occurred higher sensitivity areas took precedence. Connectivity Direct connectivity of native vegetation 7 Extent of vegetated area in relation to specifically to to existing nature reserves is nature reserves was assessed. Only nature considered to be an important factor in vegetation patches that were overlapping reserves determining that may be priority or adjoining were defined as being areas. connected. These patches were scored as 1 (true) or 0 (false) Threatened The occurrence of threatened flora and 7 The NSW of Wildlife Database habitat related habitat is considered of high records and any SEWPAC ERIN value importance. datasets were used to identify patches that are known to contain threatened flora under the TSC and EPBC Acts. This was modelled and scored as patches either containing threatened flora or not containing threatened flora. A recognised limitation of this method is the intensity of surveys being skewed towards populated areas. These patches were scored as 1 (true) or 0 (false) Threatened The occurrence of threatened fauna 7 The NSW Atlas of Wildlife Database fauna habitat and related habitat is considered of records and any SEWPAC ERIN value high importance. datasets were used to identify patches that are known to contain threatened fauna under the TSC and EPBC Acts. This would be modelled and scored as patches either containing threatened fauna or not containing threatened fauna. A recognised limitation of this method is the intensity of surveys being skewed towards populated areas. These patches were scored as 1 (true) or 0 (false) size size is a consideration when 5 Patch sizes were categorised as over considering integrity of native 500 ha (3), 100–500 ha (2) or <100 ha vegetation within each patch. (1). Generally, the greater the patch size, the greater the integrity or condition. Vegetation integrity reflects general biodiversity values of patches. Habitat Habitat connectivity is considered to be 5 The following corridor mapping was used Connectivity important for native and fauna and for determining habitat connectivity: genetic exchange. OEH regional north coast key corridors Hunter Regional Strategy green corridor Cessnock Biodiversity Management plan Conservation “Landscape Corridors”. Using spatial analysis the area of habitat corridor for each overlapping TEC area was determined. A coverage percentage was calculated and any TEC area that was covered by a percentage 50% or more was scored as 1 (true). All other areas were scored as 0 (false)
occurred higher sensitivity areas took precedence. Connectivity specifically to nature reserves Direct connectivity of native vegetation to existing nature reserves is considered to be an important factor in determining that may be priority areas. 7 Extent of vegetated area in relation to nature reserves was assessed. Only vegetation patches that were overlapping or adjoining were defined as being connected. These patches were scored as 1 (true) or 0 (false) Threatened habitat value The occurrence of threatened flora and related habitat is considered of high importance. 7 The NSW of Wildlife Database records and any SEWPAC ERIN datasets were used to identify patches that are known to contain threatened flora under the TSC and EPBC Acts. This was modelled and scored as patches either containing threatened flora or not containing threatened flora. A recognised limitation of this method is the intensity of surveys being skewed towards populated areas. These patches were scored as 1 (true) or 0 (false) Threatened fauna habitat value The occurrence of threatened fauna and related habitat is considered of high importance. 7 The NSW Atlas of Wildlife Database records and any SEWPAC ERIN datasets were used to identify patches that are known to contain threatened fauna under the TSC and EPBC Acts. This would be modelled and scored as patches either containing threatened fauna or not containing threatened fauna. A recognised limitation of this method is the intensity of surveys being skewed towards populated areas. These patches were scored as 1 (true) or 0 (false) size size is a consideration when considering integrity of native vegetation within each patch. Generally, the greater the patch size, the greater the integrity or condition. Vegetation integrity reflects general biodiversity values of patches. 5 Patch sizes were categorised as over 500 ha (3), 100–500 ha (2) or <100 ha (1). Habitat Connectivity Habitat connectivity is considered to be important for native and fauna and genetic exchange. 5 The following corridor mapping was used for determining habitat connectivity: OEH regional north coast key corridors Hunter Regional Strategy green corridor Cessnock Biodiversity Management plan “Landscape Conservation Corridors”. Using spatial analysis the area of habitat corridor for each overlapping TEC area was determined. A coverage percentage was calculated and any TEC area that was covered by a percentage 50% or more was scored as 1 (true). All other areas were scored as 0 (false)
pb-ecological-communities-mapping_0.docx