Conservation Programs
Habitat Mapping
Mt Gibson Sanctuary
An understanding of the habitat occupied by native animals is an integral component of AWC’s ability to manage each of their sanctuaries throughout Australia. A detailed map showing the distribution of vegetation communities will be prepared for each sanctuary. Those maps will provide a benchmark to evaluate changes brought about by the implementation of fire management, and the removal of stock. Habitat mapping will also provide a valuable tool to inform and modify fire management techniques, and assist in determining appropriate areas to conduct fauna reintroductions and biodiversity monitoring.
Habitat mapping requires a considerable component of ground-truthing to ensure habitat boundaries have been correctly identified from aerial photographs and satellite imagery. Habitat mapping has been conducted at Mornington Sanctuary, and has provided a better understanding of successional grasses.
An example of this program can be found at the following AWC sanctuaries;