A new vegetation classification for Western Australia’s Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve and its significance for fire management

Abstract

Context Vegetation mapping is subject to a diversity of approaches and lack of coordination, leading to low repeatability and predictive power in the species-rich flora of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region. Yet it has potential as a tool of use in fire management. Aims This project, extending over five decades, aimed to develop an authoritative vegetation classification and map plant fire responses at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. Methods Using Muir’s classification approach, field surveys were conducted with aerial photography in hand. Thirty-three vegetation units were identified, described, mapped, and photographed. Defining attributes and taxa were identified for each unit. Key results Map, descriptions, and photographs detail forest, woodlands, mallee, scrub thickets, heath, wetlands, and granite communities on the Reserve. The forest, woodland, and shrublands were adequately classified and mapped. However, granite complex and mallee were least satisfactory, oversimplifying a rich diversity of vegetation types and habitats. Conclusions The Reserve may be divided for management into the central third of heath, shrublands, and low woodlands largely across the isthmus, the dunes and wetlands of the west with a greater diversity of vegetation types, and the eastern granite inselberg attaining 408 m with the most diverse vegetation types. The latter inselberg needs continued protection from fire and other disturbances. Greatest change in vegetation is seen in lowland landscapes where fire activity has also been pronounced. Implications Vegetation mapping has been a valuable aid for managers and fire planning, and for active comanagement with appropriate Aboriginal families.