The Australian Wildlife Service (AWS) is committed to addressing the ongoing decline of threatened species in Australia, where half of the world’s mammal extinctions in the past 200 years have occurred. Current policies, which rely heavily on national parks and reserves, are insufficient as most losses occur on private lands. To combat this, AWS proposes empowering private landholders with market-based incentives to support wildlife conservation.

Government and philanthropic efforts alone have proven inadequate. While collaborations with research institutions and not-for-profit organizations like Bush Heritage Australia and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy are beneficial, they lack the necessary funding and capacity. AWS believes that private ownership and management of wildlife can create the needed financial incentives and scale for effective conservation.

Species like the brush-tailed rock wallabies, bridle nail-tailed wallabies, and bettongs have faced severe declines due to predation and habitat loss. Predator-free breeding colonies have helped, but more are required across Australia. Similarly, koalas face regional population imbalances, with some areas experiencing overabundance while others see severe declines.

AWS proposes leveraging private landholders by granting them wildlife property rights, enabling them to invest in and benefit from conservation efforts. This approach draws inspiration from successful models in Africa, where wildlife ownership has led to increased protected habitats and larger wildlife populations.

The trial would involve identifying overabundant wildlife populations, enabling private landholders to create demand, and facilitating transactions through an online market. Government roles would include regulation, lease provision, and monitoring to ensure ethical practices and animal welfare.

AWS invites collaborators, including landholders and private sector organizations, to participate in these trials. By integrating economic incentives with conservation, AWS aims to foster innovation and ensure the survival of Australia’s threatened species, creating a sustainable and profitable model for wildlife conservation.