Today the ACT Government has released a new action plan that will protect, manage, and improve bog and fen wetland ecosystems in the ACT following the uplisting of six endangered species.
Minister for the Environment, Parks and Land Management, Rebecca Vassarotti, said the new action plan would put efforts towards the preservation of threatened native species in alpine wetland ecosystems.
"Last week, based on the advice of our expert ecologists, I had to make the regrettable decision to uplist the status of six native species that live in our bogs and fens," Minister Vassarotti said.
"These species, which rely on bog and fen wetlands to thrive, have all been uplisted to either endangered or critically endangered as the destruction of their habitat continues under climate change.
"Some of the species that we've had to uplist include flowers like the Dwarf Violet, and native animals like the Broad-toothed Rat whose main habitat is in these threatened areas.
"Many people might not have heard of bogs and fens, but they are vital wetland ecosystems that support some of our most vulnerable native species.
"With the implementation of a dedicated action plan for these wetlands, we can more effectively address critical threats to these species through comprehensive long-term monitoring, robust protection, and strategic management of their unique habitat."
"The 'High Country Bogs and Associated Fens Ecological Community Action Plan', prepared by the Conservator of Flora and Fauna under the Nature Conservation Act, is the result of extensive research and community consultation.
"In the ACT, bogs and fens are listed as endangered, which is why we already undertake targeted and specific conservation action to ensure their survival.
"Now this action plan takes us one step further, giving us an opportunity to provide even more targeted support, coordinated across areas of the ACT Government, to bog and fen wetland ecosystems.
"Not only are these wetlands home to many unique plants and animals, but they also help store carbon. That means saving bogs and fens is important not only for protecting our environment, but also for fighting climate change."
The ACT Government is working with university experts, The National Seed Bank, The Australian National Botanical Gardens and the local Ngunnawal community to improve these ecosystems which are vital in filtering the water that flows into the Lower Cotter Catchment area.
