PROTECTION OF THE GRASSLANDS

One of the country's most threatened ecosystems are the grasslands of south-eastern Australia. Once one of its most fascinating natural habitats, they are now struggling for survival. Only half of one per cent of the original area of lowland grasslands remains in even semi-natural condition - many are just pitiful remnants of the original landscapes of tussock grass and wildflowers. Overgrazing and replacement by exotic species have destroyed this land, which once formed the basis of the country's pastoral industry. Animals like the rare Plains Wanderer (a grassland bird) and the endangered Pygmy Blue Tongue Lizard are consequently at risk of extinction.

WWF-Australia has been conducting a review of these grasslands for several years. A culmination of this research was a technical report identifying the most significant grassland remnants in the country. Twenty-six lowland grassland communities were identified through floristic survey of 80 sites and details were given on location, characteristic, species, conservation threats and recommendations for management. The report, in fact, is an invaluable guide to land managers, councils and governments in the conservation of Australia's last temperate lowland grasslands. This work has been followed up by further surveys and technical publications, a popular book on grasslands, and rural extension projects involving farmers.

<<----BACK

Copyright 1996, The World Wide Fund For Nature