This draft review is…

This draft review is extremely leading and inappropriate. The ESA does need a review as there have been many tools which have been used which have made it less effective, but the Act itself doesn't need to be changed.

- COSSARO should continue to be made up of arms-length scientists with relevant expertise. They should be given all the resources to be able to do their job properly, without any delays. The Minister should not interfere with the decisions of the committee. Committee members should be given ample time before their meetings to be able to prepare and gather data from additional stakeholders. I feel the communication before meetings to stakeholders has been enough. Also, COSSARO uses IUCN criteria to assess species at-risk. These are the globally accepted criteria and are also used at the federal level. Their assessments of species using these criteria and best available data should be what the species is listed at.

-There should not be any consideration given for socio-economic impacts of endangered species protection. This act is to conserve biodiversity, not an act to increase business.

-There is no support for landscape-scale approaches to species conservation in this review paper. Without an argument based on scientific evidence, there is no reason to consider this option. In some cases, habitat loss is not the main threat (eg white-nose syndrome in bats).

-There should be more red tape, not less. Industry should have to ensure they are not increasing pressure to declining populations.

-The value of biodiversity cannot be quantified solely in terms of economics. Species have an intrinsic right to exist and we have a responsibility to protect them.

-Species should continue to be listed automatically, at the category COSSARO determines using the best available scientific evidence.

-While some species seem to still be common (e.g. Blanding's turtle, meadowlark, bobolink) , it's important that we look at the examples of the passenger pigeon and American Burying beetles. Once declines are noted, species need to be protected. Even species numbering in the millions can go extinction.