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: Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub in the Sydney Basin Bioregion
Gazetted date:
01 Dec 2017
Profile last updated:
23 Mar 2022
Description
Predominantly a sclerophyllous heath or scrub community although, depending on site topography and hydrology, some remnants contain small patches of woodland, low forest or limited wetter areas. Common species include Banksia aemula, B. ericifolia, B. serrata, Eriostemon australasius, Lepidosperma laterale, Leptospermum laevigatum, Monotoca elliptica and Xanthorrhoea resinifera.
Distribution
Once occupied around 5,300 hectares of land between North Head and Botany Bay in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Surviving stands totalling approximately 146 hectares have been recorded from the local government areas of Botany, Randwick, Waverley, and Manly.
Habitat and ecology
- Occurs on disjunct patches of nutrient poor aeolian (wind blown) dune sand.
- The community possesses soil seed bank and has been observed to regenerate naturally on cleared sand where the soil profile remains intact.
- Floristic composition and structural diversity is influenced by the size and disturbance history of the remnant.
- Field observations indicate that after a prolonged period (>15 years) without fire or similar disturbance, the floristic composition and vegetation structure becomes simplified with a few species dominating the standing vegetation.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Loss and fragmentation of habitat as a consequence of clearing and development.
- Altered nutrient status, hydrological regimes, and fire regimes.
- Invasion by weed species (particularly Bitou Bush, Lantana and African Love Grass).
- Mowing, slashing and the inappropriate use of herbicide.
- Dumping of rubbish including fill material and green waste.
- Grazing and trampling pest species
- Unrestricted access by pedestrians and vehicles.
- Inappropriate plantings in and around remnants.
- Seed and wildflower collection.
- Inapropriate fire regime
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
- Implement feral animal control programs.
- Determine and apply appropriate fire management practices. Undertake ecological burning once every 15 years.
- Consider off-site impacts in the assessment of nearby developments.
- Prevent stormwater run-off from entering sites.
- Install fencing, gates, formal tracks (where appropriate) and signs to manage access and prevent rubbish dumping.
- Implement weed control programs.
- Protect remnants from clearing and further fragmentation.
- Restore degraded habitat using bush regeneration techniques.
- Prepare site specific management plans.
Information sources
- Benson, D. and Howell, J. (1994) The natural vegetation of the Sydney 1:100000 map sheet. Cunninghamia 3(4): 679-789.
- Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) (2004) Eastern Suburbs banksia scrub Recovery Plan. NSW DEC, Sydney.
- Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) (2004) Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub Endangered Ecological Community Recovery Plan. NSW DEC, Sydney.
|
IBRA Bioregion
|
IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|
| Sydney Basin | Pittwater |
Known
| Randwick, Waverly, Botany Bay, Sutherland and Manly LGAs |
| Sydney Basin | Sydney Cataract |
Known
| None |