Monitoring Status and Condition of Australian Mediterranean-Type Forest Ecosystems

Abstract

Mediterranean-type ecosystems are found across southern Australia. Climate, topography and soils in these regions are similar to those in southern Europe and therefore suitable for the cultivation of European crops and the husbandry of animals. Consequently, significant areas of forested Mediterranean-type ecosystems have been cleared for agriculture. The status of forested Mediterranean-type ecosystems is presented using data and information in the National Vegetation Information System (NVIS). Remaining Mediterranean-type forests are used for timber production and provide a wide range of other services such as biodiversity conservation, water quality and recreational opportunities. Monitoring of the status and condition of these forests plays an essential role in understanding the environmental, social and economic consequences of land use changes upon these ecosystems. The National Forest Inventory (NFI) acts as a national coordinating body for data collection, integration, analysis and reporting on Australian forests. Two case studies illustrate the considerable expansion of forest plantations and the ongoing need to improve systems for monitoring these forests at local, regional and national levels. Current approaches to monitoring of a range of forest ecosystem values under the NFI and NVIS frameworks are discussed.