Considerations in the protection of marsupial gliders and other mature-forest dependent fauna in areas of intensive logging in the tall forests of Victoria, Australia

Context. The tall forests of Victoria, Australia, which are available for logging, are foreshadowed to be converted from mature forest to hostile environments for mature-forest dependent species by 2030. This has occurred within a 60-year time-frame since the advent of industrial-scale logging in the region. In this light, Protection Areas (PAs) of approximately 100 ha have been implemented to protect habitat with high density populations of Yellow-bellied Gliders (Petaurus australis) and Southern Greater Gliders (Petauroides volans). Aims and methods Ten considerations are provided to guide location and design of PAs, and to provide set asides and other forms of protection for mature-forest dependent species in the context of the temporal and spatial scale of logging activity. Key results. Considerations are grouped into Overall approach (precautionary), Survey records and habitat attributes (occurrence, habitat, vegetation types), Size and shape considerations (edge and fragmentation effects); Management history (logging and fire), and Boundary considerations (context and conditions). In addition, set asides encompassing home ranges; and high levels of basal area retention, are also required in the remainder of planned logging coupes.Conclusions. Addressing these considerations in PAs, in set asides and in retention will provide some protection for mature-forest dependent species, but will be insufficient without ecologically sustainable forest management at the coupe level, for the sustained yield of all habitat components of these forests.Implications The conservation of mature-forest dependent species in the context of an ongoing timber industry requires logging return times well beyond current expectations, resulting in a substantial reduction in resource commitment to industry.