Mt Gibson Sanctuary - Programs

Malleefowl mound Mt Gibson sanctuary

Historically, Mt Gibson was managed as a pastoral station, predominantly stocked with sheep. However the previous partnership had managed the lease for environmental outcomes, leaving much of the habitat in extraordinarily good condition at the time of acquisition by AWC. Nevertheless, grazing, feral animals, and unplanned fire were threatening to affect vulnerable communities.

With support from its donors, AWC has implemented practical, on-ground programs to enhance the natural values of the property. In particular, sheep have been removed from critical areas, and the property and this destocking process is continuing. Feral goats have been drastically reduced in number, and a fox control program has been implemented, particularly in an attempt to assist the recovery of Malleefowl.

AWC’s key management priorities at the Mt Gibson sanctuary include:

• Complete removal and confinement of sheep
• Implementation of a feral goat control program
• Implementation of a fox control program
• Restoration and monitoring of the Malleefowl population
• Restoration and monitoring of threatened flora communities
• Control of weeds
• Regular, standardised monitoring of biodiversity
• Rehabilitation of degraded sites
• Effective management of a visitor program and walking trail