Parks Victoria has begun a three-year conservation program in Lerderderg State Park to protect and rehabilitate its native flora and fauna, with a particular focus being put on reducing feral goats.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Lerderderg State Park comprises of over 20,000 square hectares.
Its vegetation includes vulnerable Box Ironbark trees and more than 370 native plant species.
The park is an important habitat for wildlife, including for koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, echidnas, greater gliders, mountain brushtail possums and the threatened brush-tailed phascogale.
Over 130 species of birds have also been found in the park, including the swift parrot and marked owls.
Parks Victoria said it would use highly skilled professionals during the program, which will be planned and carried out under strict conditions to ensure safe, effective and humane practices.
Park’s Victoria’s Area Chief Ranger, Stuart Lardner, said the park is home to species of state significance.
“This conservation program will help protect that important flora and fauna by reducing populations of feral goats.
“They are prolific grazers that diminish native grasses, shrubs and trees, causing erosion, preventing regeneration and taking the food of native animals. They can also foul waterholes and transport weeds and diseases.”
The program will be carried out in some sections of the park under strictly controlled conditions. During this time, sections of the park will be closed to the public.
