The northern region contains a rich heritage of native flora and fauna, with six of Tasmania’s nine bioregions occurring in the region. While native vegetation covers around 65 percent of the region, it also contains a significant proportion of the state’s threatened flora and fauna species. More than 180 threatened species are known to occur in the region and many are listed under the national Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

NRM North’s Flora and Fauna at a Landscape Level program focuses on implementing activities to conserve and enhance valuable vegetation and habitat, while supporting productive agriculture and community enjoyment.

The program adds value to vegetation management activities being implemented by a number of groups, including the Department of Primary Industries and Water, the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association, the Australian Government and Private Forests Tasmania.

Flora and Fauna at the Landscape Level has three implementation themes within it:

• Habitat Loss and Modification
• Native Species and Ecological Communities
• Invasive Species

Habitat Loss and Modification

The habitat loss and modification theme addresses the decline in condition and fragmentation of remnant vegetation and important habitats at varying levels. The program considers potential factors such as clearing, overgrazing, timber and flora harvesting, fire regimes and salinity. It also recognises the need and importance for the development of baseline data and the involvement of stakeholders.

Native Species and Ecological Communities

The native species and ecological communities theme seeks to maintain and enhance the conservation status of threatened flora and fauna populations, species and ecological communities, through education, monitoring, and evaluation and the implementation of management plans and strategies.

Through investments allocated since June 2008, NRM North has provided assistance for the management of more than 4,500 hectares of remnant vegetation, the cornerstone of the region’s habitat assets. This has been achieved with incentives provided through programs.

In addition, support for in excess of 550 hectares of riparian vegetation protection and 80 hectares of farm shelter belts and corridors, has been provided, further enhancing connectivity and habitat for biodiversity assets.

Invasive Species

The Invasive Species theme aims to reduce the impact of pest plants and animals on biodiversity in northern Tasmania. There is currently a wide range of recognised invasive plant and animal species in the region, which are being monitored, managed or are the subject of an existing control or eradication program.