Ground Cover - Shrubs

AUS-ASC-LVG-GCS General High confidence

Benchmark Value

5 %
Direction: Lower is desirable ↓
Form: MaximumOnly

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 grasslands, an upper threshold of 5% tree/tall shrub cover is often used as a boundary for the "grassland" designation, beyond which it transitions to a woodland or scrub community.

Metric Definition:

Percent tree/tall shrub cover

Benchmark Definition:

This benchmark defines the upper limit of tree or tall shrub cover for grasslands, beyond which the area transitions to woodland or scrub.

Justification:

Threshold beyond which grassland transitions to woodland or scrub.

Sources (1)

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. Journal

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

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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 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
Direct Evidence Journal

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

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
  • Vegetation Grassland
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

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

Notes

Upper Critical Threshold: 5 % AssessmentContext defaulted to 'Not Stated' because the source document did not state one.