Winning the fight for Australia’s wildlife

How private conservation is turning the tide on extinctions

October 2011: Perched at the northern tip of Australia's Simpson Desert, Bush Heritage's most remote reserves, Cravens Peak and Ethabuka, are home to the richest reptile fauna of any arid region in the world.

FUTURE IN THEIR HANDS: Spiny-tailed gecko at Bon Bon Station Reserve: Picture: Annette Ruzicka

Since Bush Heritage purchased the former cattle stations an astounding transformation has occurred. Bush Heritage's careful stewardship has enabled good rains to trigger a stunning recovery of vegetation. And fauna populations are booming in response.

It is stories such as these that are behind the findings of a new report, Their Future In Our Hands, produced by Bush Heritage and released to mark its 20th anniversary .

The report presents key findings from ecological research carried out in our reserves over 20 years, along with case studies from across the continent.

Significantly reduced threat to many species
The research has shown that the organisation's work has significantly reduced the threat of extinction to many of Australia's threatened species. The yellow-footed rock wallaby, red tailed phascogale, malleefowl and robust greenhood orchid are among those vulnerable species that now have a brighter future thanks to Bush Heritage's work.

A spokesman explained: 'Bush Heritage Australia has developed and honed a simple yet practical model for private conservation - it buys land of outstanding conservation value, then cares for it. For ever.'

Its reserves are actively managed by skilled staff and volunteers to give native species the best chance to survive and prosper. But we don't act alone. Our publically supported work is done in collaboration with governments, landowners and indigenous groups

The bush is tough and resilient – it can bounce back

RESCUED: A Goanna at Bush Heritage's Charles Darwin reserve. Picture:Marcel Hollenbach

Over 20 years it has added 947,000 hectares to the national reserve system, doing so with a strategic approach that is designed to achieve the best possible outcomes for flora and fauna conservation. 

Sixty per cent of Bush Hertiage's reserve area protects ecosystems that have less than 15 per cent of their extent protected in the national reserve system. And a staggering number of Australian species benefit, including 50 per cent of all native bird species and 14 per cent of land mammals.

This represents a significant contribution in just 20 years to ensuring the survival of species in Australia, and shows how private conservation is beginning to turn the tide on species extinctions in this country.

The spokesman added: 'The Australian bush is tough. It's resilient and adaptable, having evolved in a variable and often extreme climate. With protection and appropriate management it can bounce back.'