Parks Victoria - Annual Report 2009-10

For the first time, Parks Victoria used remote activatedcameras in its annual small mammal monitoringprogram at Anglesea Heath and the Great OtwayNational Park. Remote cameras provide accurateinformation for much less time and money thantraditional techniques. Images captured showedthe number of foxes in baited areas decreasedsignificantly compared to unbaited areas. Sightings ofsmall mammals such as swamp wallabies, long-nosedbandicoots, southern brown bandicoots and commonbrushtail possums increased.Other monitoring activities carried out during thereporting period include:❚ Monitoring of threatened flora and fauna species,pest animals and over-abundant kangaroo and koalapopulations at many parks across the state❚ Monitoring of grassland condition at more thantwenty grassland reserves❚ Weed monitoring protocols were applied at elevenparks including Grampians, Great Otway andDandenong Ranges national parks.❚ Examination of the effectiveness of ecologicalthinning for maintaining and improving the health ofRiver Red Gums in Barmah National Park❚ Development of a framework for measuring visitorimpacts on natural values at key tourism locationsand design and implementation of monitoring atdesignated sites including the Grampians, GreatOtway and Alpine national parks.In addition to new research, 42 research projectscontinued. These included:❚ A range of projects that investigate the effect offire on flora and fauna in the Mallee, far south-westVictoria and the Grampians and Mount Buffalonational parks❚ Further development of fertility control techniquesfor over-abundant native animal populations❚ An investigation into the effects of climate changeon flora and fauna in the Alpine National Park.Research programParks Victoria collaborates with universities andgovernment research institutions through its ResearchPartners Program. The program collects essentialenvironmental research that is used to support parkmanagement. The research program has developed overtime to focus on large, complex, long-term projects.Over the past year, 27 new research projectscommenced. These included:❚ Development and implementation of techniquesto detect new feral pig, goat and deer populations,focusing on French Island and Warby Range nationalparks and Discovery Bay Coastal Park❚ A study evaluating different ways to improvecompliance in marine national parks and marinesanctuaries❚ An examination of the costs and benefits of variousapproaches used to monitor kangaroo numbers atWyperfeld National Park❚ Development of a cost-effective surveillance andcontrol program for weeds focusing on OrangeHawkweed in the Alpine National ParkParks Victoria - Annual Report 2009-10 19