Have you ever wondered how scientists determine if a species is on the brink of extinction? It’s not as simple as just counting populations and shifting a name to a bucket when it hits a certain number.

In Queensland, we have a rigorous and evidenced-based scientific system that assesses the conservation status of our unique wildlife. From the iconic koala to the lesser-known Mary River turtle, understanding how threatened species are classified is crucial for protecting our biodiversity.

We’re here to talk you through the ins and outs of threatened species classification, including the different categories and biggest risk factors for threatened plants and animals.

What is a threatened species?

In a nutshell, a threatened species is any plant or animal at risk of extinction. The assessment is made based on a range of scientific factors, with these four main points coming into play:

1. Population size
2. Population decline
3. Area and extent of distribution
4. Threats affecting species

Scientists and conservationists use these key indicators to flag which species are at risk and to what degree. Below, we explain how we sort each species into further sub-categories to help prioritise recovery and conservation plans.

How we classify threatened species

Just like folks in a hospital emergency room get triaged in order of how urgently they need to be seen, we need to sort our threatened species into different groups to figure out which is in the most immediate danger. To help protect our unique wildlife and plants, we classify them based on their risk of extinction. These categories are based on scientific data and backed by criteria like threats to their health, distribution, and habitat (which we’ll touch on a bit later).

The threatened species conservation classes in Queensland are:

Extinct: Gone forever.

Extinct in the wild: Only found in captivity or in places they don't naturally live.

Critically endangered: At extremely high risk of extinction in the immediate future.

Endangered: Very high risk of extinction in the near future.

Vulnerable: High risk of extinction in the medium term.

Near threatened: At risk of becoming threatened soon.

Least concern: Not at immediate risk of becoming threatened.

What are the biggest threats to Queensland wildlife?

There are many threats that impact Queensland’s native wildlife and their habitats – and most species are affected by more than one at a time. Below, we talk through some of the major factors that contribute to a plant or animal’s risk of extinction.

Climate change

One of the biggest threats facing Queensland wildlife is our changing climate. Gradually rising temperatures and more immediate extreme events like heatwaves, floods, and fires can harm our animals and destroy their homes.

Land clearing

It’s extremely hard for animals to survive when their homes are destroyed. After all, shelter and security are basic needs. Land clearing for urban development and farming significantly impacts Queensland's threatened species – we’re talking population decline, habitat loss, and reduced resilience to face future challenges.

Fire management

Bushfires are a natural part of the Queensland landscape, but changes in the frequency and intensity of fire can mean big trouble for certain species. The Threatened Species Bushfire Recovery Program uses learnings from the unprecedented 2019-2020 bushfires to help species recover in the wake of disaster, as well as plan for the future.

Invasive species

Introduced plants and animals can place significant pressure on our native wildlife – looking at you, foxes, feral cats, feral pigs, lantana, and cane toads. These unwelcome intruders can eat native animals, compete for food, and alter or destroy vital habitats.

Human interference

Whether accidental or deliberate, people can harm our delicate wildlife in a number of ways. It can be as blatant as illegally trading animals or as (seemingly) innocent as collecting plants from the wild.

Threatened species in Queensland: which ones are at risk?

Queensland has more than 1000 threatened animal and plant species – most of which aren’t found anywhere else in the world. There are a number of priority species that the Queensland Government is working to conserve and recover (with links so you can check out more details):

• Koalas
• Marine and freshwater turtles
• Northern hairy-nosed wombat
• Dugongs
• Greater bilby
• Herald petrel
• Richmond birdwing butterfly
• Capricorn yellow chat
• Armoured mistfrog
• Nangur spiny skink
• Coochin Hills grevillea

This is by no means an exhaustive list. There’s also more information on a range of other species projects available, so you can see what’s being done in Queensland to help those species that are most at risk bounce back.

What are we doing to save threatened species?

Understandably, our threatened species need urgent attention. In Queensland, we take threatened species recovery and conservation very seriously.

Queensland’s Threatened Species Program is a long-term roadmap to conserving our state’s most threatened flora and fauna. It outlines how we identify, protect and recover species and the threats that impact them.

Below, we talk a little more about the specifics involved with threatened species recovery in Queensland.

Recovery planning and programs

Queensland's recovery planning framework focuses on developing tailored strategies to protect threatened species. Recovery teams collaborate to implement actions like habitat restoration, population recovery, and research. These efforts are guided by recovery plans like the ones we highlighted earlier. These outline specific steps to safeguard species.

Research and monitoring

To protect threatened species effectively, we rely on a combination of scientific research and traditional knowledge. We partner with specialist researchers to gain a deeper understanding of these species and their needs, as well as collaborating with First Nations people who can guide us based on their intimate knowledge of Country.

Grants and funding

The Queensland Government offers grants to support research, recovery efforts, and community-led conservation projects for threatened species. These grants help protect wildlife and their habitats and contribute to their long-term survival.

Hope for the future

While there is certainly more work to be done, it’s important to recognise the progress and achievements that have been made in threatened species recovery and conservation – especially in the recovery of some of our most iconic species like the green turtle, northern hairy-nosed wombat, and  greater bilby.

There are many passionate people dedicated to making a difference. From government-led recovery efforts down to everyday folks engaging in hands-on citizen science and monitoring, there’s positive action happening at every level. There are plenty of ways you can help threatened species, including volunteering your time to help monitor and care for wildlife. With community action and involvement, we can all play a part in bringing threatened species back from the brink!