Invasive Species Presence
Benchmark Value
Scoring Curve
The scoring engine could not generate a curve for this benchmark context. The primary form is Point, but the benchmark data may be missing required fields (e.g., optimal range bounds for an OptimalRange benchmark). This is typically a data quality issue in the benchmark pipeline.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
Based on the findings of O'Loughlin et al. (2017), specifically the data presented visually in their Figure 3, the mean percentage cover of exotic plant species in the Travelling Stock Reserves (TSRs) – representing the best available condition under low-impact grazing – was consistently <10% across the three monitoring years (2008, 2010, 2012).
Percentage cover of exotic (non-native) plant species as a proxy for invasive species presence.
This benchmark represents the maximum acceptable mean percentage cover of exotic plant species in Travelling Stock Reserves under sustainable grazing management in temperate dry woodlands and native grasslands, indicating low invasive species presence.
TSRs have a documented history of lower-intensity grazing and minimal agricultural inputs, representing the best available real-world proxy for high ecological condition under sustainable grazing in this biome.
Sources (3)
Temperate Grasslands - Greening Australia, accessed August 11, 2025
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O'Loughlin, T., et al. (2017). The importance of travelling stock reserves for maintaining high-quality threatened temperate woodlands. Australian Journal of Botany, 65(7), 507–516.
View SourceRehwinkel, R. (2014). A Revised Floristic Value Scoring Method for Use in Assessing Grassland Condition in South-eastern NSW.
View SourceSupporting Sources (12)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
Approved Conservation Advice (including listing advice) for the Eucalypt Woodlands of the Western Australian Wheatbelt
View SourceApproved Conservation Advice for the White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and Derived Native Grassland
View SourceCressy SLL Condition Assessment Report
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Final Prescription for Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain
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Dorrough, J., Yen, A., Turner, V., Clark, S. G., Crosthwaite, J., & Hirth, J. R. (2004). Livestock grazing management and biodiversity conservation in Australian temperate grassy landscapes. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 55(3), 279-295.
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Effects of stock grazing on biodiversity values in temperate native grassland and grassy woodlands in SE Australia: A Literature Review
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Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa) Grassy Woodlands and Derived Native Grasslands of South-Eastern Australia: A guide to the identification, assessment and management of a nationally threatened ecological community
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Guja, L. K., Bond, W. J., & Lunt, I. D. (2021). Land-use legacies limit the effectiveness of switches in disturbance type to restore endangered grasslands. Restoration Ecology, 29(S1), e13238.
View SourceNational RD&E Priorities for Invasive Plants and Animals, accessed July 27, 2025
View SourceJohnston, M. E. H. (1998). Correlations between environmental factors, the biomass of exotic annual grasses and the frequency of native perennial grasses. Australian Journal of Botany, 46(3), 413-426.
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Lodge, G. M., & Whalley, R. D. B. (1998). Ecological principles for the management of Australian temperate perennial grasslands. Proceedings of the 18th International Grassland Congress, Vol. 3, 29-37.
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Standish, R. J., Cramer, V. A., Hobbs, R. J., & Kobryn, H. T. (2011). Fencing enhances vegetation recovery in remnant woodlands in the Western Australian wheatbelt. Australian Journal of Botany, 59(3), 224-233.
View Source