Open Access

M. E. Westbrooke, M. K. C. Kerr, J. Leversha

• The vegetation of Kinchega National Park (latitude 32°18'–32°40'S and longitude 142°10'–142°25'E) in far western New South Wales was assessed using intensive quadrat sampling and mapped using extensive ground truthing and interpretation of aerial photographs and Landsat Thematic Mapper satellite images. Three hundred and fifty two species of vascular plants were recorded from this survey, which, together with other records indicates the presence of 503 species from 69 families including 100 (20%) exotic species. Fifteen vegetation communities were identified and mapped, the most widespread being Maireana species low open-shrubland, Acacia victoriae open-shrubland and Eucalyptus largiflorens openwoodland. The Park also contains a number of rare or threatened species and vegetation communities. One hundred and fifty years of grazing by introduced herbivores coupled with the impact of a modified hydrological regime has resulted in degradation of many of these communities.