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: O’Hares Creek Shale Forest
Gazetted date:
18 Dec 1998
Profile last updated:
24 Jan 2024
Description
Occurs on small outcrops of Hawkesbury shale in the Darkes Forest area of the Woronora Plateau. The community is dominated by Eucalyptus piperita (Sydney Peppermint), E. globoidea (White Stringybark) and Angophora costata (Smooth-barked Apple), with the latter species sometimes being the dominant canopy species. The shrub layer is variable in density and height but is characterised by Acacia binervata, A. longifolia subsp. longifolia, Leucopogon lanceolatus var. lanceolatus and Banksia spinulosa var. spinulosa. The groundcover is often the distinguishing feature of the community with an impressive cushion of ferns, lilies, grasses and rushes that include species such as Calochlaena dubia, Pteridium esculentum, Doryanthes excelsa, Dianella caerulea, Lomandra longifolia, Blechnum cartilagineum, Entolasia stricta and Imperata cylindrica var. major. O’Hares Creek Shale Forest is a component of Red Bloodwood - Smooth Barked Apple shrubby forest on shale or ironstone of coastal plateau, Sydney Basin.
Distribution
The community occupies approximately 286 ha within the local government areas of Campbelltown, Wollondilly and Wollongong between the Cataract Special Area and Appin Road to Helensburgh.
Habitat and ecology
- OHSFC forms part of a network of vegetation communities that occupy the remnant shales soils that lie above the sandstone plateau. The community is a component of the more broadly occurring Red Bloodwood - Smooth-barked Apple shrubby forest on shale or ironstone of coastal plateau, Sydney Basin community.
- The depth of shale soil where the community occurs is variable and consequently, a greater influence of sandstone vegetation is found on the edge of larger shale patches or throughout smaller isolated examples.
- Trees within the community are distinctively taller than those in the surrounding sandstone woodland vegetation.
- Locations on the Darkes Forest ridge typically have a more mesic understorey than sites on the smaller shale outcrops further west.
- The community persists within a narrow mean annual rainfall band of between 950mm and 1100mm and between elevations of 350 and 450 metres above sea level.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Habitat degradation by non-native plant species, including environmental weeds and garden escapes.
- Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation from agricultural, forestry, mining, infrastructure and residential development.
- Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation as a result of recreational activities (e.g. bike paths, horse riding and 4x4).
- Innapropriate fire regimes, hazard reduction burning and clearing.
- Loss of coarse woody debris due to collection of standing and fallen timber.
- Lack of knowledge on the distribution of TEC.
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 and provide information to land managers and maintenance crews regarding appropriate management.
- Determine and apply appropriate fire management practices.
- Consider off-site impacts in the assessment of nearby developments.
- Implement measures to control inappropriate water flows.
- Install gates and fencing (where appropriate) to prevent unauthorised access.
- Protect remnants from clearing and further fragmentation.
- Restore degraded habitat using bush regeneration techniques.
Information sources
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2009) The native vegetation of the Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority Area. (DECCW, Hurstville)
- Keith, D. (1994) Floristics, structure and diversity of natural vegetation in the O'Hares Creek catchment south of Sydney. Cunninghamia 3(3): 543-594
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2002) Native Vegetation of the Illawarra Escarpment and Coastal Plain. Wollongong Local Government Area Bioregional Assessment (Part I). (NSW NPWS, Hurstville)
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Native Vegetation of the Woronora, O'Hares and Metropolitan Catchments. (NSW NPWS, Sydney)
|
IBRA Bioregion
|
IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|
| Sydney Basin | Burragorang |
Known
| None |
| Sydney Basin | Sydney Cataract |
Known
| Campbelltown, Wollondilly and Wollongong LGAs between the Cataract Special Area and Appin Road to Helensburgh between 350 and 450 m altitude |