Goulburn - Local Species

Flora

The vegetation ranges from alpine heathland and snowgum woodlands to the remnants of grassy woodland of the Mansfield plain. Red Stringybark, Red Box, and Broad-leaf Peppermint dominate the steep dry slopes of the region, and Narrow-leaf Peppermint, Messmate and Mountain Gum the protected slopes and plateaux. Blue Gums inhabit the wetter fern gullies, and riparian forests along the mountain creeks consist of Manna gums, blackwoods and sedges.

In the north of district, along the floodplains of the Murray and Ovens Rivers, River Red Gum forests and Grey and Black Box open forests are the dominant vegetation. These systems are reliant on flooding for both regeneration and growth and are important habitat for many bird species.

Fauna

Koalas, swamp wallabies, echidnas and white-winged choughs are commonly seen examples of the many native species that live in the forest communities. A number of endangered species also rely on the forest, river and alpine ecosystems including the Masked Owl, Spotted Tree Frog, Barred Galaxia and Smoky Mouse. Areas important for the conservation of these species are protected through Special Protection Zones.

Lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of a swamp wallaby travelling through the forest, identified by its characteristic face stripe. These animals tend to be alone and more active in the late afternoon and early morning. During this time they will graze on shrubs, grasses, ferns and pine seedlings.

Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Yellow Footed Antechinus and Sugar Gliders can be encountered in the River Red Gum forests. Less commonly seen are the Squirrel Glider and the Brush-tailed Phascogale.

White-winged choughs are smaller than a raven, with their white under-wing patch usually only noticeable when in flight. Flocks of up to ten are commonly seen in forest and grassy areas. In spring the birds will be busy constructing a large bowl of mud with other local materials for nesting.