Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
Key
site specific
region wide
Valley of the Bandicoots
Landcare group members at Aldgate Valley
Showing an area of exotic plants that need to be cleared
The land will then be restored with native plants
A community-established wildlife corridor in the Adelaide Hills is offering a refuge to the imperilled Southern Brown Bandicoot in South Australia.
Like other types of bandicoot, populations of the small, golden-flecked marsupial have been devastated by cats and foxes and clearing of their native habitat.
Concerted efforts by a small band of volunteers have however resulted in the creation of a five kilometre-long plant corridor in the Aldgate Creek area of the Mount Lofty Ranges. The corridor will help to sustain the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot and other threatened native plants and animals.
Funding
In 2003 a $30,000 Australian Government grant kick-started the Aldgate Valley Landcare Group's ‘Valley of the Bandicoots’ project, which aimed to link many small but isolated patches of native vegetation, including six council reserves and about 50 private properties.
The grant was followed over the next three years by further Australian Government funding of more than $10,000 and support from the former Onkaparinga Catchment Water Management Board, the new Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resource Management Board and donations from private businesses, Email Media and Paddy Pallin. The project has also received help from Green Corps and Youth Conservation Corps volunteers and in-kind support from the Adelaide Hills Council and Warrawong Sanctuary.
Activities
Aldgate Valley Landcare Group Chair David Mussared said the initial focus was on planting endemic species grown from locally-collected seed in areas that had been completely cleared, creating links between bushland patches.
“About 25 landholders are actively involved in the project to reconnect patches of native grassland and grassy woodland,” David said.
He said an estimated 20,000 tubestock – mostly understorey species – had been planted since the project began.
“However, our focus now is more on protecting the remnant vegetation wherever possible” David said.
“We still maintain an active propagation and planting program, but we’ve learned that protecting and expanding the existing bush is much more effective than trying to establish new bushland from scratch.”
Community education has been a crucial element of the project. A baseline survey was also conducted which will be important for measuring population changes in the future.
Achievements
The wildlife corridor that forms the Valley of the Bandicoots was completed about two years ago, running from Aldgate Primary School to Mylor Primary School.
“A high note for me was when one of my neighbours called to say he'd seen a bandicoot on his property for the first time,” David said.
More information
- David Mussared, Chair Aldgate Valley Landcare Group: (08) 8388 5608 or mussared@emailmedia.com.au
Valley of the Bandicoots
See also
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window