Australian wildlife sanctuaries struggle to protect non-mammal species

Australia’s fenced sanctuaries and island refuges have proven effective at protecting native mammals from invasive predators like feral cats and foxes. Locations such as Newhaven in the Northern Territory and Faure Island in Western Australia have allowed endangered species, including the greater bilby and brush-tailed bettong, to flourish by removing predation pressure.

However, research indicates these safe havens are often insufficient for broader ecosystem conservation. While mammals benefit, other groups such as reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, and invertebrates remain highly vulnerable. Many existing sanctuaries are designed specifically for mammals and fail to protect the diverse habitats or exclude the specific threats—such as black rats or fungal infections—that impact these other species.

Out of 123 threatened species of reptiles, amphibians, birds, and invertebrates examined, only two, the great desert skink and western swamp tortoise, currently have populations within existing safe havens. Experts suggest that future conservation strategies must expand beyond simple predator exclusion to include habitat restoration, climate adaptation, and species-specific management to protect Australia’s wider biodiversity.