STEP - Conservation Status

The conservation status of each vegetation type in the Stepveg5 GIS layer (see Lombard, Wolf and Cole 2003). The conservation status was calculated based on the target area required for each feature, and the amount of that feature still remaining (the extant amount). Where a feature can no longer meet its targets (because of previous habitat transformation) it is classed as Critically Endangered. At the other extreme, a feature that has much more extant habitat than is needed to meet its target, is considered Currently Not Vulnerable. (See Cowling et al. 2003 for details) Purpose: Created for the Subtropical Thicket Ecosystem Planning Project, in order to identify spatial priorities for conservation action in the Thicket Biome.