Layer of regional key habitats for fauna of the Upper North East and Lower North East NSW CRA regions. Modelled distributions for priority forest fauna were subjected to a pattern analysis technique to derive species assemblages and their predicted distributions. Key habitats (core habitats and hot spots) were then derived from the predicted assemblage distributions. Maps of another fauna key habitat type, centres of endemism, were generated for the UNE and LNE CRA studies (see appropriate metadata statement). The three fauna key habitat types were combined into one map layer. The final key habitats map layer is a regional representation displaying the likelihood of occurrence of key habitats for fauna consolidated at the regional scale. The mapping and derivation has been based on state-of-the-art data and GIS tools combined with qualitative interpretation based on ecological principles and expertise. As of April 2001, the mapping has not been formally field tested and the methods have not been peer-reviewed outside several conference and workshop presentations, all well received. A journal paper and project report are in preparation.

The Nandewar corridors have been identified at a regional scale with the aim of retaining and restoring part of the natural connectivity required for vertebrate fauna conservation in the region (Andren 2004). They link the key habitats of the region via both regional corridors and potential subregional corridors and also connect with the north-east NSW corridors.