Christmas Island situation critical

A report into biodiversity on Christmas Island outlines the perilous state of the unique ecosystem, say the Australian Greens.

"The Christmas Island Biodiversity Monitoring Program report, just released as a result of a question on notice from the Greens, makes for very sobering reading about the true state of things on the island," said Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert.

"Many endemic species on Christmas island are in trouble, with large gaps in our overall knowledge and research. Five of the six native reptiles are on the verge of extinction, three endemic mammal species have no trace of their continued existence and many native invertebrates have not been seen in over 50 years."

"This report spells out a very bleak future for the native Pipistrelle microbat, with numbers in serious decline and possible extinction a very real prospect."

"Unfortunately the bat is not the only species on the island that is threatened and therefore facing a bleak future," said Senator Siewert.

"This report highlights the absolute urgent need for a very significant recovery program. We need a multi-species, whole-of-system approach; otherwise we are unfortunately facing extinction of a number of species on Christmas Island,"

"In the face of this dire situation it is inconceivable that any further expansion of mining on the island could be considered," she concluded.

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