Basal Area

AUS-TMI-CON-BAS General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range
Range: 30 to 40 m²/ha
Optimal Range: 30 to 40
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: OptimalRange

Scoring Curve

This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context. The scoring engine uses 9 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 8 guard(s) constrain the result.

Evidence & Context

An optimal range is likely 30-40 m²/ha.

Metric Definition:

Basal area in m²/ha

Benchmark Definition:

The optimal basal area range of 30-40 m²/ha represents a healthy and resilient forest state in the tropical and subtropical maritime island biome under conservation land use.

Justification:

Supported by empirical benchmark from the Daintree Rainforest Observatory and theoretical convergence point for mature tropical forests.

Sources (1)

Preview of Vegetation and floristics of a lowland tropical rainforest in northeast Australia - Biodiversity Data Journal
Vegetation and floristics of a lowland tropical rainforest in northeast Australia - Biodiversity Data Journal Journal

Vegetation and floristics of a lowland tropical rainforest in northeast Australia - Biodiversity Data Journal

View Source

Supporting Sources (2)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of (PDF) Thresholds of biodiversity and ecosystem function in a forest ...
(PDF) Thresholds of biodiversity and ecosystem function in a forest ...
Contextual Support GreyLiterature

(PDF) Thresholds of biodiversity and ecosystem function in a forest ...

View Source
Preview of Managing drought-sensitive forests under global change. Low competition enhances long-term growth and water uptake in Abies pinsapo | Request PDF - ResearchGate
Managing drought-sensitive forests under global change. Low competition enhances long-term growth and water uptake in Abies pinsapo | Request PDF - ResearchGate
Contextual Support Journal

Managing drought-sensitive forests under global change. Low competition enhances long-term growth and water uptake in Abies pinsapo | Request PDF - ResearchGate

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Tropical & Subtropical Maritime Islands
  • Land Use Conservation / Protected Natural Areas
  • Assessment Conservation Target
  • Evidence Type HealthyOperationalRange

Lifecycle

  • Status Superseded
  • Version 2
  • Effective From 22 Mar 2026
  • Effective To 22 Mar 2026

Notes

Balances high structural complexity, carbon storage, and habitat provisioning with resilience.