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: Native Vegetation on Cracking Clay Soils of the Liverpool Plains
Gazetted date:
26 Oct 2001
Profile last updated:
23 Mar 2022
Description
Native Vegetation on Cracking Clay Soils of the Liverpool Plains is mainly a native grassland community which includes a range of small forb and herb species. The main grass species include Plains Grass (Austrostipa aristiglumis), Queensland Bluegrass (Dichanthium sericeum) and Coolibah Grass (Panicum queenslandicum). It also contains scattered and patchy shrubs and trees, including Boree (Acacia pendula), Rough-barked Apple (Angophora floribunda), Fuzzy Box (Eucalyptus conica), Bimble Box (E. populnea) and Yellow Box (E. melliodora). In wetter locations rushes and sedges are common.
Distribution
This community is located around Coonabarabran, Gunnedah, Murrurundi, Narrabri, Tamworth and Quirindi, on the North West Slopes and Plains of NSW. It is estimated that 85 to 95% of this vegetation community has been converted through agriculture and community is not represented on conservation reserves. Most surviving remnants of the community are on Travelling Stock Routes.
Habitat and ecology
- Occurs on the highly fertile cracking clay soils of the Liverpool Plains.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Unsustainable grazing regimes including continued and intensive grazing practices by domestic stock leading to a change in the structure and floristic composition of the community:
On operating TSRs, failure to moderate grazing pressure from travelling stock;
Intensification of historical grazing regime on TSRs through long-term grazing permits;
On remnant areas on private land.
- Incremental clearing of small remnant areas for cropping, establishment of exotic pasture species, and for road and firebreak maintenance or widening.
- Invasion and establishment of weed species changing community structure and floristic composition. This is primarily introduced perennial grasses (e.g. Coolatai Grass, Rhodes Grass, Sabi Grass) or forbs (e.g. wild turnip, medics, clovers, lippia).
- Climate change impacting on species diversity, composition and structure.
- Lack of value and understanding of the TEC by landholders and managers.
- Spray drift of herbicides from agricultural or road maintenance activities.
- Continued reduction in community integrity due to the small size of remnant areas and potential loss of important components of the ecological community.
- Frequent fire.
- Poor representation in conservation reserves.
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 and catchment management initiatives.
- Protect known areas of this community from grazing stock.
- Identify roadside areas of this community and protect during roadworks.
- Assist with the control of introduced weeds.
- Protect areas of native vegetation on cracking clay soils on the Liverpool Plains from clearing and fragmentation.
- Support property agreements and voluntary conservation agreements.
- Expand and reconnect isolated remnants of this community.
Information sources
- NSW Scientific Committee (2001) Native vegetation on cracking clay soils of the Liverpool Plains - Endangered ecological community determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
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