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: Howell Shrublands in the New England Tableland and Nandewar Bioregions
Gazetted date:
07 Jul 2000
Profile last updated:
12 Apr 2024
Description
The Howell Shrublands are a community usually dominated by low shrubs, particularly Babingtonia densifolia and Granite Homoranthus Homoranthus prolixus, with a range of other shrubs, forbs and grasses also present. The mix of species at a site changes over time, and occasionally all the shrubs may be absent, giving the community a grassland structure, or various eucalypts and cypress pine may be present, giving a low open shrubby woodland structure.
Distribution
Scattered patches found between Inverell and Manilla on the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes of NSW.
Habitat and ecology
- This community is confined to areas of extensive granite outcropping.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Climate change leading to longer dry periods altering vegetation.
- Rural subdivision and subsequent development, including mining and infrastructure, causing clearing and damage of the TEC.
- Damage caused by agricultural activities such as clearing, overgrazing, or removing fallen timber.
- Invasion and establishment of weed species changing community structure and floristic composition, particularly invasive grasses such as Coolatai and Whiskey Grass.
- Disturbance and damage caused by: motorbike riders, dumping of rubbish and arson, the removal of timber for firewood collection, including lack of logs for fauna habitat, and input of excess nutrients from fish cleaning by visitors.
- Fragmentation.
- Overbrowsing by and addition of nutrients from goats.
- Inappropriate fire regime - too frequent fire.
- Disruption of pollinator networks from apiaries of non-indigenous honey bees.
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
- Support local Landcare groups.
- Assist with the control of feral goats and rabbits.
- Assist with the control of introduced weeds.
- Protect Howell Shrublands from clearing, mining, roadworks and development.
- Encourage regeneration of disturbed areas of Howell Shrubland.
- Contact the OEH if additional areas of Howell Shrublands are identified.
|
IBRA Bioregion
|
IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|