Biodiversity Planning
VicForests values forest biodiversity and our operations comply with the legislative framework that governs sustainable timber harvesting in Victoria. This includes meeting the legislative requirements for the protection of threatened species and their habitat.
Pre-harvest Surveys
In addition to meeting legislative requirements, areas of forest available for harvesting are also surveyed if they are deemed likely to contain rare or threatened species. The procedures used to undertake these pre-harvest surveys have been developed by VicForests' Conservation Biologist, Dr. Chela Powell. A range of information has been considered when developing this survey methodology including peer-reviewed literature, advice from the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and from species experts.
The methods adopted within the pre-harvest surveys are well known, commonly used and tested research techniques. They have been assessed for their effectiveness and practicality. The specific habitat requirements, breeding period and ecology of each of the target species have been considered in order to maximise the chance of species detection. Survey methods will continue to be updated and refined in response to knowledge gained from surveys and additional external advice, ensuring an adaptive approach to threatened species management.
Our pre-harvest surveys are carried out by external ecological consultants who are highly skilled in threatened species surveying. A range of threatened species have been recorded (see below), and VicForests has created Special Management Zone Plans to appropriately manage operations in areas where these species have been recorded. Results of the surveys are forwarded onto DSE to add to the Victorian Wildlife Atlas. It is projected that 75 coupes will be surveyed over the next 12 months to ensure that threatened species are adequately protected.
Threatened Species Detected from Our Pre-harvest Surveys:
Long-footed Potoroo (Potorpus longipes)
Sooty Owl (Tyto tenebricosa)
Greater Glider (Petauroides volans)
Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae novaehollandiae)
Orbost Spiny Crayfish (Euastacus diversus)
Yellow Bellied Gliders (Petaurus australis)
Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua)
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| Lyre Bird | Long-footed Potoroo |