Central - Local Species

Flora

The magnificent tall forests at higher elevations of the Great Dividing Range are dominated by Ash species including Mountain Ash and Alpine Ash. As the elevation decreases, these forests are replaced by Messmate and, in drier areas, Peppermints, Boxes and Candlebark.

Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans), the tallest flowering tree in the world, occurs in areas with abundant rainfall, deep, rich, well drained soils and areas offering some degree of fire protection. Mountain Ash forests occur in the Mt Disappointment, Toolangi, Marysville and Rubicon forest areas.

Fauna

The diverse range of natural environments in the Central FMA supports more than 310 native bird and mammal species, some unique to this region. Most commonly seen animals include the black wallaby, echidna, wombat and several species of possums and gliders.

Black wallabies generally do not inhabit grasslands and are most numerous in wet forest or riparian vegetation, often on steep slopes. Wallabies browse on a wide range of plant species including bracken, sedges, ferns and shrubs.

Less commonly seen is the Powerful Owl, one of Australia’s most spectacular birds. With a head to tail length of up to 65cm, it is Australia’s largest owl, but only rarely is this nocturnal predator observed. Occupying forests and woodlands throughout much of Victoria, the Powerful Owl preys on possums and birds, mostly taken among the branches of its forest habitat.

Many Australian animals are nocturnal so in order to observe them, we need to be quiet and patient and we may be lucky to see them. Dusk and dawn are often the best times for viewing.