Environmental Limiting Factors (2012)

A spatial dataset identifying a set of environmental conditions that have potential to inhibit growth of newly-established woody vegetation such that it might not reach a ‘forest’ status (defined as greater than 30% cover of trees of 5 m height) within a 30-40 year timeframe.

Inclusions: temperature, moisture availability, edaphic conditions, coastal exposure, and land instability

Exclusions: herbivory, competition, external gene pools, availability of seed sources and dispersers, and also fire

This ELF layer is designed to provide a concise evidence source to guide decision making regarding the potential for naturally regenerating species to reach the criteria for Kyoto-compliant forest. Due to the variable quality in the source data used to compile this layer it should only be considered to provide guidance and should not be used as authoritative for forest eligibility/ineligibility under any government scheme.