Published Wednesday, 05 September, 2007 at 01:10 PM
Minister for Environment and Multiculturalism
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Tasmanian Tiger a stark reminder of fragile native species
The death of the last Tasmanian Tiger in captivity at Hobart Zoo on 7 September 1936 is a stark reminder during Threatened Species Week of the fragility of our native animal, plant and aquatic life.
Marking the week in Queensland, Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the Tasmanian Tiger had become a symbol of the vulnerability of Australia’s threatened species population.
“The anniversary of the Tasmanian Tiger’s extinction was the compelling reason for nominating 7 September as National Threatened Species Day, a day which has been incorporated in Threatened Species Week.
“Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is coordinating this week’s events across the State with a focus on aquatic plants and animals.
“If endangered marine animals and plants had a voice, they could well be crying out Get off our backs and that’s the week’s theme and message that the Environmental Protection Agency is hoping to get across to Queenslanders,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Activities are centred on ensuring that use of bays, beaches and waterways doesn’t impact on threatened species and raising awareness of the effects of collecting native fish and water plants for hobby aquariums.
“Being highlighted too, is the need for boaties to slow down where there is threat of a boat strike on dugongs and turtles and responsible use and disposal of fishing gear to reduce the risk of entanglement and infection of turtles and sharks.
“On beaches, sensible four-wheel driving is being urged where shorebirds such as endangered little terns nest.
“This week also provides an opportunity to remind aquarium hobbyists and pond-owners to ensure that unwanted fish, turtles, snails and plants are not disposed of in our waterways to threaten native wildlife.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said Threatened Species Week aside, we should always be aware of the hazards faced by our precious native species and do everything in our power to protect them.
Information about the week and the range of activities taking place is available at www.epa.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Angela Horner 3336 8002
Marking the week in Queensland, Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said the Tasmanian Tiger had become a symbol of the vulnerability of Australia’s threatened species population.
“The anniversary of the Tasmanian Tiger’s extinction was the compelling reason for nominating 7 September as National Threatened Species Day, a day which has been incorporated in Threatened Species Week.
“Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service is coordinating this week’s events across the State with a focus on aquatic plants and animals.
“If endangered marine animals and plants had a voice, they could well be crying out Get off our backs and that’s the week’s theme and message that the Environmental Protection Agency is hoping to get across to Queenslanders,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Activities are centred on ensuring that use of bays, beaches and waterways doesn’t impact on threatened species and raising awareness of the effects of collecting native fish and water plants for hobby aquariums.
“Being highlighted too, is the need for boaties to slow down where there is threat of a boat strike on dugongs and turtles and responsible use and disposal of fishing gear to reduce the risk of entanglement and infection of turtles and sharks.
“On beaches, sensible four-wheel driving is being urged where shorebirds such as endangered little terns nest.
“This week also provides an opportunity to remind aquarium hobbyists and pond-owners to ensure that unwanted fish, turtles, snails and plants are not disposed of in our waterways to threaten native wildlife.”
Ms Nelson-Carr said Threatened Species Week aside, we should always be aware of the hazards faced by our precious native species and do everything in our power to protect them.
Information about the week and the range of activities taking place is available at www.epa.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Angela Horner 3336 8002