Ecological Health Performance Scorecards program

The Ecological Health Performance Scorecards program tracks ecological health indicators in national parks over time. Indicators include native and feral species, habitats, environmental conditions, fire and more, and they help show whether park health is getting better or worse or hasn’t changed. This informs park management decisions and improves conservation outcomes.

Ecological health explained

Ecological health is the state and condition of the environment and how well it functions as a balanced and sustainable ecosystem. This includes its ability to support native species and healthy habitats while reducing the impacts of threats like feral species and weeds.

Data collection

To monitor ecological health, we need to collect data from the environment. Data is collected using various survey methods such as motion-sensing cameras, acoustic recorders, on-ground surveys, soil and water samples and analysis of available datasets.

Data usage

Ecological health data helps park management make informed decisions about protecting native wildlife, managing feral animals and weeds and fire management strategies.

The data helps map where species occur across the state and identify locations for threatened species population management.

Data is shared through public scorecards and reports.

Monitored sites

The Scorecards program is monitoring 8 national park sites, chosen for their high ecological value and representation of NSW landscapes. The sites are either standalone national parks or combinations of parks, reserves and state conservation areas.

The monitored sites are: 

• Royal–Heathcote–Garawarra
• Kosciuszko
• Great Divide Northern Forests
• Myall Lakes
• Greater Blue Mountains
• Pilliga–Warrumbungle
• Narriearra–Thurloo Downs
• Macquarie Marshes.

Combined, the sites cover roughly 30% of the national park estate.

This is National Parks and Wildlife Service’s largest-ever investment in ecological monitoring, supporting its commitment to zero extinctions in parks.