More than 500 hectares of threatened species habitat was destroyed in Newcastle and Maitland between 2000 and 2017, a new analysis shows.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The analysis contained in an Australian Conservation Foundation report to be released on Wednesday shows the habitat supported species including the koala, Regent honeyeater, Green and Golden Bell Frog, and the Newcastle Doubletail.
The extinction crisis in Australia's cities and towns report shows about 25 per cent of Australia's threatened plants and 46 per cent of threatened animals are found in cities and towns, but habitat destruction for urban sprawl is fast-tracking the extinction rate.
Thirty three endangered species presently live in the Hunter including five critically endangered species, eight endangered species and 20 vulnerable species.
"While national parks and protected areas are essential for safeguarding biodiversity, our cities and towns also provide critical habitat for threatened species," Australian Conservation Foundation Nature Campaigner Jess Abrahams said.
"Around 25 per cent of Australia's nationally-listed threatened plants and 46 per cent of threatened animals can be found in cities, towns and suburbs.
"While many of these species also have habitat outside cities and towns, for 39 threatened species, these urban areas are the last remaining places where they exist.
The report details the little-known prevalence of federally listed threatened plants and animals in the 99 Australian cities and towns with over 10,000 people - and the extent of forested habitat destruction in those areas under Australia's national environment laws.
In the first 17 years of operation of Australia's national environment law, at least 20,212 hectares of forested urban threatened species habitat was destroyed, an area the size of 11,400 ANZ Stadium football fields.
The species most affected were the Red goshawk, Grey-headed flying fox, the koala , the Australasian bittern and Regent honeyeater.
While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here
IN THE NEWS:
- Belmont South stabbing: Court hears Justin Fuller 'murdered half-sister's partner' at Lake Macquarie
- KNIGHTS | Bradman Best has been sidelined indefinitely after suffering a syndesmosis injury in Storm defeat
- Victoria and NSW coronavirus updates: 12 new cases in New South Wales, 436 in Victoria
- Nelson Bay man charged with drug possession, resisting and breaching public health order for travelling to and from Victoria