Governments accused of not doing enough as 17 species added to Australia’s threatened wildlife list

Mitchell’s water monitor, which has been deemed critically endangered, is among 17 species to be added to Australia’s threatened wildlife list. Photograph: Auscape/UIG/Getty Images

Seventeen species, including two birds, two fish, several reptiles and the Lord Howe earthworm, have been added to Australia’s list of threatened species.

The sooty shearwater, known for its long-distance journeys, has been listed as vulnerable, while the red-tailed tropicbird, which breeds on Christmas Island, has been listed as endangered.