Murrindindi Shire is a rural environment home to a spectacular range of indigenous flora and fauna.
There are some 2,168 recorded native plant species, and 393 recorded native fauna species in the Murrindindi Shire. Around 49 of these species are protected under state and federal environmental legislation.
Our native flora and fauna habitats are susceptible to invasion by pest plants and animals, encroachments of farming activities and urban development, firewood collection, road maintenance and construction works, inappropriate fire prevention activities and the installation and maintenance of utility services.
These activities, when managed inappropriately, have the potential to negatively impact on habitat for flora and fauna.
Legislation
Much of indigenous flora and fauna is protected under state legislation, specifically the Planning and Environment Act 1987, Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, Wildlife Act 1975, and federally under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Flora refers to all plants in a specific area, including everything from trees and shrubs, to flowers and grass. According to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, native vegetation provides habitat for plants and animals and delivers a range of ecosystem services that make land more productive and contribute to human well-being.
All wildlife habitat in Victoria, whether relatively common or of conservation concern, are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975.
Threatened flora species
Some examples of threatened flora species in Murrindindi Shire include:
- Round Leaf Pomaderris (Pomaderris vacciniifolia)
- Purple Diuris (Diuris punctata var. punctata)
- Crimson Spider Orchid (Caladenia concolor)
- Buxton Gum (Eucalyptus crenulata)
- Snow Berry (Gaultheria hispida)
Plants in your patch
Plants in your patch(PDF, 14MB) is a publication made in partnership with Murrindindi Shire Council and the Upper Goulburn Landcare Network. The booklet displays a range of native flora understory species that are found commonly in Murrindindi Shire, particularly on our roadsides.
Download a copy or contact Council's Environmental Unit on (03) 5772 0333 to obtain a printed copy.
Fauna refers to animal species that exist naturally in a specific region, including everything from marsupials and fish, to birds and insects. Wildlife is an important part of our environment and essential to the functioning and health of our ecosystems.
All wildlife in Victoria, whether relatively common or of conservation concern, are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975.
Threatened fauna species
Some examples of threatened fauna species in Murrindindi Shire include:
- Spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus)
- Smokey mouse (Pseudomys fumeus)
- Leadbeater’s possum (Gymnobelideus leadbeateri)
- Helmeted honeyeater (Lichenostomus malanops cassidix)
- Striped legless lizard (Delma inpar)
- Spotted Tree Frog (Litoria spenceri)
- Brush-tailed Phascogale (Phascogale tapoatafa)
Garden management
You can help enhance habitat for wildlife by planting indigenous vegetation and managing weeds in your garden and/or property. You can also join an environmental group to support projects that improve your local environment. For more information, visit the Get Involved page.
Report flora and fauna sightings
Local residents play an important role in providing us with information on flora and fauna sighting records around the Shire. The Department of Environment and Primary Industries Biodiversity Atlas database does not always give us the full picture and while extensive surveying has been done, it gets outdated quickly.
We would appreciate your assistance by telling us when you spot something special! You can let us know by emailing the following information to customer@murrindindi.vic.gov.au
- your name
- your contact number
- a description of what you have sighted
- the date of sighting
- the location of sighting
- attach a photo (if possible)
As part of Birdlife Australia's National Bird Week celebrations, Birdlife Australia run the Aussie Backyard Bird Count. This citizen science endeavour enables everyone from school children, senior citizens, families and community groups to participate in capturing a snapshot of Australia's birds and assists to raise the profile of bird species throughout Australia.
In October each year, Murrindindi Shire Council participates in the program and encourages residents to take part too.