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: Southern Sydney sheltered forest on transitional sandstone soils in the Sydney Basin Bioregion
Gazetted date:
08 Jul 2011
Profile last updated:
21 Mar 2022
Description
Southern Sydney sheltered forest on transitional sandstone soils is an open forest dominated by eucalypts with scattered subcanopy trees, a diverse shrub layer and a well-developed groundcover of ferns, forbs, grasses and graminoids. The dominant trees include Angophora costata, Eucalyptus piperita and occasionally Eucalyptus pilularis, particularly around Helensburgh. Corymbia gummifera occurs frequently within the community, although generally at lower abundance than the other eucalypts. Features that distinguish Southern Sydney sheltered forest on transitional sandstone soils from vegetation more typical of sandstone gullies in the eastern Sydney basin include the occurrences of Eucalyptus pilularis, Acacia binervata, Elaeocarpus reticulatus, Pittosporum undulatum and its relatively dense groundcover of ferns, grasses, rushes, lilies and forbs. There is considerable variation in species composition, richness and structure within the community in response to local soil variation and geographic gradients across the range. The community typically has an open forest structure, although disturbance may result in local manifestations as woodland or scrub.
Distribution
Southern Sydney sheltered forest on transitional sandstone soils is found within an estimated total extent of less than 45 000 ha, bounded approximately by Hurstville, Carss Park, Bundeena, Otford, Stanwell Tops, Darkes Forest, Punchbowl Creek and Menai. Within this range, the community is currently estimated to occupy an area of approximately 400 - 4 000 ha. The community has been recorded from the local government areas of Campbelltown, Hurstville, Kogarah, Sutherland, Wollondilly and Wollongong within the Sydney Basin Bioregion and may occur elsewhere in the Bioregion. In Hurstville, Kogarah and Sutherland, the community persists as small fragments surrounded by urban development. The community is also present in the upper Hacking River catchment around Helensburgh and in Royal National Park.
Habitat and ecology
- The terrain is primarily gentle, with slopes not often exceeding 10°, and where sandstone outcrops occur infrequently.
- The community is typically associated with sheltered heads and upper slopes of gullies on transitional zones where sandstone outcrops may exist, but where soils are influenced by lateral movement of moisture, nutrients and sediment from more fertile substrates.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation as a result of residential development and recreational activities (e.g. bike paths).
- Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation as a result of infrastructure maintenance.
- Dumping of garden waste, increased urban runoff and stormwater management resulting in nutrient enrichment of the soil, eutrophication of waterways and spread of weeds.
- Inappropriate fire regimes, high frequency hazard reduction burning and clearing for hazard reduction.
- Degradation by over grazing and trampling by the introduced Rusa timorensis (Rusa deer). Resulting in losses of plant species and structural diversity (simplification of the understorey and ground layer and suppression of overstorey regeneration), erosion and other soil changes (e.g. loss of cryptogams, increased nutrient status).
- Lack of knowledge on distribution and effects of critical threats on the TEC.
- Degradation of remnants by non-native plant species, including noxious weeds, and environmental weeds and including garden escapes.
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
- Reduce land clearing pressure and introduce sustainable urban planning to reduce the environmental impacts of any future developments that could threaten the community.
- Control and prevent weed invasion and damage caused by storm water runoff and recreational use.
- Ensure fire regimes are developed to consider environmental outcomes not just asset protection.
- Reduce grazing pressure associated with the presence of Rusa deer through a feral animal control program.
- Reduce pollution levels within the community.
Information sources
- Catling, P.C. (1991) Ecological effects of prescribed burning practices on the mammals of south-eastern Australia. Pp. 353-63 in Conservation of Australia's forest fauna' D Lunney, D. (ed) Surrey Beatty and Sons, Sydney.
- Keith, D.A. and Pellow, B.J. (2005) Effects of Javan rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) on native plant species in the Jibbon-Bundeena area, Royal National Park, New South Wales. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 126, 99-110.
|
IBRA Bioregion
|
IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|