Tussock and sod tussock grasslands of the New England Tablelands Bioregion of eastern Australia

Title
Tussock and sod tussock grasslands of the New England Tablelands Bioregion of eastern Australia
Publication Date
2016
Author(s)
Hunter, John T
( author )
OrcID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5112-0465
Email: jhunte20@une.edu.au
UNE Id une-id:jhunte20
Hunter, Vanessa H
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
CSIRO Publishing
Place of publication
Australia
DOI
10.1071/pc15037
UNE publication id
une:19880
Abstract
We surveyed temperate montane natural grasslands across the New England Tablelands Bioregion (NETB) and assessed the phytosociology, occurrence and threats to these assemblages. In total, 123 full floristic survey plots were placed within natural grasslands across the NETB. Mapping was undertaken within a subset of the NETB using ADS40 imagery. Analysis of the floristic data was performed using the Kulzynski association measure and UPGMA fusion strategy. Canonical correspondence analysis was performed with species data in association with 42 environmental variables. An estimated 25 000 ha of native tussock and sod tussock grasslands within six floristic assemblages were found within the NETB. The maximum extent of predicted high-quality stands may only be 2500 ha with most occurrences degraded and threatened by agricultural practices, exotic species and changes in above- and below-ground water resources. Native taxa were significantly associated with altitude, rock type and differential temperature tolerances. Altitude, eastness (longitude) and radiation of the wettest period were significant drivers of exotic species occurrence.
Link
Citation
Pacific Conservation Biology, 22(1), p. 12-19
ISSN
2204-4604
1038-2097
Start page
12
End page
19

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