Ground Cover - Tree Canopy

AUS-TMI-LVG-TCC General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

10 %
Direction: Higher is desirable ↑
Form: MinimumOnly

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.

Evidence & Context

A TCC below 10% can be considered a critical lower threshold.

Metric Definition:

Critical lower threshold for Tree Canopy Cover (TCC) below which ecosystem services are lost

Benchmark Definition:

The critical lower threshold below which essential ecosystem services like shade, shelter, and soil stability are lost.

Justification:

Below 10% TCC, the landscape transitions to a simplified pasture system with severe loss of key ecological services.

Supporting Sources (1)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Balancing trees and grass for improved grazing conditions in central Queensland
Balancing trees and grass for improved grazing conditions in central Queensland
Direct Evidence

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 Not Stated
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

  • Status Active
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 10 Jun 2026

Notes

No upper detrimental threshold — higher values are always better up to natural saturation. This threshold is supported by the Australian vegetation classification system and best-practice grazing guides. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.