Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
(
click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve Sphagnum Moss Cool Temperate Rainforest
Gazetted date:
24 Jul 1998
Profile last updated:
20 Apr 2021
Description
The Ben Halls Gap Sphagnum Moss Cool Temperate Rainforest is characterised by large hummocks of Sphagnum Moss (Sphagnum cristatum) under a low dense rainforest canopy. Common canopy species include Black Olive Berry (Elaeocarpus holopetalus), Rough Possumwood (Quintinia sieberi), Banksia (Banksia integrifolia subsp. monticola), Black Sassafras (Atherosperma moschatum) and Common Teatree (Leptospermum polygalifolium subsp. montanum). Somewhat unusually for this type of habitat, Antarctic Beech (Nothofagus moorei) is not present in this community.
Distribution
The community is comprised of two small patches in Ben Halls Gap Nature Reserve, in the southern part of the New England Tablelands. (Note that the name of the reserve changed from National Park to Nature Reserve in 2016 and has been updated in a recent Scientific Committee determination.)
Habitat and ecology
- Found along sheltered creeklines.
- Sphagnum moss and some other understorey species of this community suffer if there is excessive exposure to sunlight, especially following deterioration of the tree canopy due to drought or wildfire.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Vulnerability from climate change and stochastic events
- Impacts from inappropriate fire regimes including fire frequency, intensity, seasonality, and scale
- Competition and exclusion from introduced plants such as Scotch Broom and Blackberry, provision of habitat for introduced pests
- Plant dieback caused by plant pathogens such as phytopthora and myrtle rust
- Physical disturbance within sub-catchments and associated impacts of water quantity and quality on community
- Selective grazing and disturbance by introduced herbivores such as pigs, deer, goats, cattle and horses
- Physical disturbance including access and associated trampling and harvesting
- Limited knowledge of the distribution and extent of the community
- Illegal removal for commercial and domestic purposes
Recovery strategies
A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click
here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click
here
Activities to assist this species
- Stay on established walking tracks when visiting national parks.
- Protect cool temperate rainforest areas from fire and disturbance.
- Leave Sphagnum Moss in its natural setting and obtain garden moss only from commercially authorised suppliers.
- Assist with the control of weeds in habitat areas.
- Monitor status of known communities.
- Accurately map distribution of Ben Halls Gap Sphagnum Moss Cool Temperate Rainforest community.
Information sources
- Benson, J. and Andrew, D. (1990) The Flora, Fauna and Conservation Significance of Ben Halls Gap State Forest, Nundle NSW. Techincal report No 90/1. (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney)
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Threatened Species of the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes of NSW. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2012) Ben Halls Gap National Park Plan of Management. (NSW NPWS, Sydney)
- Whinam, J. and Chilcott, N. (2002) Floristic description and environmental relationships of Sphagnum communities in NSW and the ACT and their conservation management. Cunninghamia 7(3): 463-500
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