What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the term used to describe the variety of life: the different plants, animals and micro-organisms, their genes and the ecosystems of which they are a part.

Why is it important to the Wimmera Region?

Australia is one of the most diverse countries on the planet. The Wimmera itself boasts an estimated 1900 plant species and 440 animal species.  Habitats for these species occur across the landscape, in the parks and reserve system, state forests and on private land.

Protecting the biodiversity of the region is very important as much has declined since European settlement.  About 85% of the Wimmera CMA region’s native vegetation has been cleared, resulting in diminished and fragmented habitat for many plant and animal species.

Today, most remaining native vegetation is on public land and, in many areas, bush patches on private land represent the last vestiges of the original vegetation community.  These remnants play a very important role in assisting the conservation of native plants and animals.

What is Wimmera CMA doing in relation to Biodiversity?

Wimmera CMA has a lead role in securing the future of the region’s biodiversity, including its native ecosystems, plants, animals and other living things.

The highest priority for biodiversity management in the Wimmera is the protection, enhancement and restoration of native vegetation through programs of on-ground works. These works include revegetation, pest plant and animal management and fencing to protect bush patches and benefit many plant and animal species by improving the habitat necessary for their survival.

Landholders play an essential role in biodiversity conservation. Fifty-one percent of Wimmera landholders consider it important that native vegetation on their properties continues to provide habitat for birds and animals. This is important as increasing numbers of landholders are choosing to improve land management practices and retain native vegetation on their properties.

Wimmera CMA’s activities include:

• Both undertaking market based instrument projects and providing financial support to organisations such as Greening Australia, Trust for Nature and Landcare Networks to implement projects that provide advice and financial assistance to landholders to protect remnant vegetation and carry out revegetation works on private land and roadsides,
• Community awareness raising activities, and
• Monitoring to assess how natural resource management projects are influencing biodiversity. In particular, Wimmera CMA’s bird monitoring program collects information on bird populations as changes in their populations can provide a general indication of changes to environmental health.

Click here for further information on Wimmera CMA’s activities in relation to:

Native Vegetation
Native Fauna
Pest Plants and Animals