Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
considered in better condition than naturally grassy vegetation communities such
as Yellow Box woodland.
In the following section we discuss key attributes of vegetation condition for
the ground, understorey and overstorey layers of remnants as well as their value for
biodiversity. We also outline the processes that can degrade vegetation condition
and how these threats can be managed and reversed.
The ground layer
The ground layer of well-managed temperate woodland remnants can support
many species of native plants, including orchids, lilies, forbs and native grasses.
Other key components of the ground layer include leaf litter, small patches of open
bare ground, moss and lichen cover, surface rocks, and fallen timber. Each of these
components has been found to be important in the habitat requirements of
particular woodland fauna, including several which are declining or threatened
and of conservation concern (Table 2.1). The nature and condition of the ground
layer of a woodland remnant affects whether the site can offer various types of
shelter sites, food sources, or other resources such as materials for nest
construction to animals.
Threats to the ground layer and their management
Several factors can degrade the ground layer of temperate woodland remnants
and reduce the suitability of habitats for biodiversity. These include overgrazing
Table 2.1.
Species for which different components of ground layer have been shown to be important.
Attribute
Example of responding species
Ecological role
Leaf litter
Jacky Winter, Hooded Robin, overall
richness of woodland-specialist birds
4, 5
Leaf litter provides habitat for insect
prey for woodland birds
Moss and
lichen cover
Restless Flycatcher, Hooded Robin,
Dusky Woodswallow
4
Mosses and lichens are used by many
species of birds in nest construction
Reptile diversity
6
Surface rock
Rocky environments are home to a
large number of species of reptiles,
many of which are virtually restricted
to these areas
Fallen timber
Common Ringtail Possum, Brown
Treecreeper, overall beetle diversity
4, 7, 8
Fallen timber provides nesting and
sheltering places for many animals
ranging from the Common Ringtail
Possum to numerous species of
beetles. The Brown Treecreeper also
uses fallen timber for foraging
Native grass
cover
Southern Rainbow Skink, Superb
Parrot
4, 7
Native grasslands are key habitats for
many animals and provide a place
where they can find food
