The challenges and opportunities for Queensland's unique wildlife in the aftermath of the January floods and cyclones will be highlighted this week during Threatened Species Week.

Environment Minister Vicky Darling said the theme for this year's Threatened Species Week was Resilience, Recovery, Renewal and she urged Queenslanders to get involved.

"This year's Threatened Species Week is particularly poignant, with some species doing it tough and others enjoying a remarkable recovery," Ms Darling said.

"In north Queensland the mahogany glider has shown extraordinary resilience after its habitat was severely impacted by Tropical Cyclone Yasi.

"The people of Queensland, who have been facing their own struggles this year, have generously given donations and other contributions towards the mahogany glider recovery effort in another extraordinary display of the Queensland spirit."

Ms Darling said donations from across the state had provided nearly $9,000 worth of animal feed supplement, materials for 300 feed stations and 200 den boxes to help the mahogany glider population post-Yasi.

"Surveys across some of the most heavily damaged open lowland forests have revealed the extent of the mahogany glider's resilience and adaptability.

"A female was recently found carrying pouch young at Corduroy Creek, a narrow fragment of habitat and one of the most heavily damaged during Yasi.

"Male gliders have also been found within the top weight range recorded within the past decade of scientific surveys on the species.

"While it is still too early to determine the full extent of the impact of Yasi on this endangered species, the current signs are promising."

Ms Darling said there was also cause for optimism with early signs of recovery of the vulnerable Richmond birdwing butterfly in South East Queensland, following a reintroduction project on the northern Sunshine Coast.

"So far a total of 121 Richmond birdwing butterflies have been released to the wild and sightings of this beautiful creature have been increasing at Cootharaba, where it had been extinct since 1997.

"There is now clear evidence that the offspring from the first release are breeding and dispersing into the surrounding region, where experts are hopeful they will link up with the established populations further south."

Ms Darling said the butterflies had been reintroduced at three sites as part of the recovery program - on the Sunshine Coast at Cootharaba and on the Gold Coast at Mount Tamborine and Burleigh Heads National Park.

"The butterfly populations at these sites will be monitored again this month and it's expected the results will provide further indication of the success of the releases.

"Meanwhile in western Queensland Mother Nature is showing her bountiful side, with animal populations and plant life booming after years of drought.

"After an enforced closure of seven months because of the floods, the Simpson Desert National Park is bursting with life.

"Wildflowers are in abundance and there's a carpet of green across the normally arid landscape.

"The conditions mean populations of emus, grass wrens, finches and other wildlife are abundant.

"There's never been a better time to enjoy the spectacle of the hardy mammals, reptiles and more than 180 bird species which make their home in the Simpson Desert."

Ms Darling said the highlight of the week was Threatened Species Day on Wednesday, 7 September which raises awareness and support for endangered plants and animals.

"This is an annual event which marks the day in 1936 when Australia tragically lost the last remaining Tasmanian tiger.

"Extinction is forever and there is no turning back, which is why we need to make sure our precious wildlife is around for future generations to enjoy."

For more information about Threatened Species Week visit www.derm.qld.gov.au

For more information on becoming a volunteer visit www.derm.qld.gov.au/about/employment/volunteerprograms.html

Environment

The Honourable Vicky Darling

05/09/2011