MEDIA RELEASE
The Australian Veterinary Association
21 May 2012
Animal conservation policies need an overhaul say vets
The world is facing a biodiversity crisis with up to 30 per cent of all mammal, bird and
amphibian species threatened with extinction this century. Preventing such loss requires
greater involvement of the private sector according to veterinarian Dr George Wilson, Fenner
School of Environment and Society, Australian National University.
Dr Wilson will be speaking at the national Australian Veterinary Association conference this week in
Canberra on alternative ways of saving Australia’s native fauna from extinction.
“Current policies to conserve threatened species in Australia are not working.”
“Biodiversity is defined as the variety of all life forms and is a measure of the health of ecosystems.
Expanding human populations and increased resource use lead to ongoing biodiversity loss caused by
habitat destruction, climate and other environmental changes.”
Dr Wilson said that greater use of market-based solutions and good science, including better animal
welfare and veterinary science, will deliver improved conservation benefits.
“Governments don’t have the necessary resources to address the biodiversity loss problem and should
focus on actively enforcing current regulations such as animal welfare codes. Greater attention to
genetic selection and breeding of various endangered fauna will also assist conservation efforts.
“Landowners would be more likely to protect habitat and ensure the survival of native species on their
properties if the species were private assets, but current legislation places ownership exclusively in the
state/crown.”
Dr Wilson will be discussing the threat to the koala population as an example to highlight the need for
changes to current conservation policies in Australia.
“Even after 90 years of protection from hunting, under government management, their conservation
status continues to get worse.
“There are many landholder, farmer and grazier groups willing to become involved in addressing the
need for re-colonising koala populations. If governments would permit trade in koalas by private
landholders, overcrowding and habitat destruction in locally overpopulated communities would be
reduced.”
“Veterinary expertise has a great role to play in this process.”
For interviews with Dr Wilson contact Rena Richmond on 0439 628 898
For further information and requests for interviews contact:
Rena Richmond, Media Relations Manager
Ph: 02 9431 5062 or 0439 628 898
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is the national professional association of veterinary
surgeons in Australia. Founded in 1921, the AVA today represents 6800 members working in all
areas of animal science, health and welfare.