The Issues

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Habitat and biodiversity loss

• Australia, one of the top 12 biodiverse countries in the world, has signed an international agreement for the protection of its biodiversity.
• Nevertheless, Australia has a very bad record with respect to extinction of species, particularly mammals⁸.
• Clearance of native vegetation for human settlement and agriculture is the single most significant threat to terrestrial biodiversity⁹.

^References

^{8. DIMIA. 2002-2003 Migration and Humanitarian Programs - a discussion paper (revised edition. Jan 02) p.23.}

^{9. State of Environment Committee. Australia State of Environment Report 2001. CSIRO Publishing. p.73.}