Ground Cover - Shrubs

AUS-ASC-LVG-GCS General High confidence

Benchmark Value

5 %
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

In the Victorian Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) framework, the reference state for Sub-alpine Woodland includes a "Small Shrub" layer at 5% cover.

Metric Definition:

Foliage cover of small shrubs

Benchmark Definition:

Benchmark for the small shrub layer in a reference state subalpine woodland.

Justification:

LF code SS (Small Shrub).

Sources (1)

Preview of Floristic data audit and preparation for data driven benchmarks for ..., accessed May 8, 2026
Floristic data audit and preparation for data driven benchmarks for ..., accessed May 8, 2026 Journal

NSW Department of Planning and Environment. (2023). Kosciuszko Offset Strategy 2023: Alpine Sphagnum Bogs and Associated Fens.

View Source

Supporting Sources (6)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of An assessment of feral horse impacts on treeless drainage lines in the Australian Alps, accessed May 10, 2026
An assessment of feral horse impacts on treeless drainage lines in the Australian Alps, accessed May 10, 2026
Direct Evidence Journal

Snowy Monaro Regional Council. (2014). Lake Wallace Offset Management Plan.

View Source
Preview of Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania. (2025). TASVEG 5.0 Metadata Statement – November 2025.
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania. (2025). TASVEG 5.0 Metadata Statement – November 2025.
Contextual Support Journal

Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania. (2025). TASVEG 5.0 Metadata Statement – November 2025.

View Source
Preview of Invasive Species Council. (2023). Feral Horses in the Australian Alps: Submission to Senate Enquiry.
Invasive Species Council. (2023). Feral Horses in the Australian Alps: Submission to Senate Enquiry.
Contextual Support Journal

Invasive Species Council. (2023). Feral Horses in the Australian Alps: Submission to Senate Enquiry.

View Source
Preview of Snowy Strategic Activation Precinct - NSW Planning Portal
Snowy Strategic Activation Precinct - NSW Planning Portal
Contextual Support Journal

Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. (2006). Lowland Native Grasslands of Tasmania Listing Advice.

View Source
Preview of WDA Eucalyptus dalrympleana forest: subalpine heathland facies
WDA Eucalyptus dalrympleana forest: subalpine heathland facies
Direct Evidence Journal

Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority. (2004). Assessment of Habitat Quality: Subalpine.

View Source
Preview of Williams, R. J., Papst, W. A., & McDougall, K. L. (2020). Subalpine grasslands of the Australian Alps are resilient to a single fire. Australian Journal of Botany, 68(2), 141-151.
Williams, R. J., Papst, W. A., & McDougall, K. L. (2020). Subalpine grasslands of the Australian Alps are resilient to a single fire. Australian Journal of Botany, 68(2), 141-151.
Direct Evidence Journal

Williams, R. J., Papst, W. A., & McDougall, K. L. (2020). Subalpine grasslands of the Australian Alps are resilient to a single fire. Australian Journal of Botany, 68(2), 141-151.

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Alpine and Subalpine Complex
  • Land Use Livestock Grazing & Pasture
  • Assessment Not Stated
  • Evidence Type ReferenceCondition

Lifecycle

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

Notes

No upper detrimental threshold — higher values are always better up to natural saturation. AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.