LAND USE AND VEGETATION OF ALTHORPE ISLAND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA, AND A FLORISTIC COMPARISON WITH SOUTH NEPTUNE ISLANDS

摘要

A brief history of the land use of Althorpe Island, during its occupation from 1879 to 1991, is presented and the effects of occupation on the vegetation are described. In all, 46 native and 40 introduced plant species are listed, together with a species list from the South Neptune Islands for comparison. Six vegetation communities are described and a revised vegetation map of the island is provided, based on a floristic analysis of 10 vegetation quadrats, and interpretation of aerial photography. The likely extinction of some species and vegetation changes following extermination of goats and sheep from the island are discussed.