This dataset shows the modelled regional connectivity links for generalist species (birds and small mammals). Based local corridor values based on least cost paths through a local links dataset (see Barrett and Love 2012) at 2012. Categories indicate quality of regional connectivity between larger high value habitat patches. Dataset has been re-categorised from the original raster data source to eliminate "no value" cells and converted to a vector.Regional Linkage Value: This layer is derived from a two-step process. The first process is a “join the dots” links analysis using 550,000 paths between point pairs selected at random. Points were grouped in high value woodland habitat patches only. This least cost pathway analysis was then run through the local links paths, that is regional links were preferentially routed along paths that did not have a canopy gap of >100m. High values indicate that more paths were found, i.e. more important for regional connectivity between high value habitat patches.connectivityLinkageValue:Represents the categorisation of the "accumulated least cost pathway" value for each linkage between habitat patches. Least cost pathway indicates the a combination of habitat suitability of nodes along the path, and a the barriers to migration along that pathway.The ACT connectivity mapping was undertaken by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage. A full study report has been produced, and is entitled Fine Scale Modelling of Fauna Habitat and Connectivity Values in the ACT Region. This study built upon an earlier report entitled the Ecological Connectivity for Climate Change in the ACT and surrounding region, commissioned by the ACT Government as part of Weathering the Change Action Plan 1. The report was undertaken by the Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University (Manning et al 2010). It is recommended that both reports be consulted when use is being made of the connectivity mapping available. Reports can be downloaded from the EPSDD website at https://www.act.gov.au/environment/research-and-data/conservation-research-and-technical-reports (Technical reports 21 and 27).Updates: This dataset is static. Fit for purpose: 2012 temporal coverage. This dataset should be used as a modelled tool for aiding landuse, strategic town planning, and conservation planning in the ACT including revegetation targets and informing environmental impacts of infrastructure and building projects. Cell size 15x15m.Disclaimer: While all care is taken to ensure accuracy, the ACT Government does not warrant that the map is free from errors.

The ACT Vegetation Map classifies native and derived vegetation across the ACT at 1:10,000 scale into 64 plant communities. Vegetation communities are geographical units with similar association of plant species. The product also includes canopy cover and height variables based on 2015 ACT LiDAR data. Vegetation maps are important tools for characterising the landscape, informing policy and providing information for land and habitat management plans, including to help identify threats and risks to biodiversity and help prioritise protection of important ecological values in our landscape.This product will enable evidence-based decision-making at a broad regional, local and property planning scale in the ACT. It will also formulate a new baseline for future change detection in the landscape.Method: In the ACT Vegetation Map, native and derived vegetation across the entire ACT was classified into 64 plant communities using the classification described by Armstrong et al 2013, in addition to three newly described ACT specific communities (Baines et al 2013). Mapping was completed using aerial imagery and stereo pair interpretation (2012-2015), extensive field work, collation of consultant reports and supplemental structural and canopy height datasets extracted from the 2015 ACT LiDAR capture at 1-5m grid resolution(van Dijk et al 2017 - in draft). The work expands on the vegetation mapping completed for the Kowen, Majura and Jerrabomberra districts of the ACT (Baines et al 2013). This product should be used in conjunction with ACT Soil Landscapes, Hydrogeology and Land hazard mapping available on ACTMapi, geological mapping provided by Geoscience Australia, and ACT derived LiDAR products including digital elevation model (DEM), slope and aspect (available CCBY 4.0).The product includes the following attributes :umcID – Upper Murrumbidgee Catchment vegetation community ID (unique vegetation code) after Armstrong et al 2013vegCommunity – vegetation community name after Armstrong et al 2013 and Baines et al 2013treesp-3 – dominant tree speciesshrubsp-3 – dominant shrub speciesgroundsp-3 – dominant ground cover speciescanopyCover– canopy cover %(based on 1m 2015 LiDAR canopy cover model)height_mean – mean canopy height (>3m) (based on 1m 2015 LiDAR canopy height model)underCover – understory/shrub cover % (1-3m) (based on 5m LiDAR understory fractional cover modelstructure – overall vegetation community structure – e.g. woodland, forest, grasslandformation – Keith Formation - broad classification of native vegetation type in NSW and ACT. Formation can be further divided into Keith Class (Keith 2004)class – Keith Class- vegetation class (Keith 2004).hectares – area of polygon unit in hectares.Fit for purpose: Mapped at 1:10,000. Temporal coverage 2018. This scale is for use at scales ranging from broad regional planning to local planning and property planning. Please see ACT Vegetation Map 2023 for updates to urban expansion. Updates planned every 1-2 years. Please note the species listed as dominants can be out of date or not ground checked, thus may require ground truthing prior to use.References: Armstrong et al (2013). Plant communities of the upper Murrumbidgee catchment in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Cunninghamia13(1): 125-265 (2013).Baines et al (2013). The vegetation of the Kowen, Majura and Jerrabomberra Districts of the Australian Capital Territory. Technical Report 28 prepared for Conservation Planning and Research, ACT Government.van Dijk (2017in draft). Landscape Observatory. TERN & Fenner School of Environment & Society, Australian National University 2017.Keith (2004). Ocean Shores to Desert Dunes. The Native Vegetation of the New South Wales and the ACT. NSW Department of Environment and Conservation.

The ACT Vegetation Map 2023 classifies native and derived vegetation across the ACT at 1:10,000 scale into 64 plant communities. Vegetation communities are geographical units with similar association of plant species. The product also includes canopy cover and height variables based on 2015 ACT LiDAR data. Vegetation maps are important tools for characterising the landscape, informing policy and providing information for land and habitat management plans, including to help identify threats and risks to biodiversity and help prioritise protection of important ecological values in our landscape. This 2023 map is an update of the ACT Vegetation Map 2018. Updates have been made to the urban fringe only where development has occurred, or knowledge has increased due to field inspection.This product will enable evidence-based decision-making at a broad regional, local and property planning scale in the ACT. It will also formulate a new baseline for future change detection in the landscape.Method: In the ACT Vegetation Map, native and derived vegetation across the entire ACT was classified into 64 plant communities using the classification described by Armstrong et al 2013, in addition to three newly described ACT specific communities (Baines et al 2013). Mapping was completed using aerial imagery and stereo pair interpretation (2012-2015), extensive field work, collation of consultant reports and supplemental structural and canopy height datasets extracted from the 2015 ACT LiDAR capture at 1-5m grid resolution (van Dijk et al 2017 - in draft). The work expands on the vegetation mapping completed for the Kowen, Majura and Jerrabomberra districts of the ACT (Baines et al 2013). The 2023 update used visual desktop inspection and manual vectorization of 2023 <10cm aerial imagery of Canberra and ACTGOV Cadastral information to update the urban fringe area where development has occurred.The product includes the following attributes :umcID – Upper Murrumbidgee Catchment vegetation ID (unique vegetation code)(after Armstrong et al 2013)vegCommunity – vegetation community name (after Armstrong et al 2013 and Baines et al 2013)tecACT - listing name of the ACT threatened ecological community (may require field inspection to verify)tecEPBC - listing name of the EPBC threatened ecological community (may require field inspection to verify)tecID - ID of ACT threatened ecological communityactConservationStatus - listing status of the vegetation community under the Nature Conservation ActepbcConservationStatus - listing status of the vegetation community under the EPBC ActpctCode - ACT plant community type codetreesp1-3 – dominant tree speciesshrubsp1-3 – dominant shrub speciesgroundsp1-3 – dominant ground cover speciescanopyCover – canopy cover % (based on 1m 2020 LiDAR canopy cover model)height_mean canopy height (>3m) (based on 1m 2020 LiDAR canopy height model)underCover – understory/shrub cover % (1-3m) (based on 1m 2020 LiDAR shrub model)structure – overall vegetation community structure – e.g. woodland, forest, grasslandformation – Keith Formation - broad classification of native vegetation type in NSW and ACT. Formation can be further divided into Keith Class (Keith 2004)class – Keith Class- vegetation class (Keith 2004).hectares - area of polygon unit in hectares.lastVegCommunity - community as it was last mapped (ACT Veg Map 2018)landscape - upland or lowlandgrassyStructure - whether the community is associated with a grass woodland, derived (other) or grassland community in its reference state e.g. secondary grassland associated with box gum woodland, exotic grassland that occurs within the original temperate grasslands.This product should be used in conjunction with ACT Soil Landscapes, Hydrogeology and Land hazard mapping available on ACTMapi, geological mapping provided by Geoscience Australia, and ACT derived LiDAR products including digital elevation model (DEM), slope and aspect (available CCBY 4.0).Updates: The product will be

Urban Habitat Connectivity Project (UHCP) Short description: A package of data containing potential habitat and fragmentation for seven species groups in the urban ACT. Each species group has two layer files. Connected habitat layers show potential core and corridor habitat for the species group, and connectivity/fragmentation between these habitat patches. Remnant patches layers contain areas which are predicted to be fragmented and inaccessible for the species group, but may be important for restoration activities. These layers are outputs of ecological connectivity modelling and have been developed using spatial data representing habitat and connectivity requirements specific to the species group. The following attributes are available in the data table for Connected Habitat layers: Species Group* - indicates the species group of interestPatch ID – a unique identifier for each ‘patch’ of connected habitat, an ID that is given to group all habitat areas which are predicted to be connected to each other.Habitat Type* – identifies if the polygon meets core or corridor habitat requirements, or if it is a remnant patch.Habitat Number – a numeric value linked to Habitat Type to support statistics and symbology. Core habitat has a value of 0 and corridor habitat has a value of 1.Patch Area (Ha)* – the area of the individual polygon in hectares.Connected Habitat Area (Ha) – the total area of potential habitat in the connected patch, determined by summing the Patch Area for all polygons with the same Patch ID.Shape area – the polygon’s area, calculated by default in meters squared.Shape length – the length of the line enclosing the polygon, calculated by default in meters squared. * Is also available in the data table for Remnant Patches layers. Spatial resolution: 1:10,000 Coordinate system: GDA2020 MGA zone 55 METHODS Data collection / creation: Spatial layers for habitat and barriers were created and input into a habitat connectivity/fragmentation model specifically designed for the species group. The model was developed using metrics derived from expert elicitation. These metrics quantified essential habitat and connectivity requirements for the species group, for example the preferred spacing of trees, the maximum crossable width of a road, the typical dispersal distance, etc. The model identified habitat and barriers to connectivity, based on the metrics which could be mapped. Habitat was delineated by patch size to determine core and corridor habitat, and to remove areas which are too small to be functional. The habitat type is visible in the attribute table of the data. Connectivity between habitat patches is dependent on the species group’s dispersal capacity and the availability of core habitat, suitable corridors and a path without barriers. To assess this core habitat areas were buffered by the species group’s dispersal distance. This identified how far an individual will move to find a new core habitat patch. Movement to this distance is dependent on a suitable path. All habitat was buffered by the distance the species can move outside habitat (through non-habitat areas). This identified how far an individual will move outside any habitat (core or corridor) before they require another habitat patch (i.e. how far they can travel between stepping stones).Connectivity is further complicated by impassable barriers. Barriers were used to slice up the dispersal buffers and identify ‘dispersal patches’, areas which an individual can move within. Fragmentation is seen when a barrier is present, patches are too far from core habitat, or corridor habitat is too far apart. A unique ID was applied to each patch and represents connectivity/fragmentation. The patches were intersected with habitat to apply the new ID to the habitat areas. The final model outputs identify areas of potential core, corridor or remnant (inaccessible) habitat. Core and corridor habitat are viewable in the connected habitat dataset, whilst remnant patches

Urban Habitat Connectivity Project (UHCP) Short description: A package of data containing potential habitat and fragmentation for seven species groups in the urban ACT. Each species group has two layer files. Connected habitat layers show potential core and corridor habitat for the species group, and connectivity/fragmentation between these habitat patches. Remnant patches layers contain areas which are predicted to be fragmented and inaccessible for the species group, but may be important for restoration activities. These layers are outputs of ecological connectivity modelling and have been developed using spatial data representing habitat and connectivity requirements specific to the species group. The following attributes are available in the data table for Connected Habitat layers: Species Group* - indicates the species group of interestPatch ID – a unique identifier for each ‘patch’ of connected habitat, an ID that is given to group all habitat areas which are predicted to be connected to each other.Habitat Type* – identifies if the polygon meets core or corridor habitat requirements, or if it is a remnant patch.Habitat Number – a numeric value linked to Habitat Type to support statistics and symbology. Core habitat has a value of 0 and corridor habitat has a value of 1.Patch Area (Ha)* – the area of the individual polygon in hectares.Connected Habitat Area (Ha) – the total area of potential habitat in the connected patch, determined by summing the Patch Area for all polygons with the same Patch ID.Shape area – the polygon’s area, calculated by default in meters squared.Shape length – the length of the line enclosing the polygon, calculated by default in meters squared. * Is also available in the data table for Remnant Patches layers. Spatial resolution: 1:10,000 Coordinate system: GDA2020 MGA zone 55 METHODS Data collection / creation: Spatial layers for habitat and barriers were created and input into a habitat connectivity/fragmentation model specifically designed for the species group. The model was developed using metrics derived from expert elicitation. These metrics quantified essential habitat and connectivity requirements for the species group, for example the preferred spacing of trees, the maximum crossable width of a road, the typical dispersal distance, etc. The model identified habitat and barriers to connectivity, based on the metrics which could be mapped. Habitat was delineated by patch size to determine core and corridor habitat, and to remove areas which are too small to be functional. The habitat type is visible in the attribute table of the data. Connectivity between habitat patches is dependent on the species group’s dispersal capacity and the availability of core habitat, suitable corridors and a path without barriers. To assess this core habitat areas were buffered by the species group’s dispersal distance. This identified how far an individual will move to find a new core habitat patch. Movement to this distance is dependent on a suitable path. All habitat was buffered by the distance the species can move outside habitat (through non-habitat areas). This identified how far an individual will move outside any habitat (core or corridor) before they require another habitat patch (i.e. how far they can travel between stepping stones).Connectivity is further complicated by impassable barriers. Barriers were used to slice up the dispersal buffers and identify ‘dispersal patches’, areas which an individual can move within. Fragmentation is seen when a barrier is present, patches are too far from core habitat, or corridor habitat is too far apart. A unique ID was applied to each patch and represents connectivity/fragmentation. The patches were intersected with habitat to apply the new ID to the habitat areas. The final model outputs identify areas of potential core, corridor or remnant (inaccessible) habitat. Core and corridor habitat are viewable in the connected habitat dataset, whilst remnant patches

ACT Climate refugia are core areas of the landscape most likely to support persistence of dominant trees, shrubs and grasses of the Capital Region under climate change.The data identify refugia expected to support climate sensitive species characteristic of each vegetation community, both now and into the future, based on distribution modelling using NARCLiM climate projections (MacKenzie et al 2019).The areas shown (refugia) highlight where the most stressed subset of dominant plant species today (i.e., common trees, shrubs and grasses modelled to lose >= 75% of their current distribution) are more likely to persist under a wide range of future climate scenarios. These refugia can be used to prioritise management actions to minimise further stresses to those communities (e.g. prescribed burning within tolerable fire intervals; climate-adaptive revegetation programs, etc). Note: Areas smaller than 0.5 hectares have been removed to enable quicker map drawing, contact officeofnatureconservation@act.gov.au for the full dataset, including ensemble forecasts for individual plant species (n=151).Source Technical Report:MacKenzie, J.B., G. Baines, L. Johnston & J. Seddon. 2019. Identifying biodiversity refugia under climate change in the ACT and region. Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate, ACT Government, Canberra. https://www.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/2539628/identifying-biodiversity-refugia-under-climate-change-in-the-act-and-region-2019.pdfMapped originally in GDA1994_MGA_Zone55, transformed to GDA2020_MGA_Zone55For use as a broad scale product, for example at 1:50,000 scale only. Please read the technical report for data caveats and limitations.

ACT Climate refugia are core areas of the landscape most likely to support persistence of dominant trees, shrubs and grasses of the Capital Region under climate change. The data identify refugia expected to support climate sensitive species characteristic of each vegetation community, both now and into the future, based on distribution modelling using NARCLiM climate projections (MacKenzie et al 2019). The areas shown (refugia) highlight where the most stressed subset of dominant plant species today (i.e., common trees, shrubs and grasses modelled to lose >= 75% of their current distribution) are more likely to persist under a wide range of future climate scenarios. These refugia can be used to prioritise management actions to minimise further stresses to those communities (e.g. prescribed burning within tolerable fire intervals; climate-adaptive revegetation programs, etc). Note: Areas smaller than 0.5 hectares have been removed to enable quicker map drawing, contact officeofnatureconservation@act.gov.au for the full dataset, including ensemble forecasts for individual plant species (n=151). Source Technical Report: MacKenzie, J.B., G. Baines, L. Johnston & J. Seddon. 2019. Identifying biodiversity refugia under climate change in the ACT and region. City and Environment Directorate, ACT Government, Canberra. https://www.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/2539628/identifying-biodiversity-refugia-under-climate-change-in-the-act-and-region-2019.pdf Mapped originally in GDA1994_MGA_Zone55, transformed to GDA2020_MGA_Zone55 For use as a broad scale product, for example at 1:50,000 scale only. Please read the technical report for data caveats and limitations.

Grasslands of the Territory include a rich assemblage of flora and fauna species that combine into a unique ecosystem. These grasslands are a priority for protection and management as they contribute to our natural biodiversity, our history and heritage, and local amenity and community. Natural Temperate Grasslands are an Endangered Ecological Community in the ACT (Nature Conservation Act 2014) and Critically Endangered Ecological Community under the EPBC Act 1999. Other native and exotic grasslands in the ACT can also have some conservation significance as they support important populations of threatened fauna and flora.Natural Temperate Grassland occurs in areas where few trees grow because of factors such as low temperatures, low rainfall and infertile or clay soils. Only 2% to 10% of the lower elevation grasslands in south-eastern Australia remain in high ecological condition, eight grassland species of the ACT are listed as endangered or vulnerable and some of the constituent plants and animals are under threat. Temperate grasslands are considered one of the most threatened Australian ecosystems. https://www.act.gov.au/environment/animals-and-plants/act-threatened-species. Extensive areas of native grassland in Namadgi National Park are to be field checked to determine whether they qualify as Natural Temperate Grassland. More information on threatened species occurring in grasslands in the ACT can be found at: https://www.act.gov.au/environment/animals-and-plants/act-threatened-speciesThe 2017 ACT Native Grassland Conservation Strategy and associated action plans guide the protection, management and restoration of native grasslands and its component species for the next 10 years. See a summary of the strategy. This strategy supersedes Action Plan 28 ACT Lowland Native Grassland Conservation Strategy (Environment ACT, 2005).Fit for purpose: This mapping is fit for use at a 1:10000 scale. Significant advances are being made towards a high resolution vegetation map for the ACT that is suitable for use at scales ranging from broad regional planning to local planning and property planning. However, Natural Temperate Grassland condition can fluctuate widely depending on seasonal conditions and thus boundaries and presence may fluctuate.Disclaimer: While all care is taken to ensure accuracy, the ACT Government does not warrant that the layers are free from error. © ACT Government

Urban Habitat Connectivity Project (UHCP) Short description: A package of data containing potential habitat and fragmentation for seven species groups in the urban ACT. Each species group has two layer files. Connected habitat layers show potential core and corridor habitat for the species group, and connectivity/fragmentation between these habitat patches. Remnant patches layers contain areas which are predicted to be fragmented and inaccessible for the species group, but may be important for restoration activities. These layers are outputs of ecological connectivity modelling and have been developed using spatial data representing habitat and connectivity requirements specific to the species group. The following attributes are available in the data table for Connected Habitat layers:,

Urban Habitat Connectivity Project (UHCP) Short description: A package of data containing potential habitat and fragmentation for seven species groups in the urban ACT. Each species group has two layer files. Connected habitat layers show potential core and corridor habitat for the species group, and connectivity/fragmentation between these habitat patches. Remnant patches layers contain areas which are predicted to be fragmented and inaccessible for the species group, but may be important for restoration activities. These layers are outputs of ecological connectivity modelling and have been developed using spatial data representing habitat and connectivity requirements specific to the species group. The following attributes are available in the data table for Connected Habitat layers: Species Group* - indicates the species group of interestPatch ID – a unique identifier for each ‘patch’ of connected habitat, an ID that is given to group all habitat areas which are predicted to be connected to each other.Habitat Type* – identifies if the polygon meets core or corridor habitat requirements, or if it is a remnant patch.Habitat Number – a numeric value linked to Habitat Type to support statistics and symbology. Core habitat has a value of 0 and corridor habitat has a value of 1.Patch Area (Ha)* – the area of the individual polygon in hectares.Connected Habitat Area (Ha) – the total area of potential habitat in the connected patch, determined by summing the Patch Area for all polygons with the same Patch ID.Shape area – the polygon’s area, calculated by default in meters squared.Shape length – the length of the line enclosing the polygon, calculated by default in meters squared. * Is also available in the data table for Remnant Patches layers. Spatial resolution: 1:10,000 Coordinate system: GDA2020 MGA zone 55 METHODS Data collection / creation: Spatial layers for habitat and barriers were created and input into a habitat connectivity/fragmentation model specifically designed for the species group. The model was developed using metrics derived from expert elicitation. These metrics quantified essential habitat and connectivity requirements for the species group, for example the preferred spacing of trees, the maximum crossable width of a road, the typical dispersal distance, etc. The model identified habitat and barriers to connectivity, based on the metrics which could be mapped. Habitat was delineated by patch size to determine core and corridor habitat, and to remove areas which are too small to be functional. The habitat type is visible in the attribute table of the data. Connectivity between habitat patches is dependent on the species group’s dispersal capacity and the availability of core habitat, suitable corridors and a path without barriers. To assess this core habitat areas were buffered by the species group’s dispersal distance. This identified how far an individual will move to find a new core habitat patch. Movement to this distance is dependent on a suitable path. All habitat was buffered by the distance the species can move outside habitat (through non-habitat areas). This identified how far an individual will move outside any habitat (core or corridor) before they require another habitat patch (i.e. how far they can travel between stepping stones).Connectivity is further complicated by impassable barriers. Barriers were used to slice up the dispersal buffers and identify ‘dispersal patches’, areas which an individual can move within. Fragmentation is seen when a barrier is present, patches are too far from core habitat, or corridor habitat is too far apart. A unique ID was applied to each patch and represents connectivity/fragmentation. The patches were intersected with habitat to apply the new ID to the habitat areas. The final model outputs identify areas of potential core, corridor or remnant (inaccessible) habitat. Core and corridor habitat are viewable in the connected habitat dataset, whilst remnant patches