The fight to save Australia's endangered species | Four Corners

The fight to save Australia's endangered species.

Australia boasts a stunning array of unique wildlife. They feature on our coat of arms and they're placed front and centre in our tourism campaigns. But the reality is, many of our native animals are in danger.

Australia has one of the worst extinction rates on the planet and the problem is growing. There are currently more than 500 animal species under threat.

Four Corners investigates how Australia has found itself in the midst of an extinction crisis.

There is heated debate over who is responsible and what lengths governments should go to, to save these threatened species.

Four Corners goes into the field with leading scientists and conservation volunteers to document first hand the fight to save these wild creatures. Our camera captures precious pictures of some of these endangered animals.

With money in short supply, many rescue efforts are reliant on volunteers and crowdfunding.

Ecologists say these species are just as priceless as a work of art and should be protected in the same way.

They warn that species extinction will have consequences for us all.

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This program features contributions from:
ANDROO KELLY, Trowunna Wildlife Sanctuary, Tasmania
JAMES TREZISE, Australian Conservation Foundation
PROF. DAVID LINDENMAYER, Ecologist, Australian National University
SUSSAN LEY, Federal Environment Minister
DR BRONWYN FANCOURT, Ecologist, University of New England
PROF. BRENDAN WINTLE, Threatened Species Hub
STEVE MEACHER, Friends of Leadbeater’s Possum
ROSS HAMPTON, Australian Forest Products Association
PROF. JOHN WOINARSKI, Conservation Biologist, Charles Darwin University
SARAH REES, My Environment
DANIEL ANDREWS, Victorian Premier
DR DEJAN STOJANOVIC, Conservation Biologist, Australian National University
DR ROBERT CLEMENS, Migratory shorebird expert
JUDITH HOYLE, BirdLife Australia

[hereandthere]

The government has done nothing for decades! Apathy and greed! I'm ashamed of this country.

[colettedavies]

I can't even watch this. Too heartbreaking 😪

[amemestar]

I hope we can save these beautiful animals from extinction.

[ianmiles]

Gardeners must plant indigenous plants that sustain the wildlife. Whole communities must participate in this practice.

[amywas]

we need another 20 million people in the country to help try and find a solution.

[Chapsikan]

Oh that’s heartbreaking the numbers that are disappearing

[jonh]

Hope the ABC does a follow up piece on the development application process, especially the Environmental Impact Assessment and its objectivity, this needs to be done by the assessing agencies and NOT someone who is engaged by the developer. This is an important issue as if the development is allowed, it could set a dangerous precedent for other areas. It is possible to conserve our flora and fauna but any losses and extinctions must rest with the governing bodies, especially the State and Federal Environment ministers who must be made accountable.

[muneerahmad]

Australia should have to protect its unique envoirnment and its flaura and fauna which have taken million years of evaluation....
Its unique not only for Australia but also for the whole world 🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎

[dragmit]

How can you tell when a politician is lying? Their lips are moving!

[NxDoyle]

This is the kind of issue that the expression 'political lip service' could have been invented for. There's nothing here for politicians to trade on. It's all expense and no reward, as far as they're concerned.

[sherrieyeomans]

The 6th Mass Extinction happening here in Australia! This is in my old back yard. Logging as I type.... Civil disobedience seems to be the only way we will be heard!

[ЭммаКозлова-сф]

Редкие зверюшки, переехали в оставшийся лес, который не пострадал южная- австралия.

[rememberingme]

We all understand the value of every part of our body for our continuing health, though we ignore the value of every part of our earth for its continuing health upon which we depend. This is everyone's responsibility.

[blueyzarzoff]

When there are laws protecting non native animals what else do you expect.
Our highland rivers are dominated by trout an introduced species. There are 4 native fish on the mainland that are affected by trout, which are more aggressive and out compete for food and breeding sites not to mention predation on native species. But laws protect the trout.
Unfortunately not enough attention is paid to our native fish and their part of the environment.

[bg]

How many people making negative comments own cats? Cats are the most efficient killing machines in this country.

[Mybitterreality]

My cat use to catch two a week, ban and force owners to remove cats from the region asap!!!!

[thepoint]

Forestry is disgusting. Deforestation has ruined the country. Agriculture right behind it. Bye bye Great Barrier Reef. Lucky country my ass.

[damianjones]

Its time some new groups took over this work, Dejon is cool but

[marilynwatene]

What an adorable creature! What makes me feel good is the fact that all of these creatures will be saved by the hand of our Creator...as he "saves all the works of mine hands". Hopefully these good people will be able to protect the wildlife in Australia which is so rich in its varied animal and bird life.

[damianjones]

Fire hurt the leadbeater, can some one please tell the truth, logging isn't good but its fire threatening the possie, i'm a wildlife carer and arborist, sick of all the lies from both sides. Lindenmayer stop hiding animal ag, its so irresponsible.