Alpine resorts are home to a variety of different types of fauna, including:

  • mammals
  • invertebrates
  • fish
  • reptiles
  • birds
  • and amphibians.

Threatened species in alpine resorts

These species are specially adapted to live in snowy, cold climates, or have strategies to migrate during the coldest months.

There are many threatened species found within the alpine resorts. As of 2024, within the alpine resorts, the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (Vic) lists threatened species, including:

  • 8 mammals
  • 7 birds
  • 6 reptiles
  • 4 amphibians
  • 1 fish
  • 1 crustacean
  • 7 insects.

For more information, visit: Threatened species management.

Survival

Hibernation and torpor

Some of the ways these species survive include hibernating or going into torpor during winter. Their metabolism slows down and their temperature drops with only minimal essential functions active.

This significantly reduces energy requirements, meaning little food is needed until conditions warm and hibernation or torpor ends.

Mountain Pygmy-possums are a species that hibernates during the coldest part of the season.

They store nuts and seeds with them in their nests 2-4m under the snow to nibble on if they occasionally wake up. Disturbance over winter is detrimental to their survival, as it can cause them to use too much energy, reducing their chances of surviving through to spring.

Living beneath the snow

Another strategy is living entirely under the snow during winter. As the snow falls, rocks and vegetation get buried. Gaps form underneath that small mammals use to move around in and search for food.

This area is called the sub-nivean zone. Under the snow temperatures remain constant around -2 to +2 degrees Celsius, while they vary significantly above the ground or snow. Broad-toothed Rats, Antechinus and Bush Rats all survive in this way.

Nesting together

Nesting together is a strategy used by both reptiles and mammals to share warmth. Alpine skinks commonly use this method, with hundreds of individuals found hibernating together inside snow‑gum logs.

Migration

Migration is common for most birds and flying insects. Over half of bird species migrate to warmer places by moving to lower altitude areas or flying north to warmer latitudes.

They return to the high country in summer when food sources are abundant, including fruiting vegetation, flowering plants and Bogong moths. Some examples of birds that migrate include the Flame Robin, Pink Robin and Currawong.

Threats to alpine species

Alpine environments face increasing pressures, including rising temperatures, pest plants and animals, natural events such as storms and fire, inappropriate development and pollution. These pressures are influencing alpine species and increasing the number of threatened species.

These challenges lead to habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation, lack of resources for food and shelter, decreased ability to breed and produce offspring, and being preyed upon by introduced predators.

Protecting alpine fauna

We are working hard to help reduce these stressors on alpine species. We are liaising with researchers and other organisations to do what we can to conserve wildlife unique to this area.

More information

For more information on Victorian Wildlife, visit: Wildlife.

Page last updated: 21/04/26