Coranderrk Creek 20/20
Saving our faunal emblems
The Coranderrk Creek 20/20 Project is a targeted conservation initiative for Saving Faunal Emblems, supported by the Australian Geographic Society’s Award for Nature.
This project brings together 20 local landholders to identify and map 20 hectares of critical habitat for Victoria’s two critically endangered state emblems: the Helmeted Honeyeater and the Leadbeater’s Possum. By bridging the gaps between private land and public reserves, we are building vital biolinks to ensure the survival of these iconic species in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges.
Helmeted Honeyeater (Credit Stephen Garth)
A landscape-scale mission, Saving Faunal Emblems, addresses the urgent need for habitat connectivity in the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges. While parks and reserves provide a sanctuary, our faunal emblems require larger, connected corridors to thrive. The Coranderrk Creek area represents a high-priority biolink in this recovery zone, offering a unique opportunity for private land public landholders to contribute to a larger ecological goal.
Arabella Eyre, Threatened Species Co-ordinator, Healesville Sanctuary, tracking Leadbeater's Possums. (Credit Zoos Vic)
The Project is supported by a Silver Tier Award from the Australian Geographic Society; the current operational focus is the “20/20” goal:
- 20 New Landholders: Partnering with 20 neighbours in the Coranderrk Creek area to become active stewards of these species.
- 20 Hectares Mapped: Creating high-resolution GIS mapping of 20 hectares of significant vegetation to guide future weed control, predator management, and revegetation efforts.
By collecting precise spatial data and identifying key habitat pockets on private land, the Coranderrk Creek 20/20 Project allows for the integration of individual properties into a broader regional recovery plan. This collaboration ensures that local conservation efforts contribute to a durable, long-term future for Victoria’s unique natural heritage.
