Dryland communities

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Dryland Communities

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Dryland short tussock communities were once commonly found at altitudes below 500m. In Otago, most have already been converted to orchards or pasture. However, dryland tussock communities can be found in areas where such developments have not occured (i.e. where irrigation has not taken place), albeit in a severely depleted condition as a result of over-grazing by rabbits and stock. The community however, is being replaced by thyme and scabweed (Raoulia australis), and dwarf grassland communities. Very few small remnants of dryland short tussock grassland remain.

for information on actual sites where dryland short tussock grassland communities are found

There are five main dryland grassland communities.

Botanical, ecological and management information for each tussock grassland type is provided. Chose the type of information you need, and click on the appropriate button in the table below.