Australia's threatened species list is set to grow significantly following devastating bushfires and other environmental catastrophes.
Threatened Species Commissioner Helene Marsh is recommending recovery plans for more than 200 species to the federal government.
It comes as an independent MP pushes for an independent environment cop to make all decisions under national protection laws.
Professor Marsh also wants the federal government to think more broadly on how to help Australia's flora and fauna, in order to prevent more being added to the threatened species list.
"As a result of the bushfires and many other environmental catastrophes that are happening now, we are going to have a lot more species on the list unfortunately," she told a Senate estimates hearing in Canberra on Monday.
"By using more tools in the toolbox we will be able to put the structures in place for more appropriate species recovery in this time of rapid change."
Professor Marsh has questioned the adequacy of recovery plans, saying they do not guarantee action.
Instead, she says conservation advice can be just as effective and can be linked to funding.
"They are much more an instrument for the 21st century than a recovery plan," Professor Marsh said.
"Particularly as many of the states are now refusing to participate in the preparation of recovery plans as they did in the past."
Wildlife conservation group WWF found nearly three billion animals - including mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs - were killed or injured in the so-called Black Summer fires.
Since then, a review of Australia's environmental protection laws has found they are not fit for purpose and need to be stronger to prevent catastrophe.
The independent review conducted by former competition watchdog Graeme Samuel also recommended an independent environmental watchdog.
Independent Tasmanian MP Andrew Wilkie on Monday introduced a bill to parliament to establish a commonwealth environment protection authority.
"I call on both major parties to support this bill. It's practical, has community support and will deliver real outcomes for our environment," he said.
Labor's environment spokeswoman Terri Butler said the opposition supported an independent cop, noting the bill would not pass parliament without the government's support.
