History and Geology

2000 – State of the Environment Report for the City of Greater Geelong indicates: -

• Only 5% of the original indigenous vegetation exists, with the remaining remnants being highly fragmented, isolated & severely degraded. Extensive loss of vegetation primarily due to agriculture & more recently urban expansion.

• 1804 plant taxa were recorded, with 38% being indigenous species (685), compared to 62% being naturalised exotics or introduced (1,119). 72% of the remaining indigenous flora species are considered rare, vulnerable, endangered, extinct or data deficient.

• 472 vertebrate species (446 indigenous & 26 exotic) have been recorded, including 23 types of fish, 10 amphibians, 31 reptiles, 356 birds, & 52 mammals.

• 203 of the 446 indigenous fauna species are considered significant, with 74 species being of national significance, 35 of state significance, & 94 of regional significance.

• 6 vertebrate species are extinct; 17 are listed as federally threatened (EPBC Act, 1999); 34 species are listed under the Flora & Fauna Guarantee Act (1988), where 15 of these have Action Statements; & another 9 species are listed for nomination as threatened.

See http://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/soe/home.aspfor full report.

March 2000 – Earth Sanctuaries Ltd purchased the Mount Rothwell Estate from the Chirnside family.

October 2000 – Volunteer Program commences at MT. ROTHWELL, to try to reverse biodiversity loss and restore habitats for the native wildlife once common to the region.

Mar – Aug 2002 – Long-nosed Potoroos, Southern Brown Bandicoots, Rufous Bettongs and Red-bellied Pademelons are released into Zone 1 at MT. ROTHWELL.

Dec 2002 – Jan 2003 – Eastern Quoll return to Victoria for new breeding program at MT. ROTHWELL.

July 2004 – Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies released on the sanctuary’s granite outcrops

August 2004 – Red-necked Wallabies and Black Wallabies released into Zone 1.

October – December 2004 – Eastern Barred Bandicoots arrived and released into Zone 1.