Defining successional patterns and biodiversity values of north Australian eucalypt forests

This project aims to improve the management of eucalypt forests in northern Australia by increasing knowledge of their dynamics, diversity and conservation values.

This project will identify the pattern of increasing biodiversity value with re-growth age, in order to help provide guidelines for assessment of clearing of regrowth, the extent to which regrowth may be used to re-create vegetation corridors between forest remnants, and for management of regrowth generally.

For related information access the website for the Northern Territory department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts

Tropical Savannas Cooperative Research Centre

Outcomes

1. To evaluate biodiversity and conservation values of tropical eucalypt forest re-growth across a time series

2. To evaluate biodiversity and conservation values of mature eucalypt forests, with specific reference to hollow formation and other attributes that may be useful in definition of "old-growth"

3. To apply both sets of knowledge to the development of enhanced management of these eucalypt forests, in particular 

(i) how re-growth vegetation should be assessed in clearing applications; and

(ii) whether "old-growth" is a useful categorisation for these tropical eucalypt forests, whether it can be operationally defined, and whether this can then be used in clearing assessments and other management

Publications and Resources

None listed

Citation

Land & Water Australia. 2009. Defining successional patterns and biodiversity values of north Australian eucalypt forests. [Online] (Updated April 23rd, 2009)
Available at: http://lwa.gov.au/node/3265 [Accessed Sunday 21st of March 2010 04:13:11 PM ].