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THE largest stand of critically endangered Strzelecki Gums in existence has been found at the former Holden Proving Ground, confirming its status as a biodiversity hotspot.
At almost 900 hectares, this is the largest patch of uncleared land in Bass Coast and the central chunk of the Western Port Woodlands.
Now owned by VinFast, the proving ground is currently on the market and a coalition of 20 conservation groups is pushing for the eastern portion of the site to be acquired for conservation purposes.
From late February to July, Bass Coast Shire Council co-ordinated a team of volunteers to map flora and fauna on site. Local ecologist Alison Oates has documented those findings in a biodiversity report that reveals its ecological value.
Since it was acquired by Holden almost 70 years ago, the site has been surrounded by a three-metre security fence and is now a virtual ark of rare and threatened species that were once common in this area.
Since it was acquired by Holden almost 70 years ago, the site has been surrounded by a three-metre security fence and is now a virtual ark of rare and threatened species that were once common in this area.
The most significant botanical find was more than 1000 Strzelecki Gums (Eucalyptus strzeleckii), which is classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ in Victoria under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee (FFG) and ‘Vulnerable’ nationally under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC).
The tree is endemic to South and West Gippsland, including Bass Coast, and there are estimated to be only approximately 5,000–15,000 individuals remaining in up to 50 wild populations in this area.
Other findings
The tree is endemic to South and West Gippsland, including Bass Coast, and there are estimated to be only approximately 5,000–15,000 individuals remaining in up to 50 wild populations in this area.
Other findings
- 230 plant species, with 193 species being indigenous, 2 non-indigenous and 25 weeds.
- Two threatened orchid species, Cobra Greenhood (Pterostylis grandiflora) and Spurred Helmet-orchid (Corybas aconitiflorus), were recorded. Both orchid species are listed as ‘Endangered’ under the FFG Act. The team is expecting to record more orchid species in flower in spring. The endangered Orange-top Caladenia (Caladenia aurantiaca) has also previously been recorded on site.
- The fungus, Tea-tree Fingers, was recorded at three sites in the Proving Ground in 2023 by a team from the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. It is listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List and also listed as ‘Critically Endangered’ under the Victorian Government’s Flora and Fauna Guarantee (FFG) Act of 1988. Further field surveys are required as the Lang Lang Proving Ground supports large areas of suitable habitat for this fungus.
- Eighty-nine bird species, with only 3 introduced bird species being present. Threatened species included Lewin’s Rail, Great Egret,Blue-winged Parrot and Powerful Owl. Fourteen species of regional significance were also observed.
- The Victorian Biodiversity Atlas (VBA) also records the Swift Parrot (Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act) and Latham’s Snipe (Vulnerable) on the site.
- Four reptiles and six frog species. The threatened Southern Toadlet has not been found to date as there was only a narrow window of opportunity to observe or hear it as the toadlet is only active in April.
The study confirms the Proving Ground as a biodiversity hot spot. Photo: Alison Oates
- 15 Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs) were mapped. Six of these are classified as ‘Endangered’ in the Gippsland Plain Bioregion and another five as ‘Vulnerable’.
- One EVC, Wet Heathland/Sedge Wetland Complex, is the first location in Gippsland recorded for this EVC. The only other location where it is known to occur is in the Glenelg Plain Bioregion where it is classified as ‘Endangered’.
Thirteen mammal species (including pest animals) were recorded. There were no sightings of Southern Brown Bandicoot on the wildlife cameras during the current survey although it has been recorded historically at the Proving Ground and at adjacent reserves. VBA records also exist for the threatened White-footed Dunnart.
The survey team included volunteer botanists, ecologists and zoologists from the Gippsland Threatened Species Action Group, the Victorian National Parks Association, Phillip Island Nature Parks and Save Western Port Woodlands.
Special mention must go to local birdoes Dave and Jackie Newman, who listened to 280 hours of audio recordings – the equivalent of seven working weeks – to identify the birds on site.
Ground staff were also enthusiastic supporters of the project, contributing their own recent sightings of animals including a koala and lace monitors (Vulnerable under the FFG Act).
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