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: Lowland Grassy Woodland in the South East Corner Bioregion
Gazetted date:
10 Aug 2007
Profile last updated:
23 Mar 2022
Description
Lowland Grassy Woodland in the South East Corner bioregion is the name given to the ecological community associated with rainshadow areas of the south coast and hinterland of New South Wales. Typically the community comprises an open tree canopy, a near-continuous groundcover dominated by grasses and herbs, sometimes with layers of shrubs and/or small trees. Undisturbed stands of the community may have a woodland or forest structure. Small trees or saplings may dominate the community in relatively high densities after partial or total clearing. The community also includes 'derived' native grasslands which result from removal of the woody strata from the woodlands and forests.
Distribution
Lowland Grassy Woodland in the South East Corner bioregion is currently known to occur within the Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and Palerang Local Government Areas, but may occur elsewhere in the bioregion. Major occurrences are found to the west of Batemans Bay, around Moruya, in the Araluen valley, in the Cobargo - Bega – Candelo area, the Towamba Valley and near Tanja.
Habitat and ecology
- Lowland Grassy Woodland communities in the South East Corner bioregion are located in rainshadow areas receiving less rainfall than more elevated terrain that partially surrounds them, with mean annual rainfall typically in the range of 700-1100 mm.
- The community typically occurs in undulating terrain up to 500 m in elevation on granitic substrates (e.g. adamellites, granites, granodiorites, gabbros, etc.) but may also occur on locally steep sites and on acid volcanic, alluvial and fine-grained sedimentary substrates.
- Contemporary tree-dominated stands of the community are largely relics or regrowth of originally taller forests and woodlands, which are likely to have had scattered shrubs and a largely continuous grassy groundcover. At some sites, mature trees may exceed 40 m, although regrowth stands may be shorter than 10 m.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Reduced integrity and survival of small, isolated stands due to the small population size of many species, enhanced risks from environmental stochasticity, disruption to pollination and dispersal of fruits or seeds, and likely reductions in the genetic diversity of isolated populations.
- Fragmentation resulting in altered fire frequencies within some patches, which may reduce the viability of some native plant populations.
- Invasion by non-native plant species, including noxious weeds (e.g. African Love-grass), pasture species (e.g. Kikuyu) and environmental weeds.
- Moderate to heavy grazing by livestock and feral animals resulting in the decline and disappearance of palatable plant species, including shrubs and herbs, and compaction and erosion of topsoil.
- Habitat clearing and degradation resulting in substantial decreases in native mammal fauna diversity and densities.
- Dieback associated with a number of factors, including the establishment of large Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala) colonies.
- Harvesting of firewood (either living or standing dead, including material on the ground).
- Removal of on-ground woody debris as part of farm 'clean-up', resulting in reduced fauna habitat and shelter for grazing-sensitive plants.
- Habitat degradation through fertiliser application to promote perennial exotic grasses.
- Lack of knowledge about the Lowland Grassy Woodland in the South East Corner Bioregion amongst local landholders.
- Inappropriate grazing by domestic stock.
- Change in land use (passive management).
- Overgrazing and trampling by pest animals.
- Fragmentation of existing patches.
- Overgrazing and trampling by overabundant native herbivores.
- Removal of dead and living trees and the collection of on-ground woody debris.
- Altered fire regimes leading to excessive biomass.
Recovery strategies
A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click
here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click
here
Activities to assist this species
- Strategic native vegetation revegetation to connect remnant vegetation patches to help reduce declines in genetic diversity, increase the resilience of remnant vegetation patches to natural threats and provide habitat for native fauna.
- Manage stock to reduce grazing pressure in high quality remnants (i.e. those with high flora diversity or fauna habitat).
- Suppress and reduce weed infestations.
- Erect on-site markers to alert maintenance staff to the presence of a high quality remnant or population of a threatened species.
- Protect all sites from further clearing and disturbance.
- In remnants with large populations of Miners, undertake a program to enhance the habitat.
- Mark remnants onto maps (of the farm, shire, region, etc) and use to plan activities (e.g. remnant protection, rehabilitation or road, rail and infrastructure maintenance work).
- Undertake control of rabbits, hares, foxes, pigs and goats (using methods that do not disturb the native plants and animals of the remnant).
- Do not harvest firewood from remnants (this includes living or standing dead trees and fallen material).
- Leave fallen timber on the ground.
Information sources
- Clarke, P.J. (2000) Plant population processes in temperate woodlands in eastern Australia – premises for management. Pp. 248-70 in Hobbs, R.J. and Yates, C.J. (eds) Temperate eucalypt woodlands in Australia: biology, conservation, management and restoration. Surrey Beatty & Sons, Chipping Norton.
- Miles, J. (2005) Recognition and Management of Endangered Ecological Communities in the South East Corner of N.S.W. A report for the Far South Coast Local Management Team of the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority.
- NSW Scientific Committee (2007) Lowland Grassy Woodland in the South East Corner Bioregion- endangered ecological community. Final determination DEC (NSW), Sydney.
- Young, A., Boyle, T. and Brown, A. (1996) The population genetic consequences of habitat fragmentation for plants. Trends in Ecology and Evolution 11, 413-418.
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