Extinction threat for 45 Australian species

SYDNEY (AP) - A new study says up to 45 rare and endangered animal species could become extinct within 20 years if more is not done to control feral animals and other threats in a northern Australian region.

The study of wildlife in the Kimberley region of Western Australia state was led by the government-funded Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization and released Wednesday.

Its authors warn that species such as the monjon rock wallaby and the golden bandicoot are severely threatened by problems including feral cats that attack them and wild goats and donkeys that destroy their habitats.

They are calling for a one-time spending boost of $96 million and a doubling of annual funding to try to save the threatened animals.