Scientists will this month attempt to catch Christmas Island's remaining pipistrelle bats for captive breeding in a last-ditch measure to save them from extinction.
Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett has authorised the drastic move on advice from experts despite them also warning of the project's likely failure.
"I cannot simply stand by and wait for the inevitable extinction of this bat," Mr Garrett said.
The attempted capture of the tiny bats - whose numbers on the island may be no more than 20 - will take place at the island during a new moon phase on June 22-27.
If the hunt is successful, mainland zoos will be approached to conduct a breeding program.
The insect-eating bats weigh less than five grams and were historically widespread on the island. Researchers blame invasive species such as yellow crazy ants and giant centipedes for their rapid demise.
Mr Garrett was less committal about other recommendations of the experts' interim report, which paints a grim picture for the island's unique species and reported dramatic losses of its iconic red crabs.
"The conservation problems on Christmas Island are pervasive, chronic and increasing, and unfortunately will not have simple solutions," the report said.
"Despite the majority of its land being in a national park, Christmas Island has suffered extinctions of three vertebrate species and is witnessing rapid decline to probable extinction of its few remaining endemic reptile species and its only insectivorous bat."
The export working group called on the Government to upgrade quarantine management, set up a single environmental authority and consider listing the entire island as a threatened ecological community under Federal law.
Mr Garrett said a number of the group's recommendation were complex and could not be resolved immediately.
