Windswept Feldmark in the Australian Alps Bioregion - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

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: Windswept Feldmark in the Australian Alps Bioregion

Conservation status in NSW: Critically Endangered Ecological Community

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 02 Oct 2015

Profile last updated: 21 Sep 2021

Description

Windswept Feldmark occurs on high ridges of the Kosciuszko Main Range from 2010–2150 m a.s.l. The shallow soils and strong winds in this environment result in vegetation cover in Windswept Feldmark being relatively sparse with low plant diversity. The dominant shrub (Epacris microphylla) grows in discrete ‘halo-like’ patches typically less than 1 m² in area and accounts for 25–50% cover of this community. It is thought to be important in facilitating regeneration and growth of several species restricted to this community, which include Euphrasia collina subsp. lapidosa, Kelleria dieffenbachia, Luzula australasica subsp. dura, Ranunculus acrophilus, Rytidosperma pumilum and Veronica densifolia.

Distribution

Windswept Feldmark is restricted to the Main Range of Kosciuszko National Park.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Australian Alps

Threats

Climate change leading to an alteration in community extent, condition, function and characteristic biota, including increasing cover by native species not associated with the Windswept Feldmark threatened ecological community and invasion by weeds.
The impacts of a high volume and concentration of recreational walkers compacting soil and trampling regrowth along the walking track and surrounding area.
Altered fire regimes.
Feral herbivores overgrazing, trampling and disturbing patches of the Windswept Feldmark threatened ecological community.
Other patches of Windswept Feldmark threatened ecological community are poorly mapped, with their ecological condition less well known.

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.