A federal government assessment has identified nearly 400 native Australian bird and mammal species at high risk or worse from the H5N1 bird flu virus. Conducted alongside Charles Darwin University and BirdLife Australia, the report warns that species including the Tasmanian devil, Australian sea lions, and various fur seals could face severe population declines if the virus reaches them. With the virus already confirmed in over 100 birds across multiple states, conservationists are calling for urgent, funded intervention to prevent further extinctions.
Species at Extreme and High Risk of H5N1
The government assessment evaluated more than 2,000 native species, determining that nearly one in five faces a risk profile ranging from high to extreme. Five bird species—all of which breed on isolated islands—are classified as extreme risk, meaning they are unlikely to survive if the virus reaches their habitats. This list includes the critically endangered Herald petrel and the endangered Christmas Island frigatebird.
Beyond these, more than 80 endangered and critically endangered species are flagged for at least high risk. Mammals are also under significant threat; Australia’s three resident seal species—the Australian fur seal, the New Zealand fur seal, and the Australian sea lion—are categorized as very high risk. For land mammals, the Tasmanian devil and the eastern quoll represent the highest level of concern.
Did you know?
The Australian sea lion population has already seen a 60% decline over the past four decades, making them particularly vulnerable to additional environmental stressors like the H5N1 virus.
Expert Concerns and Policy Critiques
Prof John Woinarski of Charles Darwin University, who contributed to the analysis, described the findings as a “bleak picture.” He noted that the diversity of Australian birds and mammals is likely to suffer substantial impacts. While Prof Hugh Possingham of the University of Queensland acknowledged the analysis as a “good first cut,” he expressed concern that the assessment should have been completed two years ago to allow for earlier priority action planning.
The release of the data has intensified pressure on the federal government to provide greater funding. Jack Gough of the Invasive Species Council characterized the report as a “list of doom” and criticized recent budget cuts to on-ground environment programs. Conservation groups are currently advocating for a substantial funding package to boost protective measures, such as feral animal control.
Government Response and Current Virus Status
The federal government has committed $113m to bird flu preparedness, with $47m specifically earmarked to accelerate protective actions for threatened species. This funding aims to manage biodiversity risks as the virus spreads across the continent.
H5N1 has reached every continent since it began spreading from Europe in 2021. Australia reported its first cases six weeks ago, following the discovery of infected migratory seabirds in Western Australia and South Australia. Detections have since been confirmed in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, with air surveillance identifying the first mass mortality event in South Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Australian mammals are most at risk?
The Tasmanian devil and the eastern quoll are considered the land mammals at the greatest threat, while the Australian sea lion and two species of fur seals are classified as being at very high risk.
How many species are currently at high risk or worse?
The federal assessment identified nearly 400 native bird and mammal species as being at a high risk, very high risk, or extreme risk of severe population reduction due to H5N1.
What is the current status of H5N1 in Australia?
The virus has been confirmed in more than 100 individual birds across Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland. A mass mortality event has also been recorded in South Australia.
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