Extent and distribution of native vegetation: The extent of each priority native vegetation type by IBRA subregion (measured in hectares)
Indicator Status: Recommended
Department of the Environment and Heritage
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Why do we need to measure extent of priority native vegetation types?
Native vegetation types are useful surrogates for the extent of ecosystem types and provide some information relevant to the distribution of animal and plant species. Where priority native vegetation types are selected because of. for example, their recognised habitat value for an endangered species, the monitoring of changes in extent of that vegetation type assists in tracking the likely status of the species concerned.
Tracking changes in the extent of priority types requires ongoing mapping, which in many cases will be from a mapping program of all vegetation types (priority and non-priority) in a region. Maps showing the distribution of native vegetation types are fundamental inputs to investigating vegetation condition, determining biodiversity conservation priorities, planning conservation and land management actions, and setting biodiversity targets at the regional level.
The National Land and Water Resources Audit (NLWRA 2001) suggests that to support effective regional planning, a detailed description of vegetation types should be used for mapping and there should be regular reporting of change in the extent and distribution of native vegetation.
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