Native fauna gets a bigger range to roam

QUEENSLAND’S nature reserves have expanded by 100,000ha.

Launching Threatened Species Day, Environment Minister Steven Miles said seven new reserves would help protect creatures including cassowaries, koalas, black-necked storks, tusked frogs and the s spectacular Richmond birdw wing butterflies.

“One way we can ensure native wildlife continues to have habitat, as development continues, is working with trusts and private landholders to protect the areas these creatures call home,” Dr Miles said.

Amid animals from Australia Zoo and Dreamworld, including Tyson the blackheaded python (pictured with handler Olivia Degn), he told a crowd in Queen Street Mall that private reserves were key to protecting habitat and a hoped-for 17 per cent of the state. Just 5 per cent is under national park protection, compared to Tasmania’s 24 per cent and NZ’s 11.4 per cent.