Litter Cover

AUS-ASC-CON-LIT General Moderate confidence

Benchmark Value

20 %

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.

Evidence & Context

In higher-productivity riparian forests, this threshold increases to 20%.

Metric Definition:

Percent cover of organic litter.

Benchmark Definition:

In higher-productivity riparian forests of the Australian Alpine and Subalpine Complex, a minimum of 20% organic litter cover is required to protect soil and fauna habitat.

Justification:

Threshold increases to 20% in higher-productivity riparian forests.

Sources (1)

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

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

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Supporting Sources (13)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

AHF Freshwater aquatic herbland

Direct Evidence Journal

AHF Freshwater aquatic herbland

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

Direct Evidence Journal

short-term review

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Assessment of Habitat Quality: Subalpine

Direct Evidence Journal

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

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Flora and Fauna Report 2022

Direct Evidence Journal

Flora and Fauna Report 2022

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Gelliondale Flora and Fauna Report

Direct Evidence Journal

Gelliondale Flora and Fauna Report

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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

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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).

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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.

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