- Vegetation in the remote Pooncarie region of south-western New South Wales was surveyed in the springs of 1995 and 1997 following rain. One area of 100 km2 was examined in 1995 and three zones totalling 468 km2 were surveyed in 1997. Sampling in 1997 targeted sites removed from artificial watering points and human habitation. Two of the three areas examined in 1997 were remote from access tracks. These areas were assumed to be relatively free from human impacts, have reduced grazing pressures and hence higher plant species diversity and a greater conservation value than areas which were closer to human disturbance or artificial water supplies.
Both the 1995 and 1997 data were statistically analysed using a hierarchical agglomerative clustering technique. Three broad vegetation groupings were discerned, Mallee dune crests, Lake beds and Mallee with Trioda scariosa.
Species richness for the area was high with 36% of the total species recorded being ephemerals. Exotic species were found in almost all the sampling locations, accounting for approximately 10% of the total species diversity. As exotic species are indicators of disturbance, it can be concluded that disturbance, or its influence, is widespread, but relatively minimal, throughout the area. Scats of native and exotic grazing animals were found throughout the survey areas.
A total of 375 species (328 native and 47 exotic) from 64 families/subfamilies was recorded in both surveys. In the 1995 survey, 263 species (226 native and 37 exotic) from 57 families/subfamilies were recorded. In the 1997 survey, 311 species (277 native and 34 exotic) from 61 families/subfamilies were noted. In terms of species of conservation significance, two species of national, five species of state and 21 species of regional significance were recorded. One new species was recorded for New South Wales and 25 new species were recorded for South Far West Plains botanical division.
Deutsches Urheberrecht