Effect of silvicultural system on vascular flora in a wet sclerophyll forest in south-eastern Tasmania

Abstract

Summary Floristic composition in wet sclerophyll forest in south-eastern Tasmania was examined prior to logging and 6 y after logging under a range of native forest silvicultural systems (clearfell with and without regeneration burning, group selection with and without regeneration burning, partial logging). For all silvicultural treatments, the floristic composition of logged sites differed significantly from that of unlogged sites. There was an overall increase in richness of vascular species following harvesting, regardless of silvicultural treatment. However, different life form groups varied considerably in their response. Richness of epiphytic ferns and abundance of trunked ferns (Dicksonia antarctica) decreased following harvesting, while the richness of herbaceous species, low shrub species and graminoids increased. Native pioneer species were abundant following harvesting and account for most of the difference in composition between logged and unlogged areas. We suggest that most native vascular species in lowland wet sclerophyll forests will either survive typical native forest silvicultural practices or recolonise harvested areas if suitable sources of propagules are available. Groups requiring particular microenvironments, such as the moisture-sensitive epiphytic ferns, may be most vulnerable to disturbance from timber harvesting and may benefit from modified silvicultural practices that retain patches of forest with suitable substrates.