Research and monitoring are vital in enabling the managers of natural values to deal with uncertainty, or "knowledge gaps", about how ecosystems, communities and species function, how well they are being managed and the best techniques for managing them. Research and monitoring provides objective and reliable information to support decision-making.

ollaboration is a major focus of Parks Victoria's natural values research program. Most research is delivered through the Research Partners Panel (RPP) - an innovative program commenced in 1999 with four partners and expanded in 2004 to 10 partners that include leading universites and research institutions.

Research Highlights

Adaptive Experimental Management of Foxes

Predation by foxes is a major threat to the biodiversity of Victoria's parks and reserves. Through a project conducted in partnership with the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research we are evaluating different fox control strategies to see how they affect fox densities and how key native prey species respond. This research is already showing us that programs that operate year-round and over larger areas are more effective than short-term or seasonal programs in reducing fox activity. This is influencing how we will undertake fox management into the future.

Box-Ironbark Ecological Thinning Trial

Victoria's Box-Ironbark forests and woodlands have been modified substantially as a consequence of land management practices which have occurred since European settlement. This project is using an adaptive experimental

management approach to examine the effectiveness of ecological thinning in creating a mosaic of Box-Ironbark forest types that support a diversity of habitats across the landscape. A greater diversity of habitat ages and types should support a greater range of flora and fauna species, including the many rare and threatened species of Box-Ironbark ecosystems.

A range of research projects are being undertaken to gather baseline data on the species, communities, habitats and threats within marine national parks and sanctuaries. This is providing Parks Victoria with a better understanding of the natural values of Victoria 's unique marine environment and enables us to evaluate and improve our management of these areas.

Koala Fertility Control Trial

Mount Eccles National Park contains the largest remaining stand of Manna Gum woodland in Victoria. Over-browsing by koalas is causing widespread defoliation of the Manna gum woodlands. To prevent widespread decline in forest condition, significant reduction in food supply and ultimately, mass starvation of koalas, Parks Victoria is undertaking a large-scale management trial using contraceptive implants to maintain the koala population at a sustainable level. This research will also develop a better understanding of the relationship between forest condition and koala population dynamics and help ensure long-term sustainability of koala populations and the forest.