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: Coastal Cypress Pine Forest in the New South Wales North Coast Bioregion
Gazetted date:
31 Oct 2008
Profile last updated:
21 Mar 2022
Description
Coastal Cypress Pine Forest characteristically has a closed to open canopy of Coastal Cypress Pine (Callitris columellaris), which may sometimes be mixed with eucalypts such as Pink Bloodwood (Corymbia intermedia), Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis) or Scribbly Gum (E. signata), wattles including Salwood (Acacia disparrima subsp. disparrima) and also Black She-oak (Allocasuarina littoralis), Coast Banksia (Banksia integrifolia subsp. integrifolia) or Old-man Banksia (B. serrata) and/or rainforest trees. The understorey of shrubs, sedges and herbs is typically open to sparse. The community may have a distinctive litter layer with patches of compressed Coastal Cypress Pine branchlets. Undisturbed stands of the community may have a woodland or forest structure, with Coastal Cypress Pine dominating the canopy, although larger trees, such as eucalypts may be emergent. Stands of the community that have been partially cleared in the past may be reduced to scattered trees. Fires may also influence the structure of the community, as the dominant tree species, Coastal Cypress Pine, is generally killed when burnt. Post-fire regeneration of the community may therefore create a shrubland or heathland.
Distribution
Coastal Cypress Pine Forest is apparently restricted to the NSW North Coast bioregion. The dominant species, C. columellaris, extends into south-east Queensland as far north as Hervey Bay. Any occurrence of the community in south-east Queensland is likely to be highly restricted. In NSW, Coastal Cypress Pine Forest is currently known from the local government areas of Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley, but may occur elsewhere within the bioregion.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Occurrence in small, isolated stands enhances risks from environmental stochasticity, disruption to pollination and dispersal of fruits or seeds, and likely reductions in the genetic diversity.
- Edge encroachment associated with maintenance of service easements and fence construction.
- Trampling and rubbish dumping where the community is close to towns and recreational sites.
- Invasion of weeds, which may form a dense understorey or ground layer, displacing native understorey species and inhibiting recruitment of canopy species. Principal weed species include Asparagus aethiopicus, Bryophyllum delagoense, Chloris gayana, Lantana camara, Ochna serrulata and Schefflera actinophylla. Other weed species recorded in the community include Panicum maximum, Rhaphiolepis indica, Solanum nigrum and S. seaforthianum.
- Altered fire regimes: Low frequency fire can cause canopy closure, which shades out ground layer flora communities, displaces fauna habitat and prevents gap creation required for regeneration of the dominant species Callitris columellaris. Callitris columellaris may be killed by crown fires or heavy scorching of the lower trunk.
- Clearing for rural, agricultural and urban development.
- Climate change causing sea level rise leading to loss of habitat
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
- Avoid edge encroachment and trampling, using defined walking tracks and fencing where appropriate.
- Undertake weed management in remnants.
- Generally avoid fire in this community but arrange ecological burning where assessed by OEH as necessary for regeneration.
- Expand and connect isolated remnants by planting and/or bush regeneration.
Information sources
- Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW (2010) Northern Rivers Regional Biodiversity Management Plan.
- NSW Scientific Committee (2008) Coastal Cypress Pine Forest in the NSW North Coast Bioregion - Endangered ecological community determination - final.
- NSW Scientific Committee (2011) Coastal Cypress Pine Forest in the NSW North Coast Bioregion - Minor Amendment to Endangered ecological community determination.
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