Page 5449 - Week 14 - Thursday, 30 November 2017
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targeted by the 19th century fur trade. Anyone who has ever seen one will understand that it does have a beautiful coat which, unfortunately, made it a considerable target for hunters. It is recognised as being nimble and nocturnal but may be seen basking by day and does form sociable colonies. That would be, I think, an appropriate one for the ACT.
One I would particularly like to advocate for which has not received a lot of mention so far is the spotted-tail quoll, otherwise known as the native cat. This has survived as a local, despite a range of threats to it. Spotted-tail quolls are considered to be efficient predators. It is the largest carnivorous marsupial on the Australian mainland. It is a savage hunter of other, slightly smaller mammals, but also feeds on carrion and invertebrates. Its range has been dramatically decreased, although sporadic sightings have been made in parts of its prior range. This species, as a local who has actually managed to survive despite not being declared endangered, is a great survivor and may well be a suitable emblem for the ACT.
We are pleased to support the referral to the committee today and we look forward to seeing the results of the committee’s deliberations.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Environment and Transport and City Services—Standing Committee
Statement by chair
MS ORR (Yerrabi) (4.40): Pursuant to standing order 246A, I wish to make a statement on behalf of the Standing Committee on Environment and Transport and City Services. We had a feeling that this mammal emblem inquiry might be coming our way, so we prepared a few words on it.
The committee is excited to be inquiring into whether the ACT should have a mammal emblem and, if so, which mammal should be our emblem. The adoption of a mammal emblem is more than just a chance to talk about a cute critter. Having a mammal species recognised as an emblem raises awareness of that species. It draws attention to the mammal, its habitat and its habits. Perhaps most importantly, where a species is endangered, naming it as your emblem presents a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on that mammal and its plight.
This has been the case in Western Australia and Tasmania. Western Australia adopted the numbat as their emblem on 25 July 1973. The numbat has been listed as specially protected fauna that is rare or likely to become extinct under the WA Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 since 1973 and is ranked as endangered in WA. It is listed nationally as vulnerable under the EPBC Act. An intensive research and breeding program since 1980 has succeeded in increasing numbat populations, and reintroduction of the species into fox-free areas has also been undertaken. Perth Zoo has been closely involved in the conservation effort, breeding populations in captivity for release into the wild.
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