Why Conservation of Australian Native Temperate Grasslands Needs to Occur at Different Scales—From Landscapes to Patches, and From Governments to Individuals

ABSTRACT Native temperate grasslands are among the most widespread biomes in Australia, and they have been extensively modified, primarily for livestock grazing and cropping on the fertile soils ideal for agriculture. In the 1980s and 1990s, foundational work by Jamie Kirkpatrick and others brought attention to the widespread loss of these ecosystems, inspiring four decades of ecological research and conservation efforts. This review synthesises the current state of native temperate grasslands in south‐eastern Australia, examining trends in their ecology, protection, management and restoration. Despite progress, grassland loss and degradation continue, with many remnants experiencing declining condition and ongoing local extinctions, even within conservation reserves. A major driver is the disruption of ecological processes, particularly fire and grazing, leading to biotic homogenisation. While habitat protection remains important, it is no longer sufficient. We highlight the urgent need for population augmentation programmes and the restoration—or reimagining—of key ecological processes that sustain grassland biodiversity. As species losses and invasions re‐shape these ecosystems, a new generation of researchers and practitioners must build on the legacies of Kirkpatrick and others to develop adaptive, forward‐looking conservation strategies. We identify critical priorities to inform future policy and land management aimed at securing the persistence of native temperate grassland communities in a changing world.