Biodiversity

The biodiversity of the Mallee has been shaped by a climate of temperature extremes, low rainfall, and underlying geology.

The result is a series of unique ecosystems that are significant, particularly for reptiles and birds.  This uniqueness combined with historical land clearing for agricultural development has led to a significant number of Mallee flora and fauna species, as well as ecological communities, to be listed as threatened in both Victoria and at a national level.

Overview

A primary threat to Mallee biodiversity is the loss of ecological processes, particularly in regard to ecosystem fragmentation, disturbed breeding and regeneration cycles; and species population imbalances. Habitat is the key to maintaining and enhancing biodiversity. The size, number, connectivity and quality of remnant vegetation will determine how well ecological processes continue to function in the region. Invasive plants and animals, land and water salinisation, wind erosion, changing land use and altered fire regimes also interact with and further threaten ecological processes.

In delivering against our biodiversity management responsibilities the Mallee CMA works with regional partners and local stakeholders to: 

• Support implementation of Victoria’s strategic plan for valuing and managing biodiversity into the future, Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037 (2017), by delivering against actions identified as a priority for the Mallee.
• Support implementation of the Australian Government’s Threatened Species Strategy (2015-20), by delivering against species and actions identified as a priority for the Mallee.
• Align the delivery of threatened species and communities programs with associated Action Statements and Recovery Plans.
• Implement priority actions established by the Mallee Biolinks Plan (2016-19).

Key Focus

The key focus of the Mallee CMA’s Biodiversity Program is to facilitate the protection and enhancement of the region’s terrestrial biodiversity assets through the implementation of targeted on-ground interventions that address these threatening processes; and through increased community awareness of, and participation in, conservation activities.