Compilation of Floristic Data
We sourced a total of 7541 floristic plot samples from a database
compiled and administered by the Department of Planning, Industry and
Environment (DPIE, 2019). These comprised all survey data collected in
(or within 25 km of) the South East Highlands and Australian Alps
Bioregions which met the following criteria: i) the sample location was
recorded with an accuracy of < c.100m; ii) the sample
area was 0.04 ha; and iii) all vascular plant species were recorded.
Individual species records were reviewed and modified to resolve
inconsistencies in taxonomy (see Methods in Tozer et al ., 2010).
Taxa identified only at the generic level were removed along with
records of naturalised species. Cover-abundance scores were transformed
to presence-absence to eliminate the possible effects of bias in
cover-abundance estimates by different observers. This transformation
was considered an appropriate strategy to achieve a balance between
information-loss and maximising the pool of available data in
circumstances where the data set is both large and likely to be
heterogeneous (Goodall, 1978).