Basal Area
Benchmark Value
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 4 benchmarks together — the OptimalRange form drives the primary score, while 3 guard(s) constrain the result.
Contributing Benchmarks
Evidence & Context
A basal area in the range of 25–28 m²/ha can be confidently identified as a critical lower boundary. An ecosystem dropping below this threshold is demonstrably degraded, its ecological resilience is compromised, and its capacity to support the full suite of native biodiversity and ecosystem functions is significantly diminished.
Stand basal area as the sum of cross-sectional areas of living tree stems ≥10 cm DBH per hectare.
This benchmark defines the critical lower basal area threshold below which tropical and subtropical rainforest structure and function are compromised, indicating ecosystem degradation.
Long-term logging recovery studies show forests with basal area below ~28 m²/ha fail to recover structurally and functionally, indicating degradation.
Sources (1)
Patterns of basal area increment, mortality and recruitment were related to logging intensity in subtropical rainforest in Australia over 35 years | Request PDF - ResearchGate
View SourceSupporting Sources (4)
Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.
CSIRO Permanent Rainforest Plots of North Queensland
View SourceLowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia ecological community - conservation advice
View SourceLowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia ecological community - listing advice
View SourceVegetation and floristics of a lowland tropical rainforest in northeast Australia - Biodiversity Data Journal
View Source