Conservation status
Australian and Victorian Government status: Critically endangered
About
Home to huge and majestic river red gums, some which are hundreds of years old, woodland birds, possums and native grasses, this rare ecosystem was once widespread around Melbourne.
These woodlands were carefully managed for thousands of years by the traditional owners of the land. Since European arrival and the colonisation of the Melbourne area, many of these woodlands have been cleared to make way for agriculture and development. Today, they are listed as critically endangered.
Who lives here?
- River red gums and other eucalypt species
- Critically endangered striped legless lizard
- Native grasses, such as kangaroo grass and wallaby grass
- Wildflowers, such as the endangered matted flax-lily and blue devil
- Critically endangered golden sun moth
- Possums, bats, parrots and frogs
- Grassland earless dragon.
Threats
- Weeds
- Clearing for agriculture and development
- Excessively hot fire.
What we are doing
In partnership with Trust for Nature and Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, we are creating the 1,200-hectare Grassy eucalypt woodland protected area in Melbourne’s north-west.
The woodlands ecosystem is also found in the following conservation areas:
- CA16-19
- CA22
- CA25-31
- CA33.
Page last updated: 24/01/24