Island arks: the need for an Australian national island biosecurity initiative

Abstract

[Extract] Threats to island biotas from non-indigenous species have been extensively documented and remain among the most powerful drivers of biotic extinction. Despite this, Australia does not have a national, comprehensive plan of action for island biosecurity. Recent initiatives by Australian governments could provide the basis for the first systematic and comprehensive approach to securing the future of Australia’s continental and oceanic islands. A National Island Biosecurity Initiative would lay the foundations for effective island biosecurity. It would protect globally significant populations of migratory species and play a major role in preventing the extinction of hundreds of threatened species and ecosystems.