Ground Cover - Tree Canopy

AUS-AKW-LVG-TCC General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

15 %

Direction: Higher is desirable ↑

Form: MaximumOnly

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 19 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 18 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard MinimumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard MaximumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard Point Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard

Evidence & Context

Therefore, the upper detrimental threshold can be set at the point where the system begins to lose its "open" character. A tree canopy cover consistently exceeding ~15-20% across the landscape signifies this shift.

Metric Definition:

Tree Canopy Cover as percentage of foliage projective cover

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the upper tree canopy cover threshold beyond which woody encroachment and negative ecological impacts occur in Arid Karstic Woodlands & Shrublands under livestock grazing.

Justification:

Based on NVIS definitions and observed ecological impacts of exceeding 15-20% canopy cover.

Sources (2)

Preview of Nullarbor bioregion - DCCEEW, accessed July 27, 2025

Nullarbor bioregion - DCCEEW, accessed July 27, 2025 Journal

Nullarbor bioregion - DCCEEW, accessed July 24, 2025

View Source

NVIS Fact sheet MVG 11 – Eucalypt open woodlands - DCCEEW, accessed August 12, 2025, Journal

NVIS Fact sheet MVG 11 – Eucalypt open woodlands - DCCEEW

View Source

Supporting Sources (1)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

An inventory and condition survey of the Western Australian part of ...

Direct Evidence Journal

An inventory and condition survey of the Western Australian part of ...

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Arid Karstic Woodlands & Shrublands
Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
Assessment Not Stated
Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 4 Jun 2026

Notes

Consistently exceeding ~15-20% tree canopy cover signifies a regime shift to woody encroachment with negative ecological and pastoral impacts. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.

Related Benchmarks

Other benchmarks in the AUS-AKW-LVG-TCC family.