Invasive Species Presence

AUS-TDG-CON-ISP General High confidence

Benchmark Value

25 %
Direction: Lower is desirable ↓
Form: MaximumOnly

Scoring Curve

This curve shows how a field measurement for this indicator would score across all available benchmark forms in this context.

Evidence & Context

"If the native habitat that could otherwise be retained within the land parcel contains >25 per cent cover of high threat perennial grassy weeds"

Metric Definition:

Percent cover of high-threat perennial grassy weeds (e.g., serrated tussock, Chilean needle grass, phalaris) in a native grassland or grassy woodland patch.

Benchmark Definition:

Degradation threshold for high-threat perennial grassy weed cover beyond which native habitat is considered too invaded to warrant retention.

Justification:

The cited source explicitly identifies the value as a formal degradation threshold under the Melbourne Strategic Assessment program.

Sources (1)

Preview of Delivering Melbourne's Newest Sustainable Communities: Program Report
Delivering Melbourne's Newest Sustainable Communities: Program Report Journal

Final Prescription for Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain

View Source

Supporting Sources (4)

Additional references from the underlying research that informed this benchmark.

Preview of Natural Temperate Grassland Endangered ... - ACT Government
Natural Temperate Grassland Endangered ... - ACT Government
Direct Evidence Journal

Grassy Eucalypt Woodland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain Conservation Advice

View Source
Preview of Rehwinkel, R. (2014). Revised Floristic Value Scoring Method for Grassland Condition. Presentation at Friends of Grasslands Forum.
Rehwinkel, R. (2014). Revised Floristic Value Scoring Method for Grassland Condition. Presentation at Friends of Grasslands Forum.
Direct Evidence Journal

Revised Floristic Value Scoring Method for grassland condition

View Source
Preview of Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual: Guidelines for applying the habitat hectares scoring method
Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual: Guidelines for applying the habitat hectares scoring method
Direct Evidence Journal

Vegetation Quality Assessment Manual: Guidelines for applying the habitat hectares scoring method

View Source
Preview of White Box-Yellow Box- Blakely's Red Gum grassy woodlands and derived native grasslands information guide - DCCEEW, accessed August 9, 2025,
White Box-Yellow Box- Blakely's Red Gum grassy woodlands and derived native grasslands information guide - DCCEEW, accessed August 9, 2025,
Direct Evidence Journal

White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodlands and Derived Grasslands

View Source

Context

  • Region Australia
  • Biome Temperate Dry Woodlands & Native Grasslands
  • Land Use Conservation / Protected Natural Areas
  • Assessment Conservation Target
  • Vegetation Grassland
  • Evidence Type DegradationThreshold

Lifecycle

  • Status Superseded
  • Version 1
  • Effective From 19 Jun 2026
  • Effective To 19 Jun 2026

Notes

High-threat weeds are those with the capacity to permanently outcompete and displace dominant native tussock-forming grasses.