River Red Gums growing along the Murray River.
Image: Rodney Start
Source: Museum Victoria
Dry Forest canopy.
Image: Jenni Meaney
Source: Museum Victoria
Many animals need tree hollows.
Image: Kate Phillips
Source: Museum Victoria
Box-ironbark forest, Greytown central Victoria.
Image: Jenni Meaney
Source: Museum Victoria
There are many types of dry forests in Victoria. Stringybark forests dominate the lowlands east of Western Port; red gum forests survive along major rivers in the north, grassy woodlands are scattered throughout the Western District, and the remnants of the once great box–ironbark forests lie in a wide arc from west of Stawell to east of Wangaratta. During the gold rush, huge areas of forest were cut to provide wood for fuel and building. Forests were also cleared for agriculture, particularly in the more fertile plains and valleys. The remaining forests are fragmented, putting native species such as the Brush-tailed Phascogale, Squirrel Glider and Regent Honeyeater at risk of extinction.