Saving Species in East Gippsland:
An ecological milestone for River-flat Eucalypt Forest
A rare and precious ecological community
Previously known to exist in New South Wales, River-flat eucalypt forest - one of Australia's critically endangered ecological communities - has now been discovered on the coastal floodplains of East Gippsland, marking an exciting and significant ecological milestone for the region.
What is River-flat eucalypt forest?
River-flat eucalypt forest is a federally-listed threatened ecological community. Characterised by eucalypt woodland growing on low-lying river floodplains, it provides vital habitat for native wildlife and plays an important role in floodplain ecology. Due to widespread historical clearing and ongoing threats, it is now critically endangered across its range.
Current: River-flat eucalypt forest floodplain habitat at Genoa River, Croajingolong National Park
Potential: River-flat eucalypt forest floodplain habitat at Genoa River.
Mapping its presence through our region
Through the Priority Place – Saving Native Species program, Ecologic NRM has been working in partnership with the East Gippsland Conservation Management Network to identify and confirm the distribution of this threatened community on Victorian coastal floodplains.
This work involved targeted field surveys to locate, verify, and map its extent across the East Gippsland region - building a clearer picture of where it survives and what needs to be done to protect it.
Providing land managers and agencies with the detailed spatial information needed to prioritise conservation action.
Sharing our findings with the community
At a recent community workshop, Senior Ecologist Josh Wong presented the team's findings and led participants on a guided walk through a stand of this beautiful ecological community. The event brought together land managers, agencies, and conservation practitioners from across the region.
Coming together provides the opportunity for participants to share their own observations and local knowledge, strengthening the collective understanding of where this community occurs and how best to manage it.
Why this matters
Every confirmed location of critically endangered habitat is an opportunity - to protect, to restore, and to act. We are proud to contribute to this work and to help ensure that River-flat eucalypt forest has a future in East Gippsland.
Our Partners
This project would not have been possible without the partnership of the East Gippsland Conservation Management Network. We are grateful for their ongoing dedication to conservation in our region and look forward to continuing working together.
ECOLOGICNRM
PROFIT-FOR-PURPOSE
Every project we deliver funds work like this.
Ecologic NRM is a Gippsland-based environmental assessment and planning consultancy. When you work with us, your project supports nature-positive programs across the region
We acknowledge the Gunaikurnai, Monero and Bidwell people as the Traditional Custodians of the land and water on which we live . We recognise First People's continuing connection to Country and community and pay respects to elders past and present.