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.
(
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The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Byron Bay Dwarf Graminoid Clay Heath Community
Gazetted date:
11 Feb 2000
Profile last updated:
14 Jun 2020
Description
Byron Bay Clay Heath consists of low-growing (to 50 cm tall) woody shrubs, grasses and grass-like plants with patches of taller shrubs and occasional larger trees. Fern-leaved Banksia (Banksia oblongifolia), Hairy Bushpea (Pultenaea villosa), Kangaroo Grass (Themeda australis) and Broad Sword Sedge (Lepidosperma laterale) are among the most common of its many plant species. The heath also provides habitat for a range of native animal species.
Distribution
Found only at Byron Bay in north-east NSW. Only about 5 ha of this community remains, and this occurs in small, disturbed and isolated fragments.
Habitat and ecology
- Located on gently sloping clay ridges.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Risk of extinction because remnants are small and isolated.
- Loss of habitat for urban development.
- Invasion by introduced and native weeds including garden escapes.
- Damage to habitat by human visitation.
- Low-frequency fire is not sufficient to ensure continuing recruitment of heathland vegetation species.
- TEC habitat / substrate is susceptible to erosion, sedimentation and pollution due to runoff from adjacent urban areas surrounding TEC. Runoff also exacerbating weed infestations through increased moisture levels and erosion damaging or removing existing vegetation and providing substrate for establishment of weeds.
- Predation of heath fauna by foxes, dogs and feral cats
- Habitat disturbance during maintenance of roads, trails, pipeline and powerlines. Watego Water Main beneath National Park from Paterson Hill and through TEC will require machinery access to repair/maintain/replace.
- Over-browsing by macropods and rabbits, particularly in the first 1-2 years post-fire.
- The Byron Bay Dwarf Graminoid Clay Heath (BBDGCH) TEC is displaced by other communities when not burnt frequently enough, which has flow-on effects for other threatened species, specifically Byron Bay Diuris, Diuris byronensis. Primary threat is invasion of rainforest trees but other invasive species include Coral Fern Gleichenia dicarpa, paperbarks Melaleuca, bloodwoods Corymbia, and rainforest understorey plants.
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
- Plant locally occurring native heath species in gardens in adjoining urban areas.
- Stay on established walking trails.
- Control domestic cats and dogs, particularly at night.
- Maintain a natural fire regime to ensure continued survival of heath vegetation.
- Minimise pollutant runoff from development and roads adjoining heath habitat.
- Prevent ornamental plants and weeds from escaping from gardens into native heath areas.
- Control weeds.
- Protect remaining areas of habitat from destruction or disturbance.
- Rehabilitate unnecessary and disused walking tracks.
Information sources
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) Northern Rivers Regional Biodiversity Management Plan.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Threatened Species of the Upper North Coast of NSW: Flora. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
- NSW Scientific Committee (2000) Byron Bay Dwarf graminoid clay heath community - Endangered ecological community determination - final.
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