New nature reserves created in Western Australia’s South-West region to protect threatened species

The Western Australian Government has created new nature reserves in the state’s South-West region to protect a wealth of native animals including threatened species such as numbats, woylies, western ringtail possum, chuditch (Western Quolls) and black cockatoos.

Furthering the state government’s commitment to protecting the rich biodiversity of WA, the reserves will add 3,600 hectares to Western Australia’s conservation estate, located in the shires of Cranbrook and Manjimup.

The new reserves will play an important role in the conservation of native species in the area, linking the Tone-Perup and Unicup nature reserves.

WA Environment Minister Reece Whitby notes “our one-of-a-kind forests are a hotspot for native species including the iconic numbat, western ringtail possum and woylie. Adding these new areas to the conservation estate will see these habitats given the highest level of protection.

“These new nature reserves provide an important ecological link to other reserves in the area supporting our native species.

“Through the upcoming release of the draft Forest Management Plan 2024-2033, the community will get the chance to have their say in caring for the health of our forests.”

The announcement yesterday of the new nature reserves in the South-West region coincided with the anniversary of the Western Australian Government’s historic announcement that it will be banning native forest logging in the South-West from 2024.

The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is finalising the draft Forest Management Plan 2024-2033, which will ensure our forests are cared for and maintained.

WA Forestry Minister Dave Kelly advised “the decision to end logging of Western Australia’s native forests reflects the changing attitudes of the community towards our native forests – cutting down 300-year-old trees is no longer acceptable.

“Twelve months ago, the McGowan Government made a commitment to support the transition of workers, businesses and communities linked to the native forest industry.

“We are now implementing the $80 million Native Forestry Transition plan that will support workers, businesses and local communities, as they transition out of native logging by 2024.”

Image: Western Quolls (chuditch) are the size of a domestic cat and are Western Australia’s largest endemic carnivore. Predation by feral cats and foxes is a serious threat to the persistence of Western Quolls. Credit: Australian Wildlife Organisation