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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The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Blue Gum High Forest of the Sydney Basin Bioregion
Gazetted date:
26 Aug 2005
Profile last updated:
04 Mar 2024
Description
The Blue Gum High Forest of the Sydney Basin Bioregion ecological community belongs to the Major Vegetation Subgroup 'Eucalyptus tall open forest', as identified under the National Vegetation Information System. It comprises a tall canopy of dominant trees, that may reach a height of over 30 m, above a midstorey of shrubs and small trees and a diverse ground layer.
It occurs in the Sydney region where it is generally found at altitudes higher than 100 m above sea level on the Hornsby Plateau in the North Shore and northern suburbs of Sydney. It is predominantly restricted to deep soils derived from Wianamatta Shale in high-rainfall areas that receive more than 1100 mm per year. Some remnants also occur on Hawkesbury Sandstone and the Mittagong formation. In lower rainfall zones, it grades into Turpentine Ironbark Forest with which it shares some characteristic species (Benson and Howell, 1990, 1990; NSW NPWS, 2002).
Blue Gum High Forest of the Sydney Basin Bioregion is dominated by either Blackbutt (Eucalyptus pilularis) or Sydney Blue Gum (E. saligna). Smooth-barked Apple (Angophora costata) is also frequently observed in remnants close to the shale/sandstone boundary, but occurs infrequently on deep shale soils. A relatively diverse stratum of small trees is usually present, and includes Sweet Pittosporum (Pittosporum undulatum), Blueberry Ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus) and Forest Oak (Allocasuarina torulosa). Shrub species are typically mesic, such as Coffee Bush (Breynia oblongifolia), Rough-fruited Pittosporum (Pittosporum revolutum), Hairy Clerodendrum (Clerodendrum tomentosum), Mock Olive (Notelaea longifolia f. longifolia), Narrow-leafed Orangebark (Maytenus sylvestris), Elderberry Panax (Polyscias sambucifolia subsp. A) and Muttonwood (Rapanea variabilis). Sclerophyllous species such as Narrow-leaved Geebung (Persoonia linearis) and Leucopogon juniperinum occur more frequently approaching the shale/sandstone boundary. The ground stratum is often dense and contains a mixture of herb, grass and fern species including Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum aethiopicum), Bordered Panic (Entolasia marginata), Spiny-headed Mat-rush (Lomandra longifolia), Common Ground Fern (Calochlaena dubia), Dianella caerulea, Pastel Flower (Pseuderanthemum variabile) and Oplismenus imbecillis. Vine species are also frequently present, in particular Bearded Tylophora (Tylophora barbata), Wombat Berry (Eustrephus latifolia), Australian Clematis (Clematis aristata) and Wonga Wonga Vine (Pandorea pandorana) (NSW NPWS, 2002).
Many species may be present in only one or two sites, or in very low numbers. On any particular site not all species may be seen at any one time, but seeds of more species may be present in the soil seed bank. The size of the site and its recent disturbance history will influence the species composition. For a number of years after a major disturbance, dominance by a few species may occur, with gradual restoration of a more complex composition and vegetation structure over time. The balance between species will change over the fire cycle, and may also change in response to changes in fire frequency. (NSW Scientific Committee 1997).
No comprehensive studies of the fauna of the Blue Gum High Forest of the Sydney Basin Bioregion have been undertaken. However, some animal species listed as threatened nationally or in NSW have been recorded in the Blue Gum High Forest of the Sydney Basin Bioregion. These may be resident or transient and include the Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus), Yellow-bellied Sheathtail-bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris), Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) and the Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua). In order to meet the definition of the TEC sites must satisfy condition criteria stipulated in the Listing Advice and/or Conservation Advice. Typically condition is assessed by reference to patch size and vegetation structure thresholds or species composition metrics.
Distribution
Regional distribution and habitat
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Recovery strategies
Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological
community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified
0 priority actions
to help recover the Blue Gum High Forest of the Sydney Basin Bioregion in New South Wales.
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