Mornington Peninsula National Park (MPNP) and the adjoining Point Nepean National Park (PNNP) are a haven for native wildlife. Greens Bush in MPNP is the largest fragment of native bushland remaining on the Mornington Peninsula, while PNNP contains the largest area of threatened Coastal Moonah Woodland. This project will deliver strategic pest predator control across the adjoining national parks, including Greens Bush and expanding down the ocean coastline into Point Nepean. Control of feral cats and foxes will protect native fauna including threatened species- Hooded Plover, White-footed Dunnart, Swamp Skink, Long-nosed Bandicoot and Lewins Rail.

Over a decade of fauna monitoring using remote cameras has shown a significant decline in small mammal populations across the parks, and an increase in introduced predators. Sixteen Long-nosed Bandicoots have been found in the past year with evidence of predation (necropsy confirmation of cat and fox for a number of them).

This project has utilised Strategic Management Prospects (SMP) modelling to consider latest science and cost-benefit effectiveness aiming to maximise and enhance biodiversity benefits of the project within the landscape. Mornington Peninsula and Point Nepean National Parks are priority locations for controlling pest predators under Protecting Victoria’s Environment- Biodiversity 2037 (Bio2037), with a cost-benefit ranking in the top 20% for actions (cat & fox control) across the whole state.

This project has been identified as a high priority under the Western Port and South-East Melbourne Conservation Action Plan.