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Ecosystems

Terrestrial Ecosystems

Ecosystems are generally recognised by the characteristic vegetation they support. Victoria’s land area supports a wider range of ecosystems than any area of a similar size in Australia: alpine, mallee, grasslands and grassy woodlands, forests, heathlands and heathy woodlands, inland waters and estuaries, and coasts.

Victorian natural ecosystems support at least:

  • 3140 native species of vascular plants
  • 900 lichens
  • 750 mosses and liverworts
  • 111 mammals
  • 447 birds
  • 46 freshwater and 600 marine fish
  • 133 reptiles
  • 33 amphibians
  • an untold number of invertebrates, fungi and algae.

This richness, in the number of different ecosystems and different species, and the genetic variety they exhibit — is what we call biodiversity.

Parks play a crucial role in protecting Victoria’s ecosystems including the numerous habitats, floral and faunal communities and ecosystem services (e.g. clean air, clean water) they support.

Parks protect 93 per cent of Victoria’s native flora species and 86 per cent of native fauna species. Our ecosystems are a scientific, cultural, spiritual and economic inheritance that is distinctly Victorian, and one that we must conserve and manage for future generations.

Marine Ecosystems

Marine ecosystems are the combination of the animals and plants which depend on each other in some way that make up marine communities, and the physical environment and supports them. Victoria’s marine environment is shaped by the high energy cool waters of the Southern Ocean and the relatively calmer but warmer waters of the south-western Pacific. Our marine ecosystems have developed independently from other major marine regions of the world which has resulted in many species being found nowhere else.

Victoria’s marine ecosystems support more than 12,000 species of marine animals and plants, most of which are found nowhere else in the world

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120,000 international visitors to depart Point Cook by World Migratory Bird Day

09 May 2013

About 120,000 birds arrived at Victorian wetlands during early spring from as far afield as Siberia and Japan. More than 30,000 of them take up residence in the Port Phillip areas of Cheetham Wetlands, Werribee, Swan Bay, Edwards Point and Mud Island. The birds rest and feed during the Northern hemisphere winter, …

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Botanical Drawing and Painting Art classes

11 May 2013 10:00am - 8 Jun 2013 2:30pm

This course is an intensive introduction to Botanical Drawing and Painting. Develop observation skills and learn about tonal values, pencil and ink rendering, composition, colour, watercolour and gouache' Explore, develop and understand a variety of techniques to create your own detailed botanical studies. Time: Saturdays 11 May to 8 June, 5 x 4.5 hours = 20 …

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Friends of Glen Nayook Working Bee

26 May 2013 9:00am-11:00am

Join the Friends of Glen Nayook for a working bee. Morning tea provided.

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Botanical Drawing and Painting Art classes (advanced)

26 May 2013 10:00am - 23 Jun 2013 2:30pm

This course is an Advanced course for Botanical Drawing and Painting. Develop observation skills and learn about tonal values, pencil and ink rendering, composition, colour, watercolour and gouache' Explore, develop and understand a variety of techniques to create your own detailed botanical studies. Time: Sundays 26 May - 23 June, 5 x 4.5 hours = 20 …

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'Posidelki' at Coolart

26 May 2013 3:00pm-5:00pm

Your Russian Community invites you to be transported to the depths of the Russian romantic soul, by singer Lara Khronovska who will be accompanied by Alexander Vengerovsky. Traditional afternoon tea included.