Native Vegetation Cover
Indicator Rationale
Vegetation provides habitat to support wildlife, has positive effects on water quality and seagrass health, provides recreational opportunities and has aesthetic and cultural values, all of which are important for individual and community well-being. Tracts of vegetation also provide a number of ecosystem services including the provision of clean air and water, a filter for pollution and the absorption of greenhouse gases (carbon sink).
Vegetation cover, and remnant native vegetation in particular is used as an indicator as it correlates strongly with biodiversity. An indicator of native vegetation cover is able to demonstrate whether the overall area of tree cover is increasing or decreasing and ideally, will include a measure of quality (vegetation condition). Habitat Hectares developed by Parkes et al. (2003) provides consistent, standardised assessment of bushland condition and applies to both public and private land. The index can be used to describe almost all types of terrestrial vegetation. Components of the index include vegetation physiognomy and critical aspects of viability (e.g. degree of regeneration, impact of weeds) and spatial considerations (e.g. area, distribution and connectivity).
Data Source
Data sources to be investigated further.
Measure
Department of Sustainability and Environment data at bio-physical regions to be explored.
References
