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Aim: Understanding the variation in community composition and species abundances (i.e., beta-diversity) is at the heart of community ecology. A common approach to examine beta-diversity is to evaluate directional variation in community composition by measuring the decay in the similarity among pairs of communities along spatial or environmental distance. We provide the first global synthesis of taxonomic and functional distance decay along spatial and environmental distance by analysing 148 datasets comprising different types of organisms and environments. Location: Global. Time period: 1990 to present. Major taxa studied: From diatoms to mammals. Method: We measured the strength of the decay using ranked Mantel tests (Mantel r) and the rate of distance decay as the slope of an exponential fit using generalized linear models. We used null models to test whether functional similarity decays faster or slower than expected given the taxonomic decay along the spatial and environmental distance. We also unveiled the factors driving the rate of decay across the datasets, including latitude, spatial extent, realm and organismal features. Results: Taxonomic distance decay was stronger than functional distance decay along both spatial and environmental distance. Functional distance decay was random given the taxonomic distance decay. The rate of taxonomic and functional spatial distance decay was fastest in the datasets from mid-latitudes. Overall, datasets covering larger spatial extents showed a lower rate of decay along spatial distance but a higher rate of decay along environmental distance. Marine ecosystems had the slowest rate of decay along environmental distances. Main conclusions: In general, taxonomic distance decay is a useful tool for biogeographical research because it reflects dispersal-related factors in addition to species responses to climatic and environmental variables. Moreover, functional distance decay might be a cost-effective option for investigating

Aim: Understanding the variation in community composition and species abundances (i.e., beta-diversity) is at the heart of community ecology. A common approach to examine beta-diversity is to evaluate directional variation in community composition by measuring the decay in the similarity among pairs of communities along spatial or environmental distance. We provide the first global synthesis of taxonomic and functional distance decay along spatial and environmental distance by analysing 148 datasets comprising different types of organisms and environments. Location: Global. Time period: 1990 to present. Major taxa studied: From diatoms to mammals. Method: We measured the strength of the decay using ranked Mantel tests (Mantel r) and the rate of distance decay as the slope of an exponential fit using generalized linear models. We used null models to test whether functional similarity decays faster or slower than expected given the taxonomic decay along the spatial and environmental distance. We also unveiled the factors driving the rate of decay across the datasets, including latitude, spatial extent, realm and organismal features. Results: Taxonomic distance decay was stronger than functional distance decay along both spatial and environmental distance. Functional distance decay was random given the taxonomic distance decay. The rate of taxonomic and functional spatial distance decay was fastest in the datasets from mid-latitudes. Overall, datasets covering larger spatial extents showed a lower rate of decay along spatial distance but a higher rate of decay along environmental distance. Marine ecosystems had the slowest rate of decay along environmental distances. Main conclusions: In general, taxonomic distance decay is a useful tool for biogeographical research because it reflects dispersal-related factors in addition to species responses to climatic and environmental variables. Moreover, functional distance decay might be a cost-effective option for investigating

Aim: Understanding the variation in community composition and species abundances (i.e., beta-diversity) is at the heart of community ecology. A common approach to examine beta-diversity is to evaluate directional variation in community composition by measuring the decay in the similarity among pairs of communities along spatial or environmental distance. We provide the first global synthesis of taxonomic and functional distance decay along spatial and environmental distance by analysing 148 datasets comprising different types of organisms and environments. Location: Global. Time period: 1990 to present. Major taxa studied: From diatoms to mammals. Method: We measured the strength of the decay using ranked Mantel tests (Mantel r) and the rate of distance decay as the slope of an exponential fit using generalized linear models. We used null models to test whether functional similarity decays faster or slower than expected given the taxonomic decay along the spatial and environmental distance. We also unveiled the factors driving the rate of decay across the datasets, including latitude, spatial extent, realm and organismal features. Results: Taxonomic distance decay was stronger than functional distance decay along both spatial and environmental distance. Functional distance decay was random given the taxonomic distance decay. The rate of taxonomic and functional spatial distance decay was fastest in the datasets from mid-latitudes. Overall, datasets covering larger spatial extents showed a lower rate of decay along spatial distance but a higher rate of decay along environmental distance. Marine ecosystems had the slowest rate of decay along environmental distances. Main conclusions: In general, taxonomic distance decay is a useful tool for biogeographical research because it reflects dispersal-related factors in addition to species responses to climatic and environmental variables. Moreover, functional distance decay might be a cost-effective option for investigating

While classification of vegetation can be conducted in many ways, international homogenization of procedures and typologies is desirable for human societies that are highly connected in terms of sharing biodiversity information. This Special Issue of Phytocoenologia includes 12 papers that document several of the plot-based classification approaches currently used throughout the world. The issue includes approaches from five continents, but noticeable gaps are South America, middle-eastern countries, northern Africa and southeastern Asia. We include in this editorial a brief synthesis of the papers included in the Special Issue, with respect to (1) the amount of vegetation-plot data and characteristics of the classification systems developed in different areas and (2) the concepts and procedures of classification approaches. One of the most important common attributes among the classification approaches is the need to define vegetation units at a low level of abstraction. ‘Association’ (and perhaps ‘alliance’ too) may be a classification level for which international homogenization of procedures would be most easy to achieve, perhaps establishing different consistent classification sections depending on ecological conditions. Several papers in this issue demonstrate that multiple approaches may coexist for higher levels, as long as they abstract vegetation from the same low level units by focusing on a specific set of concepts and defined from the perspective of applications.

While classification of vegetation can be conducted in many ways, international homogenization of procedures and typologies is desirable for human societies that are highly connected in terms of sharing biodiversity information. This Special Issue of Phytocoenologia includes 12 papers that document several of the plot-based classification approaches currently used throughout the world. The issue includes approaches from five continents, but noticeable gaps are South America, middle-eastern countries, northern Africa and southeastern Asia. We include in this editorial a brief synthesis of the papers included in the Special Issue, with respect to (1) the amount of vegetation-plot data and characteristics of the classification systems developed in different areas and (2) the concepts and procedures of classification approaches. One of the most important common attributes among the classification approaches is the need to define vegetation units at a low level of abstraction. ‘Association’ (and perhaps ‘alliance’ too) may be a classification level for which international homogenization of procedures would be most easy to achieve, perhaps establishing different consistent classification sections depending on ecological conditions. Several papers in this issue demonstrate that multiple approaches may coexist for higher levels, as long as they abstract vegetation from the same low level units by focusing on a specific set of concepts and defined from the perspective of applications.

Across western New South Wales agricultural practices have led to significant changes in the distribution and abundance of many native plant species. These changes have occurred due to past clearing practices and the introduction of grazing and pest animals. It is likely that such changes have affected the distribution of plant species used by Aboriginal peoples, and that formerly rich plant resource areas may also have changed. Here an attempt is made to map contemporary high aboriginal plant resource areas in the Yantabulla area (lat 29° 55’S, long 150° 37’E) of far western New South Wales, using kriging interpolation. High aboriginal plant usage resource areas were not found to be correlated with any particular vegetation assemblage, although Lignum Shrublands comparatively had the lowest scores. Site species richness was correlated strongly with sites of high abundance of aboriginal resource use. It is hoped that by identifying contemporary high resource locations, new understandings of the landscape can be developed by traditional owners and conservation land managers.

Naree and Yantabulla stations (31,990 ha) are found 60 km south-east of Hungerford and 112 km north-west of Bourke, New South Wales (lat. 29° 55'S; long. 150°37'N). The properties occur on the Cuttaburra Creek within the Mulga Lands Bioregion. We describe the vegetation assemblages found on these properties within three hierarchical levels (Group, Alliance & Association). Vegetation levels are defined based on flexible UPGMA analysis of coverabundance scores of all vascular plant taxa. These vegetation units are mapped based on extensive ground truthing, SPOT5 imagery interpretation and substrate. Three ‘Group’ level vegetation types are described: Mulga Complex, Shrublands Complex and Floodplain Wetlands Complex. Within these Groups nine ‘Alliances’ are described: Rat’s tail Couch – Lovegrass Grasslands, Canegrass Grasslands, Lignum – Glinus Shrublands, Coolibah – Black Box Woodlands, Turpentine – Button Grass – Windmill Grass Shrublands, Turpentine – Hop Bush – Kerosene Grass shrublands and Mulga Shrublands. Sixteen ‘Associations’ are described 1) Mulga – Poplar Box Shrubland, 2) Mulga – Poplar Box – Bastard Mulga Shrubland, 3) Turpentine – Hop Bush – Senna Shrubland, 4) Turpentine – Elegant Wattle – Boobialla Shrubland, 5) Turpentine – Hop Bush – Daisy Bush Shrubland, 5) Belah – Rosewood – Turpentine Bush Shrubland, 6) Belah – Rosewood – Turpentine Bush Shrubland, 7) Ironwood – Leopardwood – Supplejack Shrubland, 8) Yapunyah – Black Box – River Cooba Woodland, 9) Coolibah – River Cooba – Yapunyah Woodland, 10) Rat’s tail Couch – Lovegrass – Fairy Grass Grassland and Herbfield, 11) Rat’s tail Couch – Lovegrass – Purslane Grassland and Herbfield, 12) Darling Pratia – Rat’s tail Couch – Spike Rush Herbfield, 13) Canegrass Grassland, 14) Glinus – Groundsel – Lignum Herbfield, 15) Poplar Box – Mulga – Coolibah Woodland and 16) Black Box Woodland. In total 355 vascular plant taxa were found of which 6% were considered exotic in origin. A population of Dentella minutiss

A brief assessment is made of the adequacy of the formal conservation reserve network within the Inverell and Yallaroi Shires, around Inverell and Warialda, northern New South Wales. The current reserve network consists of two National Parks (Kings Plains & Kwiambal) and three Nature Reserves (Arakoola, Planchonella & Severn River), sampling 2% of the area of the two shires. 62% of the known vascular plant taxa (746 native, 144 exotic) have been recorded within the five reserves, including 27 of the 48 taxa listed as rare or threatened within the shires. Of 30 vegetation communities found within the five reserves, only 13 were considered adequate in terms of extent or condition. Of 18 communities found on basalt, limestone or alluvial soils, only 12% of their area was considered to be good quality stands. 26 communities were only represented in one reserve. Nine Endangered Ecological Communities are listed for the two shires, only four of which are within the formal reserves. The capture and status of assemblages and flora within the five reserves in the Inverell and Yallaroi Shires is inadequate and many of the species and communities contained warrant additional conservation within the formal conservation network.

The vegetation of Ironbark Nature Reserve (1603 ha) and Bornhardtia Voluntary Conservation Agreement (704 ha), 75 km north west of Armidale, 30 km north east of Barraba (30°19’S, 150°53’E) in the Barraba Shire, in the Northern Tablelands Bioregion NSW, is described. Eleven communities are defined based on flexible UPGMA analysis of coverabundance scores of all vascular plant taxa. These communities are mapped based on ground truthing, air photo interpretation and substrate. All communities are simple in structure being primarily of woodlands or shrublands. Communities described are: (1) Eucalyptus macrorhyncha (Red Stringybark) – Eucalyptus blakelyi (Red Gum) Woodlands, (2) Eucalyptus caleyi (Caley’s Ironbark) – Eucalyptus andrewsii (Western New England Blackbutt) Woodlands, (3) Eucalyptus prava (Orange Gum) – Eucalyptus andrewsii (Western New England Blackbutt) Woodlands, (4) Eucalyptus dealbata (Tumbledown Gum) – Eucalyptus caleyi (Caley’s Ironbark) Woodlands, (5) Eucalyptus prava (Orange Gum) – Eucalyptus blakelyi (Red Gum) Woodlands, (6) Eucalyptus quinniorum (Quinn’s Gum) – Eucalyptus prava (Orange Gum) Forests, (7) Angophora floribunda (Rough-barked Apple) – Eucalyptus blakelyi (Red Gum) Woodlands, (8) Casuarina cunninghamiana (River Oak) – Eucalyptus blakelyi (Red Gum) – Angophora floribunda (Apple) Forests, (9) Calytrix tetragona (Fringe Myrtle) – Ozothamnus obcordatus (Daisy Bush) Open Shrublands, (10) Homoranthus bornhardtiensis Open Shrublands and (11) Leptospermum polygalifolium (Tea-tree) Wetland. All communities described here are inadequately represented in the conservation network with one (White-Box – Yellow-Box – Blakely's Red Gum Woodland) listed as endangered on the NSW TSC Act. Both conservation areas and neighbouring parcels of land contain extensive areas of little disturbed high quality "old growth". 38 species are of conservation significance of which one is listed as Vulnerable and one Endangered on the NSW TSC Act. The broader remnant is u

The vegetation of Burnt Down Scrub Nature Reserve, 15 km south west of Baryugil in the Parish of Carnham on the North Coast of New South Wales is described. A floristic survey of 28x0.04 ha plots was conducted in December of 1999. Five communities are defined based on flexible UPGMA analysis of abundance scores of vascular plant taxa. These communities are mapped based on ground truthing, air photo interpretation and substrate. A total of 355 vascular plant taxa was recorded including four species listed as rare or threatened: Marsdenia liisae, Olearia heterocarpa, Sarcochilus weinthalii and Tinospora smilacina. This paper describes the communities and discusses their significance and distribution within the Nature Reserve. A vegetation map and species list are provided.

The vegetation of Mount Canobolas State Recreation Area (1673 ha), 14 km southwest of Orange (33°21’S, 154°59’E) in the Shire of Cabonne on the Central Tablelands of New South Wales is described. A floristic survey of 50x0.04 ha plots was conducted in November 1999. Seven communities are defined based on flexible UPGMA analysis of abundance scores of vascular plant taxa. Mapping of these communities is based on ground truthing, air photo interpretation and substrate. A total of 309 taxa was recorded including two species listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995: Eucalyptus canobolensis and Eucalyptus saxicola. Additionally the reserve contains the Mount Canobolas Xanthoparmelia lichen community recently listed on the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. This paper describes the seven communities and discusses their significance and distribution within the Recreation Area. A vegetation map and species list are provided.

The vegetation of Kwiambal National Park and surrounds, 30 km north-west of Ashford (29°07'S, 150°58'E) in the Inverell Shire on the North Western Slopes, is described. Eight plant communities are defined based on flexible UPGMA analysis of relative abundance scores of vascular plant taxa. These communities are mapped based on ground truthing, air photo interpretation and geological substrate. All communities are of woodland structure and most are dominated by Callitris glaucophylla, Eucalyptus melanophloia and Eucalyptus dealbata. Communities are: 1) Mixed Stand Woodland (Dry Rainforest), 2) Granite Woodland, 3) Metasediment Woodland, 4) Riverine, 5) Metabasalt Woodland, 6) Granite Open Woodland, 7) Limestone Woodland, and 8) Alluvial Woodland. Many of the taxa (407 species were recorded) show phytogeographic affinities with western south-east Queensland flora. This is also true of the communities defined. Five ROTAP listed species have been found in the Park: Acacia williamsiana, Astrotricha roddii, Euphorbia sarcostemmoides, Olearia gravis and Thesium australe, three of these are listed on the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995). Another ten taxa are considered to be at their geographic limit or disjunct in their distribution. 17% are exotic in origin.

During recent surveys within north-eastern New South Wales new records of range extensions for some significant plant taxa were recorded. The implications for the conservation status of each taxon in terms of their ROTAP status (Briggs & Leigh 1996) are discussed. It is important that management decisions concerning rare taxa are made using the most up-to-date information possible, hence the need to report new distributions and suggest changes in conservation status. Vouchers of all taxa discussed have been lodged at the NCW Beadle Herbarium at the Division of Botany, University of New England and/or at the Herbarium of the North Coast Regional Botanic Garden, Coffs Harbour. In the following notes National Park is abbreviated to NP and Nature Reserve to NR.

The first collections of Eucalyptus cannonii were made by R.T. Baker in 1892, during collecting trips to the Rylstone and Goulburn River areas. Although Baker (1896) made numerous notes on many of the plants collected at that time, he made no remarks on the variation in Eucalyptus macrorhyncha (which then included Eucalyptus cannonii) despite claiming so in his later description of the taxon (Baker 1919). Recognition of the variation shown in what was to become Eucalyptus cannonii was given by Maiden (1907) in his "Critical revision of the genus Eucalyptus" (as Eucalyptus macrorhyncha "grandiflora" form). Maiden highlighted the collections made by Baker from Rylstone and Mt Vincent as being coarser in form with a very prominent rim. Baker (1919) described this taxon as Eucalyptus cannonii, named after Herbarium assistant Mr D. Cannon. Despite Maiden's comments, Baker (1919) indicated that data presented to him by Mr G. Harris (collector of the material cited by Baker) convinced him of the distinctiveness of the taxon. Eucalyptus cannonii was separated from Eucalyptus macrorhyncha on the shape of the fruit, buds, inflorescence and features of the timber and bark. Penfold and Willis (1961) considered Eucalyptus cannonii to be distinctive local race of E. macrorhyncha and Johnson and Blaxell (1973) reduced E. cannonii to a subspecies of E. macrorhyncha, based on the intergradation where their ranges overlap. Hill (1991) retained specific status for Eucalyptus cannonii.

A floristic survey of 40 x 0.1 ha plots within the Demon Nature Reserve, 30 km east-south-east (lat. 29°05'S, long 152°15'E) of Tenterfield, was conducted in March, 1997. The Reserve (887 hectares in area) is on a western facing escarpment ranging from 500–1000 m above sea level. The survey data were analysed and seven vegetation communities defined. This paper describes the seven communities and discusses their significance and distribution within the reserve. A vegetation map and plant species list are provided.

The vegetation of Arakoola Nature Reserve (3189 ha), 29°17’S, 150°48’E, 100 km north-west of Inverell, in north western New South Wales is described. Seven vegetation communities are defined based on flexible UPGMA analysis of cover-abundance scores of all vascular plant taxa. These communities are mapped based on ground-truthing, air photo interpretation and geological substrate. They are: Community 1: Eucalyptus albens (White Box) – Eucalyptus melanophloia (Silver-leaved Ironbark) Basalt Woodland, Community 2: Angophora leiocarpa (Smooth-barked Apple) – Corymbia dolichocarpa (Long-fruited Bloodwood) Sandstone Woodland, Community 3: Angophora leiocarpa (Smoothbarked Apple) – Eucalyptus macrorhyncha (Red Stringybark) Woodland, Community 4: Chloris truncata (Windmill Grass) Grassland, Community 5: Herbfield/Sedgeland, Community 6: Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Red Gum) – Eucalyptus melliodora (Yellow Box) Riparian Woodland, Community 7: Angophora floribunda (Rough-barked Apple) – Callistemon viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush) Riparian Woodland. There are 23 taxa considered significant within Arakoola Nature Reserve including the twining herb Desmodium campylocaulon and the shrub Pomaderris queenslandica (listed as Endangered under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act), and the grasses Dichantheum setosum and Bothriochloa biloba, and the perennial herbs Goodenia macbarroni and Thesium australe (all listed as Vulnerable under the TSC Act). A comprehensive species list of about 450 plant species is given for the Nature Reserve.

The vegetation of the Little Bora Nature Conservation Trust Agreement property (560 ha in area), 8 km south east of Bingara (lat 29° 55’S long 150° 37’) in the Gwydir Shire and within the Nandewar Bioregion is described. Eight vegetation communities are defined based on flexible UPGMA analysis of cover-abundance scores of all vascular plant taxa. These communities are mapped based on ground truthing, ADS40 imagery interpretation, topography and substrate. Communities described are: 1) Melaleuca bracteata – Eucalyptus melanophloia – Eucalyptus camaldulensis Woodland, 2) Callitris glaucophylla – Eucalyptus melanophloia – Eucalyptus albens Woodland, 3) Callitris glaucophylla – Eucalyptus melanophloia – Brachychiton populneus Woodland, 4) Eucalyptus albens Woodland, 5) Eucalyptus caleyi – Eucalyptus albens – Callitris glaucophylla Woodland, 6) Callitris glaucophylla – Eucalyptus melanophloia – Eucalyptus albens Woodland, 7) Austrostipa verticillata – Austrostipa scabra Derived Grassland, 8) Eucalyptus melliodora – Eucalyptus dealbata Woodland. A total of 232 vascular plant taxa were found of which 14% were considered exotic in origin. 66 ha of listed threatened communities were mapped along with populations of a currently listed Extinct plant (TSC Act) Dodonaea stenophylla.

To assist with planning and conservation strategies, mapping of wetlands above 700 m elevation across the Namoi Catchment (east of Tamworth) was undertaken. The number of hectares of each type within this high-elevation region, the area currently in conservation reserves and the status of these remnants was assessed. 1 001 wetlands were mapped and allocated to three wetland types (fens, bogs and lagoons) and six disturbance groups (based on agricultural clearing and presence of dams). Total wetlands cover was 4 490 ha, of which fens were the most common, followed by bogs and a single lagoon. The smallest wetland was 0.12 ha in size, the largest 113 ha and the average 5 ha. Only 10% of all wetlands were considered to be in near natural state with only 5.5% of all wetland area protected within conservation reserves.

The vegetation of Culgoa National Park (22 986 ha in area; 29°15’ S, 147°15’ E) in the central north of New South Wales, approximately 40 km west of Goodooga and adjoining the NSW/Queensland border, is described. Six vegetation communities are delineated based on UPGMA analysis of cover-abundance scores of all vascular plant taxa. These communities are mapped based on ground truthing and air photo interpretation. All communities are simple in structure being primarily woodlands, shrublands and grasslands. Communities described are: 1) Eucalyptus coolabah Woodlands, 2) Muehlenbeckia florulenta Shrubby Thickets, 3) Eucalyptus coolabah – Acacia pendula Woodlands & Grasslands, 4) Eucalyptus largiflorens – Eucalyptus coolabah Woodlands, 5) Eucalyptus largiflorens – Alectryon oleifolius Woodlands, 6) Callitris glaucophylla – Eucalyptus populnea Woodlands and Shrublands. A total of 240 vascular plant taxa were found of which 8% were exotic in origin. Conservation issues are discussed.

Acacia blakei forests and scrubs of north-eastern NSW are described and compared to similar vegetation found in the south-east of the state, primarily dominated by Acacia silvestris. Like those in the south, Northern Wattle Dry Sclerophyll Forests form often discrete stands with abrupt margins on steep slopes in rugged terrain on shallow often rocky soils. The structure is usually of a cohort with stems of an even height and size up to 20 m tall, and a sparse understorey with few grasses, herbs or shrubs. These systems are potentially maintained by infrequent extreme fire events. Notes are made on their management and conservation.

New populations of three threatened mallee species, Eucalyptus castrensis K.D.Hill, Eucalyptus fracta K.D.Hill and Eucalyptus pumila Cambage (all Myrtaceae), have recently been found in the Singleton Military Area in the Hunter Valley of New South Wales (32°45’S, 151°15’E). Each population is significant as they increase the known distribution and total numbers of three highly restricted species. Details of the habitat and size of each additional population are given and conservation notes provided.

The vegetation of Warra National Park (29° 29’S, 151° 56’E; 2041 ha in area) and Wattleridge (29°31’S, 151°54’E; 648 ha in area), located approximately 35 km southeast of Glen Innes and 5 km west of Mount Mitchell, within the Guyra and Severn Shires in the New England Tablelands Bioregion NSW, is described. Nine vegetation communities are defined, based on flexible UPGMA analysis of cover-abundance scores of all vascular plant taxa. These communities have been mapped based on analysis of quadrat data, air photo interpretation, substrate variation and ground-truthing. Communities described are: (1) Leptospermum novae-angliae (New England Tea-tree) – Bursaria spinosa (Blackthorn) Riparian Scrub & Heath, (2) Eucalyptus pauciflora (Snow Gum) – Eucalyptus nova-anglica (New England Peppermint) Woodland, (3) Haloragis heterophylla (Variable Raspwort) – Carex inversa (Sedge) Herbfield, (4) Baeckea omissa (Baeckea) – Leptospermum gregarium (Swamp Tea-tree) Closed Wet Heath, (5) Eucalyptus cameronii (Die-hard Stringybark) – Eucalyptus campanulata (New England Blackbutt) Shrubby Open Forest, (6) Eucalyptus radiata subsp. sejuncta (Narrow-leaved Peppermint) – Eucalyptus acaciiformis (Wattle-leaved Peppermint) Woodland, (7) Eucalyptus cameronii (Die-hard Stringybark) – Eucalyptus caliginosa (Broad-leaved Stringybark) Grassy Open Forest, (8) Eucalyptus nobilis (Manna Gum) – Eucalyptus obliqua (Messmate) Tall Open Forest, and (9) Eucalyptus obliqua (Messmate) – Eucalyptus nobilis (Manna Gum) Tall Open Forest, (10) Leptospermum novae-angliae – Kunzea obovata – Brachyloma saxicola Shrubby Open Scrub and Closed Heath. Of 11 communities within the area, four should be considered as threatened, while 18 taxa are considered to be of conservation significance.

Does an increase in the cover/abundance of Callitris glaucophylla or Callitris endlicheri affect the number of species recorded in plots (species density) or do other factors such as altitude or logging, fire or grazing history have greater explanatory power? This was tested using survey data from 1351 plots from northern New South Wales. Altitude was found to have the greatest explanatory power in predicting the number of species per plot. Increasing cover/abundance of Callitris glaucophylla was found to be positively correlated with increasing species density. Fire was found to have a minor negative effect on species density in Callitris glaucophylla stands and grazing a small positive correlation in Callitris endlicheri stands.

The floristics of the montane bogs in east-flowing catchments of northern New England, north-eastern New South Wales (lat 28° 47’–31° 25’ S; long 151° 50’–152° 30’ E), are described from 62 full floristic survey sites (20 x 20 m in area). Eight vegetation communities are based on flexible UPGMA analysis of cover-abundance scores of vascular plant taxa. Shrub species make up 26% of the flora and herb species 69%, with the remaining taxa trees, climbers or vines. Shrub species were of little diagnostic value, as a few common dominants were shared across most communities. The herbaceous layer was found to be of better circumscriptive value. Communities described (based on dominant herbaceous species) are: (1) Themeda australis – Gonocarpus micranthus, (2) Baumea articulata – Baloskion stenocoleum, (3) Lepidosperma limicola – Baloskion stenocoleum, (4) Baloskion fimbriatum – Lomandra longifolia, (5) Lepyrodia scariosa – Blandfordia grandiflora, (6) Lepidosperma gunnii – Lepidosperma scariosa, (7) Baloskion stenocoleum – Empodisma minus, (8) Lepidosperma limicola – Xyris operculata. The mean annual moisture index was found to account for 26% of the variation in species density. These montane bog systems are some of the richest in Australia, with a high number of rare and restricted taxa. They are vulnerable to both present landuse practices and future changes in climate, are restricted in area, and need further conservation efforts to ensure their long-term survival.

The floristic composition and vegetation partitioning of the ephemeral wetlands of the Pilliga Outwash within the Pilliga National Park and Pilliga State Conservation Area (30˚30’S, 149˚22’E) on the North Western Plains of New South Wales are described. SPOT5 imagery was used to map 340 wetlands across the Pilliga Outwash. A total of 240 plots within 31 wetlands explored composition and species richness in relation to water depth and wetland size. The predominant community described is the species-rich herbfield of shallow basin wetlands, along with the structurally distinct but the less common sedgeland/herbfield of the deeper ‘tank’ wetlands and a single wetland with a floristically depauperate Diplachne fusca wet grassland. A total of 131 taxa were recorded including three species listed under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act (1995): Eriocaulon australasicum, Lepidium monoplocoides and Myriophyllum implicatum. New records for an additional six taxa were recorded for the North Western Plains. 11% of taxa were exotic in origin.

The floristic composition and extent of Carex-dominated fens in the New South Wales New England Tablelands Bioregion and Barrington Tops area (lat 28° 41’ S–31° 55’ S; long 151° 23’ E–152° 05’ E) together with outliers from the central west (Coonabarabran) are described from 81 full floristic survey sites. These fens contained 234 vascular plant taxa of which 27% were exotic. The fens were dominated by herbaceous vegetation (96% of taxa). Cluster analysis of cover-abundance scores of vascular plant taxa from 81 plots placed within 71 separate Carex fens revealed three alliances: 1) Carex appressa, 2) Scirpus polystachyus – Carex tereticaulis and 3) Carex gaudichaudiana and seven communities: (1) Carex appressa – Stellaria angustifolia Fen (2) Carex appressa Fen (3) Scirpus polystachyus – Carex appressa Fen (4) Carex tereticaulis Fen (5) Carex gaudichaudiana – Isachne globosa Fen (6) Carex sp. Bendemeer – Carex gaudichaudiana Fen (7) Carex gaudichaudiana – Glyceria australis Fen The distribution of alliances showed a pattern of east-west separation. The most easterly alliance shares many features with the Carex gaudichaudiana Alliance of the Monaro Region of southern NSW while the other alliances have no counterparts within the current literature. We estimate that up to 5 000 ha of fen vegetation survive in the New England Bioregion of which 90% is on grazed land and only 0.2% is within conservation reserves. Seven outstanding examples of fens remain; most are examples of Community 5, with one representing Community 6 and none representing the other five communities. Many of these are not secured, and none of those within reserves are in their ‘natural’ state. We therefore strongly encourage measures to allow closure of drains, the opening of dams, and the rehabilitation of important fens such as Bishops, Racecourse and New Country Swamps.

The vegetation of Gibraltar Range National Park and adjoining parts of eastern Washpool National Park, 65 km east of Glen Innes (29° 31’S 152° 18’E) on the eastern escarpment of New South Wales is described. In total 124, 20m x 50m full vascular plant floristic sites were recorded and information from an additional 53 sites was collated. Thirteen vegetation assemblages are defined based on flexible UPGMA analysis of cover-abundance scores of all vascular plant taxa. Many of the vegetation communities are typical of what is found along the north eastern escarpment of NSW. Three communities are considered to be rare and two vulnerable. A total of 878 vascular plant taxa from 138 families were recorded, of which only 21 (2%) were of introduced origin and 81 (9%) were found to be of conservation significance. Pattern diversity, species density, species accumulation and average geographic range size, along with general measures of richness and diversity, were analysed for all communities. Each of the communities described varied considerably in the diversity attributes measured. Communities with a high number of shrubs had greater constancy between sites compared to those that contained a high number of closed forest species. The community from rock outcrops had the largest average geographical range size.

The vegetation of montane lagoons of the New England Tablelands Bioregion, New South Wales is examined using flexible UPGMA analysis of frequency scores on all vascular plant taxa, charophytes and one liverworts. Seven communities are described: 1. Hydrocotyle tripartita – Isotoma fluviatilis – Ranunculus inundatus – Lilaeopsis polyantha herbfield; 2. Eleocharis sphacelata – Potamogeton tricarinatus sedgeland; 3. Eleocharis sphacelata – Utricularia australis – Isolepis fluitans, herbfield; 4. Utricularia australis – Nitella sonderi herbfield; 5. Eleocharis sphacelata – Utricularia australis – Ricciocarpus natans sedgeland; 6. Carex gaudichaudiana – Holcus lanatus – Stellaria angustifolia sedgeland; 7. Cyperus sphaeroides – Eleocharis gracilis – Schoenus apogon – Carex gaudichaudiana sedgeland. 58 lagoons were located and identified, only 28% of which are considered to be intact and in good condition. Two threatened species (Aldovandra vesiculosa and Arthaxon hispidus) and three RoTAP-listed taxa were encountered during the survey.

The vegetation of Imbota Nature Reserve (30° 35’S, 151° 45’E) (218 ha in area), 10 km south-east of Armidale, and Yina Nature Reserve (30° 29’S, 151° 45’E), (101 ha in area), 10 km east of Armidale, on the Northern Tablelands, NSW, is described. Based on classification analyses, air photo interpretation and ground-truthing, seven vegetation communities are described and mapped : 1. Eucalyptus caliginosa (Broad-leaved Stringybark) Grassy Forest and Woodland on deep soils at Imbota; 2. Eucalyptus viminalis (Manna Gum) Grassy Forest and Woodland, Community; 3. Eucalyptus caliginosa (Broad-leaved Stringybark) Grassy Forest and Woodland on shallow soils at Imbota; 4. Eucalyptus caliginosa (Broad-leaved Stringybark) Grassy Forest and Woodland at Yina; 5. Eucalyptus blakelyi (Blakely’s Red Gum) – Eucalyptus melliodora (Yellow Box) Woodland; 6. Eucalyptus viminalis (Manna Gum) – Eucalyptus nova-anglica (New England Peppermint) Grassy Forest and Woodland and 7. Riparian Herbfields 252 vascular plant taxa (from 59 families) were recorded from the two reserves, 179 species in Imbota NR, the larger reserve and 209 in Yina NR. The lower species richness at Imbota is likely to have resulted human disturbance rather than from overall habitat heterogeneity.

The vegetation of Basket Swamp National Park (2820 ha), 30 km north east of Tenterfield (28°54’S, 152°09’E) in the Tenterfield Shire, in the Northern Tablelands Bioregion NSW, is described. Seven vegetation communities are mapped based on survey of plots, subsequent ground-truthing, air photo interpretation and substrate. Communities described are: (1) Eucalyptus campanulata (Blackbutt) – Eucalyptus cameronii (Diehard Stringybark) Open Forests, (2) Eucalyptus campanulata (Blackbutt) – Eucalyptus cameronii (Diehard Stringybark) Grassy Open Forests, (3) Leptospermum trinervium (Tea-tree) – Leptospermum polygalifolium subsp. transmontanum (Creek Tea-tree) Riparian Scrub, (4) Leptospermum trinervium (Tea-tree) – Kunzea obovata (Pink Kunzea) – Leptospermum novae-angliae (New England Tea-tree) Heaths & Shrublands, (5) Ceratopetalum apetalum (Coachwood) – Lophostemon confertus (Brush Box) Closed Forest, (6) Eucalyptus obliqua (Messmate) – Eucalyptus campanulata (Blackbutt) Tall Open Forests, and (7) Baeckea omissa (Baeckea) – Baloskion stenocoleum (Sedge) Heathy Sedgelands. All but two communities (3 & 7) were considered adequately reserved locally, no listed endangered or vulnerable communities were found. Thirty-six taxa were considered to be of conservation significance of which two are listed as vulnerable on Schedule 2 of the NSW TSC Act.A further nine have been reported under the RoTAP criteria.

Aim Effective vegetation conservation requires reasonable certainty regarding the distribution, extent and classification of plant communities and ecoregions for assessing rarity. In this paper we describe a multivariate clustering approach based on environmental data for objectively defining temperate treeless palustrine wetland communities. Location New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Methods In NSW no comprehensive state‐wide map of wetland vegetation exists, with more than 200 vegetation maps produced by local and state governments at a range of spatial resolutions and extents. Using the available vegetation spatial data, we produced a composite map which identified 6323 wetlands >1 ha. We then used the partitioning around medoids cluster analysis method for grouping wetlands based on 12 climate, topography, geology and soils spatial data layers and the wetland locations. We tested a range of cluster numbers from three to 20, and assessed the stability of the clustering by calculating mean silhouette widths. The derived classes were then characterized in terms of number of individual wetlands and their area, and also the number and area of individual wetlands found within protected areas such as national parks. Results We found a peak in the mean silhouette width at 11 clusters, indicating that this was the optimal number of clusters for classifying the wetland data. We produced maps of wetland density for each of the 11 clusters and described the mean and mode environmental characteristics of each cluster. Each cluster represented a unique combination of environmental variables. For example, wetlands in cluster 2 are typically in the south, in areas of low evaporation and low average temperatures. An assessment of rarity found that wetlands in the largest cluster class had an areal extent of 14 644 ha, compared to 1414 ha for the smallest cluster. All but one of the clusters had part of their range within protected areas. Conclusions Clustering environmental vari

Describing, classifying and quantifying vegetation communities is fundamental for understanding their current distribution, rarity, interrelationships and ecosystem functions. In the present study, we apply a consistent objective classification system for ephemeral wetlands of arid and semi-arid areas of New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Our approach uses a two-step statistically based, hierarchical, multiscale classification of environmental data at broad scales and floristics data at intermediate scales. At broad scales, ecoregionalisation methods were used to describe three wetland macrogroups. Within these groups, we performed unsupervised analyses of 640 floristic survey plots using the Bray–Curtis algorithm, clustering by group averaging and testing of clusters using similarity profile analysis (SIMPROF). From this we delineated 18 vegetation groups with class definition based on a combination of diagnostic and non-diagnostic similarity percentage analysis (SIMPER) outputs and dominant taxa. We show that a consistent classification system can be effectively created for subsets of vegetation that have adequate plot data within a general matrix that is poorly sampled if outputs are restricted to appropriate scales of resolution. We suggest that our approach provides a stable and robust classification system that can be added to as more data become available.

Roff et al. (Ecological Management and Restoration, 17, 2016, 000) provide a discussion of the criteria expected for the best approach to validation of mapping programs and uses Hunter (Ecological Management & Restoration 17, 2016, 40) to highlight issues involved. While we support the general principles outlined, we note that the review does not apply the same standards to Sivertsen et al. (Greater Hunter Native Vegetation Mapping Geodatabase Guide (Version 4.0). Office of Environment and Heritage, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Sydney, Australia, 2011), the original document critiqued by Hunter (Ecological Management & Restoration 17, 2016, 40). The Hunter (Ecological Management & Restoration 17, 2016, 40) validation was based on a larger sample size, greater sampling within mapping units and greater representation of landscapes than Sivertsen et al. (Greater Hunter Native Vegetation Mapping Geodatabase Guide (Version 4.0). Office of Environment and Heritage, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Sydney, Australia, 2011). Survey and validation sites being placed along public roads and lands are common to both the general Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) and Hunter (Ecological Management & Restoration 17, 2016, 40) validation methodologies. Thus, the criticisms of Roff et al. (Ecological Management and Restoration, 17, 2016, 000) of the Hunter (Ecological Management & Restoration 17, 2016, 40) approach apply equally, if not more, to Sivertsen et al. (Greater Hunter Native Vegetation Mapping Geodatabase Guide (Version 4.0). Office of Environment and Heritage, Department of the Premier and Cabinet, Sydney, Australia, 2011). We outline in the article how the Roff et al. (Ecological Management and Restoration, 17, 2016, 000) critique was selective and in some cases incorrect in its analysis of issues presented in Hunter (Ecological Management & Restoration 17, 2016, 40) and did not apply the same criteria to their own work. We conclude by discussing fu