The Centre for Species Survival Australasia

The Centre for Species Survival Australasia (CSS) is a partnership between the International Union for Conservation of Nature Species Survival Commission (IUCN-SSC) and the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA). The program was established to protect and recover threatened species in the region.

The program initially prioritised native species impacted by the 2019-2020 bushfires. In response to the crisis, the CSS worked to support species assessment and facilitate conservation planning and action. The CSS now aims to expand to include other threatened species across the Australasian region.

The CSS works collaboratively with regional, state and national governments, the IUCN-SSC, Reverse the Red, research institutions and ZAA members to achieve its goals. The program also works with Traditional Owners relevant to each species and promotes ongoing partnerships with Traditional Owners to be at the centre of species projects.

Measuring Success through Assess/Plan/Act: 

Assess:

The CSS works to address assessment needs for threatened or priority species in Australasia. Assessing the conservation status (e.g. Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered) of a species is a critical first step towards receiving protection, recognition and formal conservation support.

The CSS works with the Australian Federal Government and the Threatened Species Scientific Committee on species assessment, conservation needs, planning effective measures and mobilising action in species recovery. 

Plan:

 The CSS tailors project plans specific to the species they work with. For example, the team achieved several key steps in the recovery plan for the brush-tailed rock wallaby, including hosting a national forum and a targeted workshop to draft a ten-year plan for the species’ recovery.

Act:

Following assessment, the CSS works to support the species’ long-term recovery. This often involves formation, coordination and administration of Recovery Teams. Recovery Teams coordinate the conservation of a threatened species, assisting with recovery and monitoring the progress towards recovery objectives.

The ultimate goal of a Recovery Team is to prevent extinction and restore a self-sustaining distribution and abundance for the species.

Results:

The CSS has worked on a wide range of species with Conservation Advices, Listing Assessments and Recovery Plans as needed.