New nature reserves to be created in Tone-Perup region as part of threatened species protection

The number of natures reserves in the South West of WA is set to increase, with new areas to be added west of Frankland River.

The State Government this month announced an additional 3600 hectares would be included in WA’s conservation estate in the Tone-Perup region.

The region straddles the Shires of Cranbrook and Manjimup.

The area is home to threatened animal species such as the numbat, woylie, western ringtail possum, chuditch and black cockatoos.

The additional reserves will link the existing Tone-Perup and Unicup nature reserves.

Environment Minister Reece Whitby said adding the areas to the conservation estate would give them the highest level of protection.

“Our one-of-a-kind forests are a hotspot for native species including the iconic numbat, western ringtail possum and woylie,” he said.

“These new nature reserves provide an important ecological link to other reserves in the area supporting our native species.”

The announcement was made on the first anniversary of the State Government’s decision to ban native logging from 2024.