Compilation of Floristic Data
We sourced a total of 7541 floristic plot samples from a database compiled and administered by the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE, 2019). These comprised all survey data collected in (or within 25 km of) the South East Highlands and Australian Alps Bioregions which met the following criteria: i) the sample location was recorded with an accuracy of < c.100m; ii) the sample area was 0.04 ha; and iii) all vascular plant species were recorded. Individual species records were reviewed and modified to resolve inconsistencies in taxonomy (see Methods in Tozer et al ., 2010). Taxa identified only at the generic level were removed along with records of naturalised species. Cover-abundance scores were transformed to presence-absence to eliminate the possible effects of bias in cover-abundance estimates by different observers. This transformation was considered an appropriate strategy to achieve a balance between information-loss and maximising the pool of available data in circumstances where the data set is both large and likely to be heterogeneous (Goodall, 1978).