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Last Christmas Island Mammal Faces Imminent Extinction Threat

9/15/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Christmas Island flying fox, the last native mammal on the island, is critically endangered, with its population dropping from about 2,000 in the 1980s to around 400 today.
It faces threats from habitat destruction, feral cat predation, and invasive pests.
Experts consider the decade-old conservation advice ineffective.
Former environment minister Tanya Plibersek confirmed that 176 species, including the flying fox, lack recovery plans.
Experts urge immediate action to prevent extinction, referencing the fate of the Christmas Island pipistrelle.

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Story summary

The Christmas Island flying fox, the last native mammal on the island, is critically endangered, with its population dropping from about 2,000 in the 1980s to around 400 today.
It faces threats from habitat destruction, feral cat predation, and invasive pests.
Experts consider the decade-old conservation advice ineffective.
Former environment minister Tanya Plibersek confirmed that 176 species, including the flying fox, lack recovery plans.
Experts urge immediate action to prevent extinction, referencing the fate of the Christmas Island pipistrelle.