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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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Duffys Forest Ecological Community in the Sydney Basin Bioregion
Gazetted date:
28 Jun 2002
Profile last updated:
17 Mar 2023
Description
Open-forest or woodland community dominated by Red Bloodwood Corymbia gummifera, Black Ash Eucalyptus sieberi, Smooth-barked Apple Angophora costata, and frequently a stringybark E. capitellata or E. oblonga. Other understorey species include Myrtle Wattle Acacia myrtifolia, Hairpin Banksia Banksia spinulosa, Rusty Velet-bush Lasiopetalum ferrugineum, Crinkle Bush Lomatia silaifolia, Broad-leaf Geebung Persoonia levis, Apple–berry Billardiera scandens, Wiry Panic Entolasia stricta, Twisted Mat-rush Lomandra obliqua, Micrantheum ericoides and Xanthorrhoea media.
Distribution
Extensively fragmented distribution, occurring primarily within the Warringah part of the Northern Beaches, and Ku-ring-gai Local Government Areas (LGA) with minor occurrences in the Pittwater (Ingleside and Bilgola Plateau), Manly (Seaforth Oval) and Hornsby (South Turramura and Epping North). Estimated original extent was approximately 1450 ha, of which less than 16%, or approximately 240 ha, remains.
Habitat and ecology
- Occurs in association with shale lenses and lateritic soils in Hawkesbury Sandstone. Rock outcrops are usually absent from this community, except on the fringes, where it adjoins typical sandstone vegetation, generally characterised by extensive sandstone outcrops.
- Situated on ridgetops, plateaus and upper slopes, but may also occur on mid-slopes or benches downslope of Sydney Sandstone Ridgetop Woodland.
- Occurs on Somersby, Blacktown, Lucas Heights and Lambert Soil Landscapes and, to a lesser extent, the Gymea and Hawkesbury Soil Landscapes.
- Floristic composition and structural diversity is influenced by the size and disturbance history of the site.
- Fire severity and frequency are important factors influencing community composition.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss and fragmentation of habitat through clearing and development.
- Habitat degradation by weed invasion
- Physical damage from inappropriate access and disturbance by people, horses, trail-bikes and other vehicles.
- Inappropriate fire regimes.
- Inappropriate plantings in and around remnants.
- Stormwater, soil erosion and nutrient enrichment.
- Boundary encroachment.
- Phytophthora
- Infrastructure - Easements of power line, power clearing as well as telecommunication expansion.
- Negative land management / Grazing threat
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Implement appropriate fire management practices (recommended fire interval of 8-12 years)
- Prevent and restore erosion and stormwater damage.
- Restrict and control access to remnants.
- Prevent further loss and fragmentation of habitat.
- Protect and restore buffer areas to DFEC remnants.
- Restore degraded habitat using bush regeneration techniques.
- Prepare and implement site specific plans of managements.
Information sources
- NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Duffys Forest vegetation community in the Sydney Basin Bioregion- Endangered ecological community determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
- Smith, P. and Smith, J. (2000) Survey of Duffys Forest Vegetation Community – Report prepared for the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Warringah Council.
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