The rich number of unique species in Western Australia is a result of relative isolation, low fertility soils, geological stability and variation in climatic conditions. Many of these species are naturally restricted to small geographic areas or are otherwise rare.
This high endemicity combined with the impact of introduced species and European land development, has resulted in many native flora and fauna species becoming extinct or critically endangered. Western Australia has developed controls to prevent native species from being taken from the wild and to manage the impact of introduced species.
This Fact Sheet examines Western Australian laws relating to the protection of biodiversity and control of introduced species. For more information on biodiversity, see Fact Sheet: Biodiversity conservation under Commonwealth law. For information on development controls, see Fact Sheet: Environmental impact assessment in Western Australia. For information on clearing of native vegetation, see Fact Sheet: Clearing of Native Vegetation.
This fact sheet is intended for information purposes only. If you require advice about a specific issue, please contact the EDO. This fact sheet is current as at March 2011. It is possible that changes to the law have been made since that time.
