Litter Cover

AUS-ASC-CON-LIT General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

55 %

Direction: Higher is desirable ↑

Form: Point

Scoring Curve

Scoring curve unavailable

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.

Evidence & Context

For Western subalpine scrub (SSW), particularly the Banksia marginata facies, the benchmark for organic litter cover is 55%.

Metric Definition:

Percent cover of organic litter.

Benchmark Definition:

In the Australian Alpine and Subalpine Complex, undisturbed Western subalpine scrub dominated by Banksia marginata has a high organic litter cover benchmark of 55%.

Justification:

This high value reflects the structural density of the scrub, which is dominated by small trees and large shrubs that contribute substantial woody and foliar litter to the forest floor.

Sources (1)

Preview of Western subalpine scrub: Banksia marginata facies

Western subalpine scrub: Banksia marginata facies Journal

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania. (2022). SSW Western subalpine scrub: Banksia marginata facies.

View Source

Supporting Sources (13)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

AHF Freshwater aquatic herbland

Direct Evidence Journal

AHF Freshwater aquatic herbland

View Source

Assessing the quality of native vegetation: The 'habitat hectares' approach

Direct Evidence Journal

short-term review

View Source

Assessment of Habitat Quality: Subalpine

Direct Evidence Journal

Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA). (2011). Assessment of Habitat Quality: Subalpine.

View Source

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). (2020). Victorian Alps Bioregion EVC Benchmarks.

Contextual Support Direct Evidence Journal

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). (2020). Victorian Alps Bioregion EVC Benchmarks.

View Source

Flora and Fauna Report 2022

Direct Evidence Journal

Flora and Fauna Report 2022

View Source

Gelliondale Flora and Fauna Report

Direct Evidence Journal

Gelliondale Flora and Fauna Report

View Source

Guidelines for the removal, destruction or lopping of native vegetation - Environment

Direct Evidence Journal

Native Vegetation Integrity Benchmarks - Environment and Heritage, accessed April 6, 2026

View Source

Preview of Holmquist, J. G., Schmidt-Gengenbach, J., & Haultain, S. A. (2013). Effects of a Long-Term Disturbance on Arthropods and Vegetation in Subalpine Wetlands. PLOS ONE, 8(1).

Holmquist, J. G., Schmidt-Gengenbach, J., & Haultain, S. A. (2013). Effects of a Long-Term Disturbance on Arthropods and Vegetation in Subalpine Wetlands. PLOS ONE, 8(1).

Contextual Support Journal

Holmquist, J. G., Schmidt-Gengenbach, J., & Haultain, S. A. (2013). Effects of a Long-Term Disturbance on Arthropods and Vegetation in Subalpine Wetlands. PLOS ONE, 8(1).

View Source

Mapping Windthrow Severity as Change in Canopy Cover in a Temperate Eucalypt Forest

Direct Evidence Methodology Source Journal

Somerville, M. et al. (2019). Function attribute benchmarks for the Biodiversity Assessment Method. NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.

View Source