Tasmanian dry sclerophyll forests

[2] Poor nutrient availability in the soil and low rainfall in these areas make it difficult for most species to survive.

The large, dominant Eucalypts grow far less dense than in wet sclerophyll forests, increasing the light availability to understory plants and shrubs.

Few understory plants are found in these communities and are usually restricted to drought-tolerant acacia species and the native cherry (Exocarpus cupressiformis).

The increase in light availability allows the Eucalypts to have greater floristic diversity than found in wet sclerophyll forests.

If fire is infrequent the forest understory structure will change as sedge species have high light requirements that are not met when the canopy becomes dense.

The dominance of sedges in these communities is caused by their rapid vegetative colonisation after fire, occurring by sprouting from their underground root system.

Typical species include cutting grass (Gahnia grandis), sword sedge (Lepidosperma sp.

This forest type often contains similar species to those found in wet sclerophyll sites such as the native cherry (Exocarpus cupressiformis), wattles (Acacia sp.

Arboreal species such as the possum may also be found in these communities, as well as numerous birds and reptiles including skinks and the blue-tongued lizard.

[3] Dry sclerophyll forests in Tasmania are populated with Eucalyptus species that rely on fire for regeneration.

Clear felling in dry sclerophyll forests is rarely recommended due to the wastage of pre-existing advance growth, problems with establishing regeneration, maintenance and protection of non-wood values and aesthetics.