This collaborative project involves environmental scientists partnering with local communities and working closely with Traditional Owners to return missing wildlife to the Wimmera. Although regarded as primarily an agricultural region, the Wimmera is home to some of southern Australia’s great wilderness, linking the forests of the Grampians with extensive mallee and desert shrublands. By reducing threats, rebuilding resilient habitats and restoring missing animals, we’ll safeguard the unique values of the Little Desert and make lasting improvements to ecosystem function.
To achieve this, we’ll invest in a Desert Discovery Centre, integrating research and education opportunities afforded by the three Little Desert properties owned by Conservation Volunteers in western Victoria.
The Lodge– 110 hectares with an electrified predator exclusion fence, encloses the property, accommodation, conference room, workshop and other infrastructure.
The Sanctuary– a separate 120 hectares block also enclosed by an existing electrified predator exclusion fence.
Salvana private Conservation Reserve– 1200 hectares of Mallee habitat linking the West and Central blocks of the Little Desert National Park.
Our project will:
(1) Reintroduce wildlife within and beyond sanctuaries and reserves to recreate a functional desert ecosystem.
(2) Nurture an engaged community, dedicated to growing and sharing open-source evidence-based knowledge.
(3) Create a hub of participatory, hands-on learning that purposefully connects people with nature.
