Managing native animals
Wildlife populations are dynamic. They vary naturally in distribution in response to a variety of factors such as climate, food availability and predation.
In parks, animals are often confined to limited areas that are bound by highly modified landscapes. Populations of native species have the potential to grow beyond sustainable levels. As population densities increase, overgrazing, over-browsing or trampling can result in:
- Habitat degradation and loss of flora
- Negative impacts on other native species dependant on those habitats
- Mass starvation of the population as their source of food is completely consumed.
Management and monitoring
In some cases, a native animal population may need to be actively managed to protect biodiversity and reduce the risk of large-scale population starvation.
Native animals are managed only when a particular population is:
- Threatening the survival of rare or threatened species or communities
- A major contributor to serious environmental damage or long-term degradation of habitat
- A major factor preventing habitat recovery
- Suffering from malnutrition or disease as a result of overcrowding and an inability to disperse from an artificially confined area.
Parks Victoria uses its Adaptive Management Framework to assess and plan programs to manage overabundant native animals. This risk-based approach allows us to manage the greatest risks to the highest environmental values.
Management programs are monitored regularly to determine sustainable population targets and evaluate how effective the program is.
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Celebrating 10 years of a deep friendship with Victoria’s Marine Protected Areas
11 May 2012
Parks Victoria and Friends of the Bluff are hosting a marine forum in the sea change town of Barwon Heads this weekend to celebrate ten years of community volunteer involvement in Victoria’s marine national parks and sanctuaries, at the start of National Volunteer Week. President of the Friends of …
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