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Conservation programs in the ACT

Conservation in the ACT

The ACT Government is dedicated to protecting threatened species and conserving our natural environment through a range of programs guided by strategies and action plans. These include initiatives for native grasslands, woodlands, and aquatic ecosystems, supported by the ACT Nature Conservation Strategy. Our work is informed by scientific research and monitoring, Ngunnawal Caring for Country principles, and formal reserve management plans. Together, these efforts help safeguard habitats, manage ecological threats, and ensure the long-term survival of vulnerable plants and animals. Learn more about Caring for Country and our parks and reserves.

Threatened species

Threatened species in the ACT are managed under a comprehensive legal, scientific and on‑ground conservation framework established through the Nature Conservation Act 2014, the ACT Nature Conservation Strategy, and species‑specific Conservation Advice and Action Plans. Action plans are coordinated and prioritised across species and include research and monitoring of species populations and habitats, threat abatement, ecosystem restoration, captive breeding, and responding to emerging conservation challenges. Find out more about threatened species in the ACT.

Macropod program

Kangaroos play an important role in maintaining native grassy ecosystems. However, when populations grow too large, grazing pressure can threaten biodiversity. The ACT Government manages kangaroo numbers to protect these ecosystems while continuing research into their ecological role. Learn more about kangaroo management.

Restoration

The ACT Government aims to conserve and improve natural ecosystems and habitats by incorporating valuable First Nations knowledge into healing Country and undertaking prioritised restoration activities in landscapes where they will have the greatest impact. The ACT aims to protect and reconnect important biodiversity corridors, rebuild habitat structure, replant functional plant assemblages, control weeds and pests, and implement other interventions such as rock placement and ecological burns. Browse various Environment projects.

Weeds and pests

Managing invasive plants and animals is critical to protecting biodiversity in the ACT. The ACT Government undertakes direct management, as well as research and monitoring programs to better understand these threats and their impacts on ecosystems. This evidence-based approach allows us to evaluate management effectiveness and adapt strategies to maintain healthy landscapes across the Territory. Discover more about invasive plants, animals and diseases in the ACT.

Aquatic and riparian

Healthy rivers, wetlands, and riparian zones are essential for aquatic biodiversity. The ACT Government works to protect and rehabilitate these areas, ensuring the long-term sustainability of aquatic ecosystems and the species that depend on them. See the ACT Aquatic and Riparian Conservation Strategy for more info. Also see Healthy Waterways Program.

Fish and recreational fishing

Programs are in place to conserve fish communities and their habitats while supporting sustainable recreational fishing. While some native fish species are popular for anglers, others are threatened and protected under conservation legislation. Resources are available to help the community engage in responsible fishing and learn about the ACT’s unique aquatic species.

Climate adaptation

Climate change poses significant challenges for biodiversity. The ACT Government’s Climate Adaptation for Nature Initiative develops systematic responses to current and future climate impacts. This includes building knowledge and integrating a climate lens into conservation planning. Recent case studies include Future Fire in the ACT, Climate Adaptation for Namadgi National Park, and Embedding a Climate Lens into the Nature Conservation Strategy. Read the Future Fire case [PDF 2.9 MB].

Urban ecology

Urbanisation can lead to habitat loss, fragmentation, and other pressures on biodiversity. The ACT Government’s urban ecology program works to understand these impacts and support Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design. Key areas include mapping ecological values, modelling habitat connectivity, and addressing data gaps in future development areas. See Quantifying taxon-specific habitat connectivity requirements of urban wildlife using structured expert judgement to understand habitat fragmentation.

Research and monitoring

Research and monitoring help us understand the condition of the ACT’s biodiversity and environment and how it is changing, and provide evidence needed to guide conservation decisions and management actions. The ACT Government delivers a range of long-term research and monitoring initiatives under the Biodiversity Research and Monitoring Program, including:

  • Lowland and Upland Grassy Ecosystems Condition Monitoring (2009–present)
  • Molonglo River Reserve and Offsets Condition Monitoring (2013–present)
  • Environmental Offsets Condition Monitoring (2016–present)
  • Herbage Mass Monitoring (2018–present)
  • High Country Bogs Monitoring and Management (2024–present)
  • ACT Fish Monitoring (1977–present)

These programs track key environmental values, detect emerging pressures, and evaluate whether management actions are improving ecological outcomes. The data supports decisions at multiple scales, from on-ground site management to territory-wide reporting.

In addition to these established programs, the ACT Government undertakes targeted monitoring of threatened species and invasive species, evaluates restoration outcomes, and supports research at sites such as the Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary. Find a comprehensive list of projects in the Science Directory.

More information