Some thoughts on man and the mammals in the Central Plateau

The Central Plateau area represents a region of
considerable richness in mammals, all of our native and
introduced species being recorded from various places, often
in considerable numbers. The richness of the fauna has
attracted people to the area since the earliest days of
settlement and one of the features of the Plateau has been
the development of family enclaves which have persisted in
some places to the present day. Initially, the Plateau
provided sanctuary for bush rangers, escaped convicts and
others who wished to avoid too much contact with the law,
and they were able to live, raise families and survive in
a rigorous environment using the wildlife as a source of
food and income. With greater accessibility the Plateau
became noted for the wealth of wildlife available for
hunting, either for food, pelts or recreation, and snaring
became a profitable occupation for the shepherds who had
moved into the area to mind the large flocks of sheep which
were pastured there, particularly on summer agistment.