The influences of climate, habitat and fire on the distribution of cockatoo grass (Alloteropsis semialata) (Poaceae) in the Wet Tropics of northern Australia

Cockatoo grass (Alloteropsis semialata) thrives in the drier regions of the sclerophyll ecotone between open woodland and tall open forest, showing high resilience to fire with increased density and flowering post-burn. This keystone species, crucial for endangered vertebrates like the northern bettong, benefits from reduced litter cover and competition from other grass species due to management practices such as prescribed burning. Regional climate modeling revealed that cockatoo grass prefers drier conditions within this habitat range. The study integrated local-scale field observations with regional environmental data to assess how soil moisture, nutrient levels, and competing plant species influence its distribution and abundance.

Bateman, B. L., & Johnson, C. N. (2011). The influences of climate, habitat and fire on the distribution of cockatoo grass (Alloteropsis semialata) (Poaceae) in the Wet Tropics of northern Australia. Australian Journal of Botany, 59(4), 315–323. https://doi.org/10.1071/bt10266