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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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Mistletoe

25 Jan 2012

Mistletoes are semi-parasitic native plants which use other plants to obtain their water and nutrients. They often mimic the host and can have very colourful flowers. There are 85 species of native mistletoe throughout Australia. Their nectar is highly attractive to birds, particularly the mistletoe bird which plays an important role …

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Heartlands Refugee Fine Art Prize 2011 Winner’s Solo Exhibition

16 Feb 2012 10:00am - 15 Apr 2012 5:00pm

Artist Ma Late, winner of the 2011 Heartlands Refugee Fine Art Prize, will bring her first solo exhibition to the Point Nepean National Park from 16 February – 15 April 2012. The exhibition will be held in the Point Nepean Information Centre, open from 10.00am to 5.00pm daily Originally from Burma, Ma Late spent twenty …

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Mountain Bike Orienteering

25 Feb 2012 5:00pm-6:30pm

Mountain Bike Orienteering Event. 75 minute score event starting at Flinders Peak car park. Maps supplied with marked course.

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Green Walks in the Park - Woodlands Historic Park

28 Feb 2012 10:00am-11:30am

Explore new green spaces each month with guided Green Walks in different parks across Victoria. Green Walks in the Park is a fun and active way to spend time with family and friends in parklands and open spaces. The walks are free and suitable for all ages. Green Walks in …

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Monthly Flying Fox Count

7 Mar 2012 7:30pm-8:30pm

The bat count is held once a month at dusk when the whole colony of 10,000 -20,000 bats fly out to feed around Melbourne’s suburbs. New counters are very welcome and much appreciated. Experience is not necessary as training is provided on the night. Wear comfortable shoes for walking, dress …