Ecological Review of the Koo-Wee-Rup Swamp and Associated Grasslands

An understanding of the ecology of the Koo-Wee-Rup Swamp was obtained from historical surveys and soil maps. The probable boundary of the former largest swamp in Victoria was determined. The immense swamp had distinct zones formed by inner and outer swamps: the inner swamp was a permanently inundated reed and rush swamp with emergent sand ridges and possibly with lake-like cells, while the fringing outer swamp was largely paperbark scrub subject to frequent flooding. Grassland and acacia woodland were locally extensive adjacent to the swamp in areas of periodic flooding. The inner swamp boundary was probably flood controlled while the outer boundary was probably fire controlled on the plain and topographically controlled by hills to the east. Rare examples of swamp scrub and grassland remain.