Vegetation - Mt Buller

There are 196 plant species
found above 1200m at Mt Buller.
These species are found in characteristic
floristic communities
with similar habitat and ecological
processes. Four of the
main floristic communities are
described below.
Alpine Heathland
Heathlands are found from
the mountains to the sea
in various forms, usually
on shallow, infertile, acidic
soils derived from sandstone
or granite.
They are a common
vegetation feature in
Australia, occurring
as the principal vegetation
type or as an
understorey in open
forests. There are
many different types
of heathlands, usually
Tall Rice-flower
defined by the collection
of plants found
therein. Most heathland
plant species
belong to the Epacridaceae,
Proteaceae,
Fabaceae or Myrtaceae
families. Such
plants typically have
hard, stiff, leathery
leaves and are said to
be sclerophyllous.
Alpine Pepper
Different types of
heath species dominate
under specific
conditions and consequently
many
different types of
heathland communities
are recognized.
Prostanthera-Hovea
low heathland is
common around
the upper areas of
Mt Buller. On steep
rocky boulderfields
Mountain Plum-pine
(Podocarpus lawrencei)
dominates.
The Alpine Heathland
sign panel identifies a
tall closed heathland
in a damp, sheltered
hollow. Alpine pepper
(Tasmannia xerophylla),
Tall Rice-flower
(Pimelea ligustrina),
Dusty Daisy-bush
(Olearia phlogapappa),
Alpine Orites
(Orites lancifolia),
and Leafy Bossiaea
(Bossiaea foliosa) are
the main species.
Alpine Hovea (Hovea
Montana) and Candle
Heath (Richea continentalis)
dominate
under wetter conditions.
Alpine heathland species
are very hardy
plants, able to survive
winter beneath
a dense blanket of
snow. Branches and
foliage are tough and
springy, flattening
beneath the heavy
layer of snow or ice
and springing upright
as the snow melts.
Due to their dense
growth form heaths
provide habitat for
many animals.
Dusty Daisy-bush
Vegetation
Mt Buller
Grassland
Grasses are a major part of
the vegetation communities
present above the treeline.
By exploiting the marginally
warmer microclimate close
to the ground, grasses are
able to survive in conditions
too cold for trees.
Large, upright trees
are exposed to high
winds and cold
temperatures but
small plants near
the ground enjoy a
marginally warmer
temperature and less
extreme winds. Snow
grasses grow from
inside the tussock,
the young, growing
parts insulated from
the harsh conditions
outside by the bulk
of the tussock. In
Billy Buttons
summer the moist
mulch of dead leaves
around the tussock
provides protection
from drought.
Grasses occur
throughout the world
in many different
environments and
ecosystems. At Mt
Buller grasses
occur in many vegetation
communities,
including heathlands,
sub-alpine woodlands
and alpine bogs, but
in grasslands they are
the most dominant
plant. Grasslands
have no defined overstorey
of trees or shrubs,
although trees and
shrubs can be
sparsely present.
Other prominent
plants in grasslands
include Billy Buttons
(genus Craspedia),
Alpine Rice-flower
(Pimelea alpina),
Alpine Hovea (Hovea
montana), Mountain
violet (Viola betonicifolia),
Granite
Buttercup (Ranunculus
graniticola) and
Prickly Starwort (Stellaria
pungens).
Grasslands are a
good place to spot
birds such as the
Australian Kestrel
and Richard’s Pipit.
Kestrels can be seen
Hoary Sunray (Helipterum albicans)
hovering lower and
lower, finally plunging
swiftly down to seize
prey such as lizards,
grasshoppers, beetles
and moths. Richard’s
Pipit is known to
construct deep nests
lined with grass and
leaves at ground level
amongst thick vegetation
in open heathland
and grasslands.
In summer wombats,
wallabies, Alpine Copperheads
and Whitelipped
Snakes may
be observed in alpine
grasslands. Antechinus
use this habitat
in winter, living in the
subnivean spaces
beneath the snow.
Snow Gum
Woodlands
The beautiful Snow Gum
(Eucalyptus pauciflora) is
the defining plant of the
Australian Alps, giving
Australia’s snowfields
a distinctive appearance
found nowhere else in
the world.
With its many
gnarled, twisted
trunks and intricately
patterned bark in
shades of grey,
pink-red and cream,
it is one of the most
memorable trees in
the mountains.
Cockatoo damage to
Snow Gum trunk
These trees can live
for two hundred
years, but most of
the Snow Gums at Mt
Buller are around the
same age, regenerating
from severe bushfires
that swept across
the Australian Alps in
1939. This response
to fire, referred to as
coppice regeneration,
is responsible for
the Snow Gum’s
Candle Heath (Richea
continentalis),
Spreading Rope-rush
(Empodisma minus)
and Swamp Heath
(Epacris paludosa)
are also common
in bogs. In mature,
healthy bogs Sphagnum
forms mounds
up to two metres
deep. Sphagnum is
extremely absorbent,
able to absorb
multi-stemmed appearance.
Snow Gums are
found at higher
elevations than any
other Australian tree,
up to about 1800m.
At such elevations
they are subject to
extremely low temperatures
and snow
for around four
months each year.
A heavy blanket
of snow and ice
forms on branches
and leaves, which
often snap under the
weight. At the upper
limit of their range
they are small and
stunted, while at
lower altitudes they
grow taller and
straighter. Eucalyptus
pauciflora
is also found in
the Victorian
lowlands, in
remarkably
isolated locations
at the
Mornington
Alpine Bogs
Often spring fed, bogs
are permanently wet sites
where the soil is deep and
waterlogged. Alpine bogs
are characterized by the
presence of Sphagnum moss.
ten times its weight
in water. It has no
roots, but anchors
onto the branches of
other plants, eventually
growing across
channels and pools,
slowing the velocity of
the water and filtering
sediment from the
water.
Alpine bogs were
once more common
than today. Several
factors have been
instrumental in reducing
the extent of alpine
bogs. Bushfires,
though infrequent
at high altitude, occurred
in 1939, destroying
vast tracts of
alpine bogs.
Candle Heath
Peninsula, Cathedral
Ranges and southwest
Victoria.
Snow Gum woodlands
are important habitat
for animals. Hollows
in old Snow Gums
provide shelter for
animals. Young,
dense, thickets of
multi-stemmed Snow
Gums have few
hollows, but provide
habitat for Wombats,
Wallabies, Bats, Bush
Rats, Antechinus,
White-lipped Snakes,
Alpine Copperheads
and many lizards and
birds. Yellow-tailed
Black Cockatoos
(Calyptorhynchus
funereus) are particularly
notable (and
sometimes destructive!)
inhabitants, using
their strong beaks
to tear open the
trunks and branches
of Snow Gums to pry
out wood-boring
larvae.
The
recent
bushfires
that swept
across the alps
in early 2003 also
damaged remaining
bogs. Human activity
has also had an
impact – particularly
cattle grazing and
development. In some
areas these impacts
have been removed,
but it may be some
time until the bogs
recover.
Bogs regulate the
flow of water and
sediment from the
mountains, which has
implications for the
management of water
catchments. Degradation
of alpine bogs
may affect water supplied
to the lowlands.
Alpine bogs are a
Threatened Community
under the Flora
and Fauna Guarantee
Act. They should
be observed from a
distance only as they
are very sensitive to
trampling.
The Summit
Nature Walk
Mt Buller Summer
Walking Trails
www.mtbuller.com.au
03 5777 6077
For all the latest summer information
Summer Walking Trails
Mt Buller in summer is a refreshing change of pace;
come, relax and enjoy - there’s no place quite like it!
Be entertained at one of the many summer events
and festivals on offer.
Grab a picnic and head to the Summit for Mt Buller’s
best sunsets.
Treat yourself to a local wine or delicious mountain
cuisine at one of the many bars and restaurants.
Visit the National Alpine Museum of Australia.
Catch a movie at the Mt Buller Cinema at La Trobe.
Have a hit of tennis on the outdoor tennis court.
Relax in Australia’s First Alpine Spa Retreat –
“Breathtaker on High”.
Visit the La Trobe Sports Centre and work out in the
gym, try abseiling, roller blading, basketball and more.
Other Summer Stuff
There’s so much to see and do at Mt Buller all year
round – here’s just an example of other activities on the
mountain, there is something on offer for everyone!
RACV 13 1111
Mansfield Police Station 03 5775 2555
Mt Buller Towing 0408 577 800
Mansfield Hospital 03 5775 2111
Fire Brigade (Emergency Only) 03 5777 6000
Medical and Emergency Services 000
Accommodation and Booking
Service 1800 039 049
Mt Buller Resort Management Board
and Tourist Information 03 5777 6077
Contact Information

The Summit Nature Walk
Level: Easy to Intermediate
Distance: 3.6 kilometres return
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Welcome to the Summit Nature
Walk. This brochure has been
designed to complement
interpretive signs along the
Summit Nature Walk, providing
more detailed information about
the plants and animals that you
might see along the way.
Colour photographs are provided
to help you identify some of the
main species.
The high country occupies 11,500
square kilometers – about 0.15%
of Australia. In such a large, flat,
dry continent the mountains are
truly rare and valuable. Remember
to take the time to stop and
appreciate this beautiful and
unique environment.
More than 45 birds, 20 mammals,
5 reptiles and several frogs
are found here. In addition, there
are thousands of invertebrates
that are relatively unknown. It is
estimated that there are about
900 species of invertebrates in
alpine areas.
Mt Buller
Species diversity in
the alpine zone is
quite low, probably
due to the extreme
weather conditions.
It is higher in the
sub-alpine and
montane zones,
where trees and
shrubs moderate
strong winds, precipitation
and cold,
providing a more
complex floristic
structure and greater
habitat diversity.
Summer is the best
time to spot animals.
Many birds leave for
winter. Other animals
aren’t able to leave
and deal with winter
in different ways.
Pygmy-possums
hibernate, Bush
Rats and Antechinus
remain
Animals
active in the subnivean
space and
Wombats go about
their lives in much
the same way.
Reptiles
The White-lipped
Snake (Drysdalia
coronoides) and
the Highlands Copperhead
(Austrelaps
ramsayi) should be
treated with
Photo:Raymond Hoser
caution. Although the
Highlands Copperhead
is venomous
and dangerous to humans,
it is reportedly
docile and reluctant
to bite. The Whitelipped
Snake, also
venomous, is quite
small and not dangerous
to humans.
Both of these animals
should be treated
with caution. Do not
approach or
handle
them.
Many lizards are also
found at Mt Buller,
mostly skinks such
as the Mountain Log
Skink (Pseudemoia
entrecasteauxii).
Mammals
Bush Rats (Rattus
fuscipes) and Brown
and Dusky Antechinus
(Antechinus
stuartii and A. swainsonii)
are common
on the mountain.
Possums, wallabies,
echidna, wombats
and bats inhabit the
lower regions. The
Mountain Pygmypossum
(Burramys
parvys) is a rare and
protected species
that inhabits the
upper parts of the
mountain.
Birds
Over 45 species of
bird are known to
occur in the subalpine
environment,
with at least half of
these also present
above the treeline.
Richard’s Pipit (Anthusnovaeseelandiae),
Flame Robin
(Petroica phoenicea),
Gang-gang Cockatoo
(Callocephalon
fimbriatum),
Alpine
Copperhead
Little Raven (Corvus
mellori) and Pied
Currawong (Strepera
graculina) are the
most common. The
Australian Kestrel
(Falco cenchroides)
is a magnificent
predatory bird that
can sometimes be
seen. Cockatoos,
Rosellas, Honeyeaters,
Wattlebirds,
Robins, Fantails,
Thornbills, Magpies
and Lyrebirds also
occur at Mt Buller.
Invertebrates
Small and often overlooked,
but extremely
important in alpine
ecosystems, are
invertebrates such
as insects, worms,
snails and slugs, centipedes,
millipedes,
spiders and ticks and
mites. They pollinate
native plants, break
down leaf litter and
are a food source for
higher predators.
The olive green
and yellow spotted
Mountain Spotted
Grasshopper
Dusky Antechinus
foot tracks
at actual size
(Monistria concinna)
can eat more than its
own weight in Mintbush
leaves daily.
The Mountain Grasshopper
(Acripeza
reticulata), displays
bright red and blue
warning bands when
disturbed. The Alpine
Thermocolour Grasshopper
(Kosciuscola
tristis) regulates its
internal body temperature
by changing
colour.
Wolf spiders and
funnel-webs both
occur at Mt Buller.
These large spiders
live in burrows in the
ground and should
not be handled
as they are
dangerous.
Mountain Pygmy-possum
Treeline
A ‘treeline’ is simply
the highest altitude
at which trees can
grow. The treeline
cuts across the
mountainside at the
point where the Snow
Gum reaches the upper
limit of its range.
It coincides with an
average midsummer
temperature of about
10˚c. Above this point
plants are unable to
get enough energy to
make woody tissue.
Subnivean
Space
The Subnivean Space
is the gap between
the ground and the
layer of snow, where
the temperature rarely
falls beneath -2˚c.
Black
Shouldered
Kite
The
Arlberg
Hotel
To
Village
Pied Currawong
Funnel
Web Spider
South Side Chairlift
Bull Run Chairlift
Shakey Knees T Bar
Skyline T Bar
Picnic
Shelter
Federation Chairlift
Sun
Valley
Dam
Blue Bullet Chairlift
Tyrol T Bar
Mountain
Log Skink
Horse Hill Chairlift
Little Raven
Wombat front
foot track at
half actual size
Wombat Chairlift
Summit
Boardwalk
Spurs
Restaurant
Road
Burnt Hut
Reservoir
Burnt Hut Chairlift
Howqua Chairlift
Snowgum
Woodlands
Koflers T Bar
Summit
Car Park
Boggy Creek T Bar
Mostly
The Mountain
Pygmy Possum
The Mountain Pygmypossum
(Burramys parvus)
is the only native mammal
known to live above the
treeline, generally over
1400m.
Fossilized Burramys
remains have been
found in Jenolan
and Buchan Caves,
indicating that it had
a larger range in the
last glacial period.
As the continent
warmed over the
last 10,000 years
Burramys migrated
up the mountains.
If global warming
predictions are
correct, the Mountain
Pygmy-possum will
have nowhere to go
and may become
extinct.
Of the five species
of Pygmy-possum,
the Mountain Pygmy-
Summit Chairlift
Steep
section
Short section
possum is the largest,
weighing about
45 grams and measuring
about 28cm,
including a 16cm tail.
It is the longest-lived
mammal of its size,
living to 12 years of
age. In spring, males
move uphill to mate
with females. After
breeding they migrate
downhill, leaving the
habitat with the most
food and shelter for
the females and their
young. Females give
birth in November to
3 or 4 young, which
remain in the pouch
until late December.
Dingo front foot track
at half actual size
Grimus Chairlift
N
Summit
1805m
All Mt Buller walking, biking
and ski trails are graded to
one of the following levels.
Easy
Flat gradients, short
distances, smooth surfaces.
Intermediate
Moderate gradients, longer
distances, rough surfaces.
Advanced
Steep slopes, long distances,
rough, rocky surfaces.
Typical habitat for
Burramys is rock
scree covered by
Mountain Plum-pine
(Podocarpus lawrencei).
At Mt Buller this
occurs near Federation
Valley and the
steep slopes of the
summit. This habitat
provides excellent
protection for Burramys,
nesting far
beneath the surface
in the gaps between
boulders. Dense
thickets of Mountain
Plum-pine protect
animals foraging on
the surface.
In winter the Mountain
Pygmy-possum
hibernates, living off
stored body fat and
occasionally awakening
to feed on seeds
stockpiled nearby.
Bogong Moths are an
important component
of Burramys’ diet in
summer, rich in fat
and vitamins, enabling
them to build
up enough body fat
to survive through
winter.
Dingo rear foot track
at half actual size