Peatsense: Improving condition monitoring and management of endangered alpine peatlands in the Australian Alps (video)

15 May 2026

Australian Alpine peatlands are unique ecosystems found in the high-altitude regions of Victoria, NSW and the ACT. They may be remote—but their impact is enormous.

• They act as vital carbon sinks
• Filter and regulate water like natural sponges
• Support unique and threatened biodiversity

Yet monitoring their health is challenging due to fragmented landscapes and limited tools.

The PeatSense project is changing that. By combining high-resolution drone imagery – working with Nallawilli Bunjil – along with satellite remote sensing and on-ground hydrological data, researchers at La Trobe University and partners working on a National Environmental Science Program project are building a smarter, scalable way to assess peatland condition across the Australian Alps.

The goal: real-time, practical insights that empower land managers to make better decisions and support recovery in ecosystems under pressure from fire, climate change, and invasive species.

A powerful example of technology, collaboration and environmental science working together to protect some of our most valuable and vulnerable natural systems.

Our project partners: La Trobe University, The Research Centre for Applied Alpine Ecology, Nallawilli Group, Australian Alps National Parks, NSW Local Land Services, North East Catchment Management Authority and University of Quebec and Montreal.