ACT Sensitive Species List with Location Data Risk Assessment

ACT Sensitive Species List identifies native species and ecological communities for which precise location data is withheld to prevent threats like poaching or disturbance. The dataset is produced by the ACT Government's Office of Nature Conservation and was last updated in April 2026. It is governed by the ACT Sensitive Species and Ecological Data Policy and section 363 of the Nature Conservation Act 2014.

Use Cases

• Identify species flagged as sensitive based on a structured risk assessment matrix evaluating likelihood of data misuse and consequences.
• Filter ecological datasets to understand which species location data is withheld for planning and conservation purposes.
• Analyze the application of the Nature Conservation Act 2014 by reviewing which taxa have precise coordinates restricted.
• Support policy review by examining the balance between data transparency and risks like collection or cumulative visitation.

Strengths

• Dataset is governed by a formal policy and specific legislation (Nature Conservation Act 2014).
• Risk assessment uses a structured matrix evaluating both likelihood of misuse and consequences.

Limitations

• Specific data volume (row count) and column schema are unknown.
• Precise location data for sensitive entries is intentionally withheld, limiting spatial analysis.
• Temporal coverage and geographic scope beyond the ACT are unspecified.

Provenance

Source

ACT Government Open Data, Office of Nature Conservation.

Collection Method

Assessment against a structured risk assessment matrix by the Minister, Conservator, or Threatened Species Scientific Committee.

Freshness

Updated in April 2026.

Geography

Australian Capital Territory.