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Increased canopy cover

Impact

Canopy cover refers to vegetation that grows taller than ground cover, i.e. tree branches and leaves, that provides cover to the area of ground that lies directly beneath the plant’s foliage.  The condition of the canopy cover has implications for flora and fauna habitat, ecological processes and soil condition.

Suggested indicator: Tree canopy cover & health*
Increased canopy cover may be associated with:
Potential associated impacts Suggested indicators
Vegetation thickening and change in pasture production ('Stocktake' a paddock-scale land condition monitoring and management package produced by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries may be helpful)
  • Vegetation density*
Changed animal species composition
  • Native land fauna*
  • Exotic pest fauna*
Changed vegetation composition due to change in sunlight and soil conditions
  • Native plant richness*
  • Weed species*
  • Large trees*
  • Pasture species*
Changed vegetation area and/or improved habitat connectivity
Increased quality and quantity of soil organic matter 
  • Soil life*

* Yet to be developed

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