Vegetation
| Vegetation Resources | Vegetation Management |
 | About half of the Glenelg-Hopkins Catchment Management Region (predominantly the Volcanic Plains geomorphic unit) was originally characterised by vast open areas of grassland and small patches of open woodland, while shrublands, riparian vegetation and wetlands were also significant. The grassland communities were floristically rich, usually dominated by Kangaroo Grass (Themeda triandra) with a wide variety of perennial herbs, but today only a handful of small conservation reserves preserve small remnants of the original native grassland. The Glenelg Plain, in the region’s far west, is floristically diverse with coastal communities composed of various beach and dune vegetation and saltmarshes. Wet heathlands occur on very infertile soils that are frequently waterlogged. |
The Greater Grampians bioregion in the north is dominated by the striking parallel ranges and valleys which comprise the Grampians National Park, and retains substantial areas of native vegetation (the former NRE, 1997). The Grampians is home to more than 800 vascular plant species.
Current threats to native vegetation in the region include factors such as fire regimes, vegetation clearance, invasive plants, introduction of superphosphate and ploughing. Linear remnants of native grasslands are being destroyed by changes to management practices. Introduced grasses and other herbs have significantly altered grassland communities, replacing a suite of perennial species with a high proportion of annuals (Stuwe, 1986).
Related Links
A range of Victorian vegetation data can be accessed via the Biodivesity Interactive Map on the DSE website (external link). This information includes tree cover and tree density.
References:
The former Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) (1997). Victoria’s Biodiversity: Directions in Management. NRE, East Melbourne.
Stuwe, J. (1986). An assessment of the conservation status of native grasslands on the Western Plains, Victoria, and sites of significance. Arthur Rylah Institute. Technical Report Series No. 48, DCFL, Victoria.
© The State of Victoria, 1996 - 2012.
This document was last reviewed on 29/06/2011