Nature reserves protect more than half (54%) the ACT’s water and natural areas from agricultural and urban development. Most of the land area in these reserves is contained within the Namadgi and Cotter areas and although both are in generally good condition and not threatened, their biodiversity is gradually being lost (e.g. the Corroboree frog found in the Ginini wetlands is now an endangered species). Both areas were devastated in the 2003 bushfires, but much of this land is now regenerating and it is thought that most will return to its former state. The future for the Canberra Nature Park and lowland areas earmarked for urban development is less certain.

SEEDS FOR SURVIVAL

Collecting, growing, storing and managing native seed for local biodiversity conservation

Locally grown and sourced plants are more likely to survive the Canberra conditions. Seeds for survival collects and stores local native seed to improve viability of seedlings grown to plant in degraded areas. It is setting up a world class native seed bank to support the rehabilitation of our endangered vegetation communities and to provide a commercial market for locally collected native seed.

Greening Australia

Processing seeds

Seed germination trials

Photos Micheal Schultz