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Koala Action Bushcare Plantings lge - Australian Wildlife Charity - FNPW

Koala Tree Planting

Creating new koala habitat in Victoria

  • YEAR: 2015
  • STATE: Victoria
  • FOCUS AREAS: Healing our Land/Saving Species/SDG 15: Life on Land

Over the past 20 years more than 70% of the Manna Gum community has been lost and without intervention we will lose this unique and rare habitat type, along with the koalas and many other plants and animals that rely on it. Funding from FNPW has enabled the Conservation Ecology Centre (CEC) to expand key elements of its Great Ocean Road Koala Habitat Rescue Program.

FNPW support

This project was funded through generous donations from FNPW supporters across Australia and beyond.

Project overview

Ecological burns

Since 2014 the CEC and local fire authority have conducted 17 prescribed ecological burns across 40ha on 7 private properties. Importantly, the burns provide a good ash bed to plant young tree seedlings that will eventually replace the koala habitat trees which have largely been lost.

The controlled burns have also played a role in reducing the invasion of coastal plants into the woodlands of Cape Otway.

Canopy replacement planting program

Over the past four years the project partners have achieved 100ha of revegetation, including approximately 50ha of canopy replacement. A further 20ha of canopy replacement planting was completed in 2016.

Seedlings purchased with the support of FNPW have made an important contribution to the woodland revegetation, with mesh guards providing extra protection for trees in critical locations.

National Tree Day 2013 Planting - Wildlife Donation Australia - FNPW

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

FNPW supports projects across Australia. In the spirit of reconciliation the we acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.

Koala Joey Benjamint - Australia Parks and Wildlife - FNPW

PROGRESS OF THIS PROJECT

The project was completed in 2016.

This project was funded by FNPW in 2015.

FNPW Home Trio - Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife Australia - FNPW

PROJECT PARTNERS

Conservation Ecology Centre (CEC) is the lead organisation for this project.

Further information about our project partner can be found on their website:

www.conservationecologycentre.org

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