Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01397:body:0:p3
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01397
Segment Type: other
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Character Range: 5770–8788

in some amphibian populations and 100 per cent mortality in others. The disease has been implicated in the mass die-offs and species extinctions of frogs that have occurred since the 1970s. However, its origin remains uncertain and continues to be investigated (James et al., 2009).

Eradication of this widespread and continuously present disease is not currently possible in wild amphibian populations. Given that the amphibian chytrid fungus has spread to almost all climatically suitable areas in eastern Australia, it has become increasingly important to: (1) better understand and mitigate the impact on key affected species in chytrid positive areas in order to prevent further extinctions from chytridiomycosis; and (2), monitor and mitigate the risk of spread and impact in high risk chytrid negative areas (e.g. Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area). Many amphibian species persist despite infection with chytrid fungus, particularly in Western Australia — the reasons for this are not fully understood and warrant further investigation.

A modified approach to respond to the negative impacts of this disease on amphibians in Australia is needed; one that involves identifying and reducing impacts on key environmental assets (EPBC Act listed species and other priority amphibian species) and requires national coordination.

The Department recognises that a number of the state and territory governments that own land impacted by chytrid fungus have developed management plans and operational guides to abate this threat within their own jurisdictions. This TAP aims to complement state and territory approaches to managing chytridiomycosis.

Background – the previous threat abatement plan
'Infection of amphibians with chytrid fungus resulting in chytridiomycosis' was listed in July 2002 as a key threatening process under the EPBC Act.  A key threatening process is defined as a process that 'threatens or may threaten the survival, abundance or evolutionary development of a native species or ecological community'.  The first TAP for 'Infection of amphibians with chytrid fungus resulting in chytridiomycosis' was prepared in 2006 (DEH, 2006) and was reviewed in 2012 in accordance with requirements under section 279(2) of the EPBC Act.

The review of the 2006 TAP (DSEWPaC, 2012) was performed by the Department in consultation with key stakeholders and the members of the National Chytrid Working Group (convened by the Australian Government). It identified the progress against the plan's actions, objectives and goals over the period 2006­–2012.
The review found that since 2006 some progress has been made in the implementation of the key actions identified in that TAP. For example: a national map of the distribution of chytridiomycosis is available; historical surveys have been completed; reliable diagnostic laboratory test protocols have been established; the biology of the pathogen has been investigated and is now much better understood; and many amphibian conservation managers in