Hosted by Charles Sturt University, Albury Ecological sustainability of grazed landscapes on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales Nick Reid, Andrew Boulton, Rosemary Nott and Chris Chilcott . Division of Ecosystem Management, School of Rural Science and Natural Resources, University of New England, Armidale NSW 2351. Native pastures have been modified by grazing, burning and fertiliser use. Since 1980, terms of trade and drier seasons have led to reduced inputs, sown pasture decline, and increased interest in native pastures.
Soil degradation is widespread and probably increasing.
Trees affect the hydrology, soil structure, biota and fertility, and understorey composition of grazed landscapes, and are potentially more retentive of precipitation and nutrients than pasture. Most native mammal species have declined, especially since the arrival of foxes, although largely intact communities persist along the eastern escarpment in the presence of dingoes. Birds have fared better, but woodland species are threatened by dieback, lack of habitat regeneration due to grazing, and clearing. Rare herbs are confined to ungrazed reserves, while exotic herbs have increased under a variety of disturbances. With landholder commitment, community support and appropriate research and development, the variegated land scapes of the Northern Tablelands may conserve most of the indigenous biota in association with commercial grazing.