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Australia Confirms Christmas Island Shrew Extinction, Urges Conservation

11/2/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Australia has confirmed the extinction of the Christmas Island shrew, which was added to the IUCN Red List.
Professor John Woinarski notes Australia has lost 39 land mammal species since 1788, the highest total globally.
The decline followed the introduction of black rats carrying parasites that devastated native wildlife.
Experts urge the Australian government to strengthen conservation efforts to protect the island’s native fauna.

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Story summary

Australia has confirmed the extinction of the Christmas Island shrew, which was added to the IUCN Red List.
Professor John Woinarski notes Australia has lost 39 land mammal species since 1788, the highest total globally.
The decline followed the introduction of black rats carrying parasites that devastated native wildlife.
Experts urge the Australian government to strengthen conservation efforts to protect the island’s native fauna.