Scientists call for overhaul of wildlife protection in Australia

Scientists have called for an overhaul of government strategy intended to protect Australian plants and animals, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported on Friday.

At least three animals became extinct in the five years since it was first drafted, the media said.

An Environmental Department spokesperson said Australia's Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, which is currently under review, was written in 2010 with the aim of "providing an agreed framework for the conservation and sustainable use of all of Australia's biodiversity."

The Christmas Island skink, Christmas Island pipstrelle and Bramble Cay melomys are amongst the animals known to have disappeared forever.

Charles Darwin University conservation biologist John Woinarski said Australia's extinction record for mammals and plants was worse than any other country.

"The Biodiversity Strategy should be about redressing the loss of our heritage and clearly it's failing to do that. It needs a substantial overhaul," he said. Endi