Biodiversity information tools used in Victoria’s
native vegetation permitted clearing regulations
Fact sheet
Victoria’s native vegetation permitted clearing regulations
use mapped and modelled information as a key input for
planning and decision making. To assist this process
biodiversity information tools have been developed that can
measure impacts, inform decision making and determine
offset obligations relating to the removal of native
vegetation. This fact sheet provides an overview of these
biodiversity information tools and how they are applied in
the regulations.
The maps explained in this fact sheet are:
 Strategic biodiversity map
 Native vegetation condition map
 Habitat importance maps for rare or threatened species.
For information on the Native vegetation location risk map
see Permit to remove native vegetation risk-based pathways
fact sheet.
Strategic biodiversity map
What is the Strategic biodiversity map?
The Strategic biodiversity map provides a representation of
the biodiversity importance of each location in Victoria,
relative to other locations across the landscape. The
Strategic biodiversity map is a modelled layer that prioritises
the importance of locations on the basis of rarity and level of
depletion of vegetation type, rare and threatened species
habitats, and condition of native vegetation. The Strategic
biodiversity map is used to determine the strategic
biodiversity score at a specific location.
How was the Strategic biodiversity map created?
The Strategic biodiversity map was created using the
Department of Environment and Primary Industries’ (DEPI)
NaturePrint approach. The NaturePrint approach involves
ranking locations across Victoria for their importance to the
state’s biodiversity using Zonation conservation planning
software.
Further information on NaturePrint can be found at
http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/environment-andwildlife/biodiversity/natureprint.
The inputs into the Strategic biodiversity map included
species habitat distribution models for rare and threatened
species, models of vegetation types in Victoria and the
native vegetation condition map.
To develop the Strategic biodiversity map the analysis
started in locations with the least biodiversity value and then
identified the location with the next lowest level of
biodiversity value. This process continues until there is a
complete ranking of locations across the state.
The biodiversity value that informed the ranking was based
on the current rarity and level of depletion of species habitat
and vegetation types in a location, compared to presettlement levels. The species considered were those listed
on the DEPI Threatened Species Advisory Lists. The
condition of native vegetation at a location also informed the
ranking. As the ranking progresses, the process is designed
to maintain representation of rare or threatened species
habitats and vegetation types, according to their presettlement proportions.
This analysis results in:
 the areas with little biodiversity value amongst the lowest
ranked locations, for example areas containing no native
vegetation
 the most degraded and poorly located examples of the
most common habitat or vegetation type in the middle of
the ranking, and
 the best and the most well connected examples of rare
and threatened species habitats and vegetation types
across the state in the higher ranked locations. This
means that some locations with native vegetation in low
condition are in the higher ranks because they provide
strategic links for habitats, or are the best remaining
habitat for certain species.
The NaturePrint analysis ranked every location in Victoria
from 0 to 100. This initial ranking provided a uniform
distribution of the biodiversity values throughout the ranking.
However, the biodiversity value of locations is known to
increase in a non-linear fashion towards the higher ranks.
For example, a location ranked 80 (out of 100) is likely to be
significantly more than twice the biodiversity value of a
location ranked 40. Therefore, a uniform distribution of the
ranking does not allow direct arithmetic comparisons of
biodiversity value between locations.
assigned value 0.10 reflects the minimum value that would
be expected in the Strategic biodiversity map for locations
where native vegetation is present. Strategic biodiversity
map version 2A, while based on the same ranking of
locations across Victoria as Strategic biodiversity map
version 2, ranges only from 0.10 to 1.
To address this the 0 to 100 ranking of each location was
squared and then converted to a score between 0 and 1.
The result of this calculation is the strategic biodiversity
score. The strategic biodiversity score enables locations
across the state to be more simply compared. A location
with a strategic biodiversity score of 0.80 is considered to be
twice as important for Victoria’s biodiversity as a location
with a strategic biodiversity score of 0.40. The Strategic
biodiversity map is a mapped representation of the strategic
biodiversity scores.
Strategic biodiversity map version 2A is used:
to calculate offset requirements for the removal of

native vegetation.
How is the Strategic biodiversity map used in the
permitted clearing regulations?
The strategic biodiversity score is used in the permitted
clearing regulations in the following ways:
 when considering and assessing steps undertaken to
minimise the impact of native vegetation removal on
biodiversity
 to calculate general offset requirements for the removal
of native vegetation
 to calculate general credits available from an offset site
 to determine the required minimum strategic biodiversity
score for a general offset.
Why are there two versions of the Strategic
biodiversity map and how are each of these
used?
There are two versions of the Strategic biodiversity map –
Strategic biodiversity map version 2 (NVR2013_SBS_v2)
and Strategic biodiversity map version 2A
(NVR2013_SBS_v2A). These versions have different uses
in the regulations.
Strategic biodiversity map version 2
Strategic biodiversity map version 2 is a complete ranking of
locations across Victoria. The range of values in this data
layer is 0 to 1. This means that there are locations in
Victoria that have a strategic biodiversity score of zero. Zero
or very low scores in the Strategic biodiversity map
commonly indicate the absence of native vegetation.
Strategic biodiversity map version 2 is used:
 to calculate general credits available from an offset site
 to determine the eligibility of credits in providing offsets
for a particular clearing instance.
Strategic biodiversity map version 2A
Due to limitations in the mapping of native vegetation extent,
it is possible for the Strategic biodiversity map version 2 to
assume a score of zero in locations where native vegetation
is in fact present. If this occurred where a landholder wished
to remove native vegetation, the offset units required would
also be equal to zero.
To address this potential issue very low scores have been
removed from the map and a minimum score of 0.10 has
been assigned to all locations that have a value below 0.10
in the original strategic biodiversity score ranking. The
Native vegetation condition map
What is the Native vegetation condition map?
The Native vegetation condition map is a modelled layer of
how close native vegetation in a location is to its mature
natural state, as represented by a benchmark reflecting presettlement attributes of the native vegetation type.
How was the Native vegetation condition map
created?
There are two stages to the process of creating the Native
vegetation condition map. First, a model was generated to
determine the condition benchmark of vegetation types in
Victoria. The condition benchmarks consist of data of
environmental attributes for each vegetation type across
Victoria. Attributes of vegetation types in very good
condition were used to establish the pre-settlement
condition benchmarks. The condition benchmarks for each
vegetation type were then extrapolated to all locations
where that vegetation type would have existed across the
state pre-settlement. All locations across Victoria were
assigned a vegetation type with condition benchmark
scores.
Second, a model of the current environmental attributes of
native vegetation was developed based on data from a large
number of sites, and a range of other environmental data.
These attributes were then compared to those from the
relevant vegetation type condition benchmarks to arrive at a
condition score. The condition score represents how closely
the current environmental attributes of a site compare to the
pre-settlement condition benchmark for its vegetation type.
If the condition at the location reflects the benchmark
exactly, the location will have a score of 1.00. A site that has
a condition score of 0.50 is half the condition of its
pre-settlement state.
How is the Native vegetation condition map used
in the permitted clearing regulations?
The condition score from the Native vegetation condition
map is used in the permitted clearing regulations in the
following ways:
 as an input to the creation of the Strategic biodiversity
map
 to calculate offset requirements for the removal of native
vegetation when an application to remove native
vegetation is in the low risk-based pathway
 to calculate general credits available on a first party
general offset site.
Why are there two versions of Native vegetation
condition map and how are each of these used?
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The Native vegetation condition map has two versions –
Native vegetation condition map version 2
(NVR2013_COND_v2) and Native vegetation condition map
version 2A (NVR2013_COND_v2A). These versions have
different uses in the regulations.
Native vegetation condition map version 2
The Native vegetation condition map version 2 displays
condition scores for locations with native vegetation across
Victoria. The range of values in this data layer is 0 to 1. This
means that there are locations in Victoria that have a
condition score of zero. This map was developed based on
native vegetation extent mapping, with values of zero
representing locations that have been mapped as having no
native vegetation.
The Native vegetation condition map version 2 is used:
 to calculate general credits available on a first party
general offset site.
Native vegetation condition map version 2A
Limitations in the native vegetation condition and extent
mapping may lead to the Native vegetation condition map
version 2 showing a value of zero when native vegetation is
in fact present. To address this issue the Native vegetation
condition map version 2A was developed.
The Native vegetation condition map version 2A is based on
the same analysis as Native vegetation condition map
version 2. However, locations that are mapped as having no
native vegetation are assigned a score of 0.20. This value
represents the lowest condition score expected at a location
where native vegetation is present.
Native vegetation condition map version 2A is used:
 to calculate offset requirements for the removal of native
vegetation when an application to remove native
vegetation is in the low risk-based pathway. Native
vegetation condition map version 2A has been created
specifically for this purpose.
Habitat importance maps for rare or
threatened species habitat
Why are maps of species habitat useful?
Species habitat importance maps are developed from
information of observed site records for a species and
environmental predictors present where the species was
recorded. Species maps were developed with information
from across the state, considering more than what has
been, and can be, observed at a particular site. Therefore,
they can give a more comprehensive understanding of what
areas may be suitable habitat for a species, compared to
relying solely on site records or site surveys. Species maps
provide a view of total suitable habitat remaining for that
species and can assist in understanding the importance of
habitat at a particular location, relative to other areas of
habitat.
removal of native vegetation.
Which rare or threatened species have habitat
importance maps?
The species considered in the native vegetation permitted
clearing regulations are the rare or threatened species listed
in DEPI’s threatened species advisory lists as follows:
 DEPI’s Advisory List of Rare or Threatened Plants in
Victoria as ‘endangered’, ‘vulnerable’, or ‘rare’, but does
not include the ‘poorly known’ category
 DEPI’s Advisory List of Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in
Victoria as ‘critically endangered’, ‘endangered’ or
‘vulnerable’, but does not include ‘near threatened’ or
‘data deficient’ categories
 DEPI’s Advisory List of Threatened Invertebrate Fauna
in Victoria as ‘critically endangered’, ‘endangered’ or
‘vulnerable’, but does not include ‘near threatened’ or
‘data deficient’ categories.
There are 2,029 rare or threatened taxa that are considered
to be relevant to the native vegetation permitted clearing
regulations, as their habitat could be directly impacted by
the removal of native vegetation. There is currently sufficient
information available for 1,778 of these taxa to allow their
habitat to be mapped and be considered in the permit
decision-making process.
Habitats for rare or threatened species are divided into two
groups, highly localised habitats and dispersed habitats,
depending on how much suitable habitat is remaining for the
species:
 Highly localised habitats for rare or threatened species –
these habitats are very limited in extent and typically are
also geographically highly restricted. The area of habitat
for one species covers less than 2,000 hectares.1
 Dispersed habitats for rare or threatened species –
these habitats are less limited in extent and less
restricted than highly localised habitats. Dispersed
habitats often arise where originally widespread habitats
have become depleted and fragmented.
Of the 1,778 mapped taxa considered in the permit
decision-making process:
 955 are classified as having highly localised habitats
 823 are classified as having dispersed habitats.
Details of the species considered in the native vegetation
permitted clearing regulations are set out in the List of
habitat importance maps used in the permitted clearing
regulations - version 1.0. The list provides information about
the species habitats that are considered in the regulations,
the type of habitat importance map used, the area of habitat
and whether a species’ habitat is highly localised or
dispersed. Table 1 provides an example of some of the
information provided in this list.
For these reasons, species maps are useful for assessing
individual instances of native vegetation removal in the
broader context of a species’ habitat across the state.
The habitat importance maps for rare or threatened species
are used to assess impacts on these species from the
1
This threshold is based on the area of occupancy threshold for the
IUCN Red List VU D2 criterion
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Table 1. Example of the List of habitat importance maps used in the permitted clearing regulations - version 1.0.
TAXON_
ID
COMM_NAME
SCI_NAME
10186
Intermediate
Egret
Ardea
intermedia
503631
Green Wattle
Acacia irrorata
subsp. irrorata
Victorian
Advisory List
status
Species
considered in
native
vegetation
permitted
clearing
regulations September
2013
Dispersed
or highly
localised
habitat
Data type used to
create habitat
importance maps
- September 2013
Range of
modelled
habitat
(25m grid)
Endangered
Yes
Dispersed
Habitat importance
model
500,000 1,000,000
ha
Vulnerable
Yes
Highly
localised
Habitat distribution
model & points
< 2,000 ha
Further information about the creation of the habitat
importance maps can be found in Biodiversity information
tools for use in native vegetation decisions – Explanatory
document.
How have the rare or threatened species habitat
importance maps been created?
Rare or threatened species habitat importance maps are
based on either habitat importance models, habitat
distribution models or buffered site record data, or a
combination of these methods.
Site records used in the habitat importance maps are known
records of species presence taken from the Victorian
Biodiversity Atlas (VBA). All records considered were
entered in the VBA after 1970 and are accurate up to 100
metres.
Habitat distribution models are generated using site records.
This data is combined with information about environmental
predictors, including climate information and topography,
across Victoria and extrapolated to create a model of
potential habitat for the species at the time of European
settlement.
Native vegetation extent mapping is then used to identify
areas where habitat is still present. Each habitat distribution
model shows the relative likelihood that a location is suitable
species habitat, ranging from highly likely to highly unlikely
(i.e. the model is a continuous index of suitability).
Thresholds are applied to the models such that only likely
and highly likely suitable habitat is shown. This process
creates a habitat distribution model.
Habitat importance maps for dispersed species
All habitat importance maps for dispersed species are
based on habitat distribution models of their habitat.
The model is ranked based on a combination of landscape
context and habitat suitability to generate a habitat
importance map. This ranking is determined from a model
and generates what is often referred to as a habitat
importance model. For the purposes of the native vegetation
permitted clearing regulations, these models are referred to
as habitat importance maps.
For dispersed habitats, many locations contribute to
providing habitat for a species and there is merit in
discriminating between the relative contribution of each
location. As a result, a continuous index of importance is
applied to the model that gives a habitat importance score
ranging from 0 to 1. The habitat importance map for a
dispersed species represents its likely and highly likely
habitat and the habitat importance scores within this habitat.
Habitat importance maps for highly localised habitats
Where data is adequate the habitat importance map for
highly localised habitats is based on habitat distribution
models. Buffered site records for the species are also added
to the habitat distribution models to create the habitat
importance map. Each site record is represented by a 75m
by 75m grid square in the maps. The buffered site records
were added because in some limited instances site records
existed outside the habitat distribution model once the
threshold was applied and non-native vegetation excluded.
As highly localised habitats are small in area, it is important
that a comprehensive view of likely habitat is considered.
Where there is insufficient data to model a highly localised
habitat, the habitat importance map is based only on site
records with buffers.
All locations on the habitat importance maps for highly
localised habitat are considered to be equally important for
that species, therefore a continuous index of importance is
not applied. All locations that are mapped as habitat are
assigned a habitat importance score of 1.
For highly localised habitats that are represented by the
buffering of site records only, all records are considered
equally important and are assigned a value of 1 in the
habitat importance map.
Table 2 summarises the methods of development and
ranking used in generating the habitat importance maps.
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Table 2. Summary of development of habitat importance maps
Type of habitat
Inputs to habitat importance
map development
Dispersed
habitats
Habitat distribution model
Yes, based on likelihood of being suitable habitat, and landscape
context. Locations given a score from 0 to 1
823
Habitat distributions models,
plus buffered site records
No, all habitat is considered of equal importance. All locations
given a score of 1
482
Buffered site records
No, all habitat is considered of equal importance. All locations
given a score of 1
473
Highly localised
habitats
Ranking
How are habitat maps and models used in the
native vegetation permitted clearing regulations?
Habitat importance maps are used in the permitted clearing
regulations in the following ways:
 As the primary input to the Native vegetation location
risk map. The Native vegetation location risk map plays
a key role in the determination of the risk-based pathway
for applications for native vegetation removal and their
assessment. See Permitted clearing of native vegetation
– Risk-based pathways Fact sheet for further information
about how this map was created.
 As an input to the analysis underpinning the Strategic
biodiversity map. The Strategic biodiversity map
identifies the biodiversity value of a location relative to all
other locations across the Victoria. Habitat distribution
models for rare and threatened species are used in this
analysis and contribute to understanding the value of a
location.
 To assist in decision making and assessment of
moderate and high risk-based pathway permit
applications. Habitat importance maps used to assess
the significance of the impact of the proposed removal of
native vegetation on a species’ habitat, and to ensure
that steps taken to minimise impacts have regard to
habitat for rare or threatened species.
 To determine offset requirements for moderate and high
risk-based pathway permit applications. If an application
for the removal of native vegetation is assessed in the
moderate or high risk-based pathway the habitat
importance maps are used to determine if the removal
will have a significant impact on any rare or threatened
species habitat.
 To determine suitable locations for specific offsets.
Specific offset requirements for a species must be
located within habitat for that species.
What are the limitations of the habitat importance
maps?
Because site records, an essential input to the mapping, do
not always comprehensively represent the environmental
range of a species, habitat importance maps may over or
under-emphasise the importance of some locations as
habitat.
The two approaches used to address this issue are:
 modelling techniques have been employed to reduce the
influence of having many records in one area and not
many records in another on the models of habitat. For
example, more remote areas often have less records.
 the coverage of records has been broadened (e.g. over
10,000 new records were incorporated as part of DEPI’s
response to the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission
recommendations).
Number of
species
A review and update of the habitat importance maps is
expected to be undertaken during 2014. The review will
include all new records in the VBA. Subsequent updates of
the habitat importance maps will occur periodically.
Native vegetation extent mapping, an input into the habitat
importance maps that were developed from habitat
distribution models, was updated in 2013 based on 2010
satellite information. As a result, the map is a significant
improvement on previous versions, although it does not
include changes since 2010. Like any map, it has limitations
due to scale, particularly in discriminating between native
and non-native vegetation in small areas (often on urban
edges) and in identifying isolated trees. To address this
issue refinement of the extent map was undertaken for its
release in September 2013. Further updating will be
undertaken during 2014.
Why could there be a site record for a species at
a location that contains native vegetation but this
location is not mapped as habitat on its habitat
importance map?
In some cases, known site records will not appear in the
habitat importance map for a species.
Some of the reasons that this may occur are:
1. The site record was entered in the VBA prior to 1970.
Data prior to this date has been excluded from the
mapping.
2. The site record has a low level of locational accuracy.
The mapping only uses site records that are accurate up
to 100 metres.
3. The site record was used in the modelling for a
dispersed species habitat but the location was not
included in the habitat importance map when it was
thresholded for likely and highly likely habitat. Note that
this issue does not relate to highly localised habitats as
site records are put back onto the map after any
thresholding. All relevant site records for species with
highly localised habitats are included in their habitat
importance maps.
4. The site record is located at a site that has been
incorrectly mapped as non-native vegetation using the
native vegetation extent mapping, and therefore is not
considered in the dispersed species habitat importance
maps. Note that this is not an issue for highly localised
habitats. All relevant site records for species with highly
localised habitats are included in their habitat importance
maps, regardless of whether they are in mapped native
or non-native vegetation locations.
5. The site record was entered in the VBA after the export
of data occurred for the creation of the habitat
importance maps. In these cases, the site record will be
considered when the map is next updated, if it meets
data quality assurance standards.
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Reasons 1 to 3 relate to the methodology used to develop
the maps, the exclusion of site records for any of these
reasons reflects necessary data quality management and
prioritisation. The loss of some site records as a result of
this is expected.
Reasons 4 and 5 relate to data limitations. These will be
addressed by incorporating updated site record data when
periodically updating the habitat importance maps and the
native vegetation extent map.
What happens when a species is observed at a
location that has native vegetation but this
location is not mapped as habitat on its habitat
importance map?
It is possible that a species might be observed in an area
that is not represented in its habitat importance map. This
may occur for the following reasons:
1. The habitat importance maps are not intended to be
exhaustive representations of every location in Victoria
that could be habitat for a species. The maps only
display the most likely areas of habitat, so areas that
are considered to be degraded, not important habitat or
not likely or highly likely habitat for a species may be
excluded from the map.
2. Areas that are not mapped as native vegetation are
excluded from the habitat importance maps. Habitat
could have been excluded from the model erroneously
due to limitations in the native vegetation extent
mapping.
3. Gaps in the species presence data may have resulted
in locations that would otherwise be considered suitable
habitat not being included in the maps.
Reason 1 relates to the methodology used to develop the
maps and the exclusion of some site records is expected as
a result of this process.
Reasons 2 and 3 relate to data limitations and can be
addressed by augmenting site record data and native
vegetation extent mapping, and periodically updating the
habitat importance maps to incorporate new information so
that the maps best reflect the habitat for a species.
For the purposes of the native vegetation permitted clearing
regulations the habitat importance maps determine whether
a site is habitat for a rare or threatens species. Species
observations at the site are not considered when assessing
an application for a planning permit to remove native
vegetation.
Published by the Victorian Government Department of Environment and
Primary Industries Melbourne, December 2013.
© The State of Victoria Department of Environment and Primary Industries
Melbourne 2013.
This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process
except in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
ISBN 978-1-74326-666-3 (pdf)
What happens when a species is not observed at
a location that is mapped as habitat on its habitat
importance map?
The reasons that a species may not be observed at a
location that is mapped as habitat on its habitat importance
map are as follows:
1. Seasonal variation, migration or natural events may
result in a species not being observed in a location
mapped as its habitat at particular time.
2. The location it not currently used as habitat but
because of its environmental characteristics it could be
suitable habitat in the future.
3. The location was previously suitable habitat for the
species but due to changes in its environmental
characteristics, which are not yet reflected in the input
data, it is no longer suitable habitat.
4. Limitations in the inputs to the habitat importance map,
including the native vegetation extent map, may have
resulted in locations being incorrectly identified as
suitable habitat.
Reason 1 and 2 relate to the methodology and intent of the
development of the habitat importance maps. The maps aim
to represent suitable habitat, based on the locations species
would be expected to use as habitat. This means they
provide a more comprehensive understanding of rare or
threatened species habitats than observations, or lack of
observations, at a site at a particular point in time.
Reason 3 and 4 relates to limitations in the method and
input data for the habitat importance maps. These will be
addressed when the maps are reviewed and updated to
incorporate new data, improved analytical methods and
known impacts.
For the purposes of the native vegetation permitted clearing
regulations the habitat importance maps determine whether
a site is habitat for a rare or threatened species. The lack of
species observations at a site is not considered when
assessing an application for a planning permit to remove
native vegetation.
How do I access habitat importance maps used
in the permitted clearing regulations?
Habitat importance maps for use with Geospatial
Information Systems (GIS) software can be requested by
sending an email to data.vsdl@depi.vic.gov.au.
The maps are accompanied by the List of habitat
importance maps used in the permitted clearing regulations
version 1.0. A simplified version of this list and all
information and documents referenced in this fact sheet can
be accessed at:
http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/nativevegetation.
Accessibility
If you would like to receive this publication in an alternative format,
please telephone DEPI Customer Service Centre 136 186, email
customer.service@depi.vic.gov.au (or relevant address), via the National
Relay Service on 133 677 www.relayservice.com.au This document is
also available on the internet at www.depi.vic.gov.au
Disclaimer
This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its
employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind
or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims
all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you
relying on any information in this publication.
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