communities, farmers, landowners and community groups across the landscape on local and large scale projects that will help reduce these threats, restore habitats and rebuild populations of threatened species.

You can find detailed information about NSW's threatened species, populations and ecological communities by using the search options below. You can search by species name, region, habitat or a combination.

Legislation

Both the NSW and Australian Governments administer legislation relating to identifying and protecting plants and animals considered at risk of extinction:

• the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act)
• the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). 

More information

• Find out more about native animals, including wildlife management, sick and injured native animals and living with wildlife.
• Visit the Botanic Gardens Trust website to find out more about native plants, including threatened species.
• Find out what you can do to help conserve threatened species and other native plants and animals.
• Jump onto the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service visitor website to find great activities are taking place in national parks across the state.

Video

Long-nosed potoroo tending her joey. Footage captured by
remote infrared camera in Nadgee Nature Reserve.

Find out more about the long-nosed potoroo.