Appendix A. Measures of vegetation structure and plant species composition recorded at each five vegetation plots established at each site (see text) in the study.
Variable |
Description |
Topography |
The topographic position was recorded (gully, midslope, ridge). |
Dominant tree species |
The dominant species of tree was identified. |
Tree height |
The mean height of trees was measured using a clinometer. |
Stand basal area |
Measured in m2 per ha using a basal area wedge for each vegetation strata. |
Number of trees |
The number of living and dead trees in each vegetation plot was measured. |
Regrowth index |
An index describing the extent of young regrowth vegetation in each plot (from a score of 1 to 4). |
Stump count |
The number of cut stumps in each vegetation plot was measured |
Dieback index |
Evidence of dieback among dominant trees was recorded (e.g. crown and/or lateral branch death). |
Mistletoe index |
The number of clumps of mistletoe in each vegetation plot was recorded. |
Hollow trees |
The number of bayonet and branch hollows (sensu Jacobs, 1955) was recorded. |
Dominant cover |
The % vegetation cover of dominant trees was recorded as one of six classes: 0%, 1–20%, 20–40%, 40–60%, 60-80% and 80-100%. |
Sub-dom. cover |
The % vegetation cover of sub-dominant plants was recorded as one of six classes: 0%, 1–20%, 20–40%, 40–60%, 60–80% and 80–100%. |
Shrub cover |
The % vegetation cover of shrubs was recorded as one of six classes: 0%, 1–20%, 20–40%, 40–60%, 60–80% and 80-100%. |
Ground Cover |
The % vegetation cover of the ground layer was assigned to one of six classes: 0%, 1–20%, 20–40%, 40–60%, 60–80% and 80–100%. |
No. vegetation strata |
The number of distinct vegetation layers was measured in each vegetation plot. |
Number logs |
The number of logs in each diameter classes was recorded (10–20 cm, 20–30 cm, 30–40 cm, 40–50 cm and >50 cm). |
Grass Index |
The % cover of grass was recorded as one of six classes:- 0%, 1–20%, 20–40%, 40–60%, 60–80% and 80–100%. |
Grass Height |
The height of the grass (m) was measured. |
Litter layer |
An index describing the depth and extent of the litter layer in each plot (from a score of 1 to 4). |
Rock Index |
A rock cover index (= the quantity of exposed rock) was recorded for each plot as one of six classes: 0%, 1–20%, 20–40%, 40–60%, 60–80% and 80–100%. |
Blackberry index |
An index describing the prevalence of introduced Rubus fruticosus scored from none to 100% in six categories each of 20% intervals: 0%, 1–20%, 20–40%, 40–60%, 60–80% and 80–100% . |
Disturbance index |
Evidence of disturbance was recorded and assigned a score 0–5 depending on intensity. |
Distance to water |
The distance the permanent water (stream, farm dam, etc.) was measured. |