Ground Cover - Tree Canopy

AUS-TMI-LVG-TCC General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

No specific value — see range

Range: 30 to 40 %

Thresholds: Lower: 10, Upper: 40

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 11 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 10 guard(s) constrain the result.

Contributing Benchmarks

OptimalRange Primary Point Guard MinimumOnly Guard MaximumOnly Guard OptimalRange Guard OptimalRange Guard LowerThreshold Guard UpperThreshold Guard Point Guard LowerThreshold Guard OptimalRange Guard

Evidence & Context

The primary evidence for a "best-on-offer" reference value for Tree Canopy Cover (TCC) is the research from Central Queensland University (CQU) on tree-grass balance in the Fitzroy region's tropical savanna grazing systems. This research, cited and promoted by the Fitzroy Basin Authority and agricultural suppliers, identified an optimal range of 30-40% TCC for maximizing livestock productivity and maintaining land condition.

Metric Definition:

Tree Canopy Cover (TCC) in tropical savanna grazing systems

Benchmark Definition:

Tree Canopy Cover (TCC) as the percentage of ground covered by tree canopy in tropical savanna grazing systems.

Justification:

The benchmark is derived from a strong, real-world analogue system that shares key climatic and vegetative characteristics with the target biome's savanna components. The value is supported by ecological theory concerning functional roles of trees and degradation thresholds in savanna systems. The benchmark balances environmental health and sustainable production.

Sources (1)

Balancing trees and grass for improved grazing conditions in central Queensland

Balancing trees and grass for improved grazing conditions in central Queensland

View Source

Context

Region Australia
Biome Tropical & Subtropical Maritime Islands
Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
Assessment Pristine Reference
Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

Status Active
Version 1
Effective From 25 Mar 2026

Notes

Lower Critical Threshold: 10 %. Upper Detrimental Threshold: 40 %. The benchmark sits within a functional range defined by a lower critical threshold of <10% TCC (below which essential ecosystem services like shade, shelter, and soil stability are lost) and an upper detrimental threshold of >40% TCC (above which severe pasture suppression and loss of fire-maintaining process create a tipping point).

Related Benchmarks

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