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Australia's Extinction Crisis

Why are so many of Australia’s unique animals now under threat of extinction?

Roughly a third of all global mammal extinctions in the last 500 years are thought to have occurred in Australia. At least 34 species have gone extinct since European colonisation, and over 2,000 species of mammals, birds and invertebrates are now listed as critically endangered or threatened. Without substantial and rapid change, this list is almost certain to grow.

In this ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ World Service documentary, Ruth Evans investigates Australia’s extinction crisis? What can and should be done to prevent further casualties and turn things around?

Release date:

Available now

50 minutes

On radio

Next Saturday 11:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Next Saturday 11:06GMT
  • Next Sunday 02:06GMT
  • Next Sunday 13:06GMT
  • Next Sunday 16:06GMT
  • Wed 25 Jun 2025 09:06GMT
  • Wed 25 Jun 2025 23:06GMT