Five years ago, the Daintree rainbowfish was discovered in far north Queensland. Now it's facing a fight for survival.
It is one of 17 species added to the threatened species list, boosting calls for Australia's environmental laws to be strengthened.
Of the additions, nine have habitats in far north Queensland, where severe weather events and climate change have impacted the environment.
The threatened species include two birds, two fish, a turtle and multiple lizards.
Animals listed as critically endangered, or the largest threat of extinction, include the Daintree rainbowfish, the Jardine River turtle, the Arcadia Velvet gecko and the Mitchell's water monitor.
Migratory bird the sooty shearwater has also been included as a threatened species, along with the red-tailed tropicbird, which is commonly found on Christmas Island.
Multiple lizard species now deemed as threatened, such as the Mertens' water monitor and the Mitchell's water monitor, have come under threat from poisonous cane toads because they are being mistaken in the wild for native toads.
Australian Conservation Foundation nature campaigner Peta Bulling said the new listings were a wake-up call.
"Australia is home to more than 10 per cent of the world's total reptile species,'' she said.
"With 93 per cent of our reptiles found nowhere else on earth, it's critical we protect our scaly wildlife.
"As conservation efforts focus on the 'cute and cuddlies', it's easy to forget about the unique reptiles that call our big backyard home."
Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek said the federal government had spent $500 million to better protect native plants and animals.
"We know that too many species are becoming threatened or endangered, in fact, I've added dozens of species to the threatened species list since becoming minister," she said in Sydney on Thursday.
Ms Bulling said the large number of new additions to the threatened species list emphasised the need for further protection.
"Australia has a terrible record when it comes to protecting our unique plants and animals," she said.
"To stop more Australian wildlife from heading to extinction, the government must urgently strengthen our national environment law and adequately fund threatened species recovery."
