Challenges for Native Grassland Conservation on Victoria's Northern Plains

Abstract

Temperate grasslands are among the most threatened and poorly-reserved ecosystems in the world (Henwood, 1998). This is reflected in southeast Australia which is estimated to have as little as 1% of its grasslands remaining. There has been an increased interest in research into management requirements and conservation of temperate grasslands in Australia in the past two decades. This paper outlines some of the challenges faced in attempting to retain and conserve grasslands on Victoria’s Northern Plains over the past decade and highlights directions and opportunities for the future.