Karri forest, Boranup, WA

NatureStates

A national framework for understanding, assessing and predicting ecosystem change

NatureStates brings together ecological knowledge, conceptual models and environmental data into a nationally consistent framework for describing ecosystem dynamics and pathways of change across Australia's landscapes.

As part of a broader vision for a National Ecosystem Assessment System for Australia, NatureStates provides a foundation for ecosystem assessment, restoration planning and predicting responses to environmental change.

Understanding how ecosystems change

Australia's ecosystems are dynamic. They change in response to fire, flood, drought, land management and other disturbances.

Understanding ecosystem condition, resilience and change requires an understanding of the natural dynamics of ecosystems and pathways of modification.

NatureStates organises ecological knowledge into a hierarchical framework that:

  1. 1Groups similar ecosystemsAggregate Ecosystem Groups
  2. 2Describes natural ecosystem dynamicsArchetype models
  3. 3Describes pathways of ecosystem modification and restorationState-and-transition models

Together, these components provide a common language for understanding and assessing ecosystem change across Australia.

Explore Australia's ecosystem groups

Aggregate Ecosystem Groups (AEGs) are broad ecosystem types derived from Australia's National Vegetation Information System (NVIS). They provide an entry point to NatureStates resources.

Each AEG contains one or more archetype models.

The map shows the distribution of Aggregate Ecosystem Groups across Australia. Select a region on the map, or a group from the list, to see its archetype models and booklets.

Map of Australia coloured by Aggregate Ecosystem Group

Choose an ecosystem groupSelect a coloured region on the map or a group from the list.

Map data: Richards A, Prober S, Liu N, Keith D, Newnham G, Williams K, Tetreault Campbell S, Schmidt B (2024) Spatial extent of the Australian Ecosystem Models Framework archetypes and ecosystem states at 250 m and 100 m resolution for Australia's terrestrial ecosystems: 1988 to 2022. v6. CSIRO. Data Collection. doi.org/10.25919/0es7-rk29

Ecosystem dynamics and pathways of change

Archetype models

Archetype models describe the characteristic dynamics of Australia's ecosystems, including their recovery responses following disturbances such as fire, flood, and drought.

These disturbance and recovery processes have typically operated over millennial to evolutionary timescales, including those shaped by Indigenous land management, and have influenced the adaptations of species and ecological communities.

Each archetype model represents ecosystems that share similar ecological dynamics and describes several expressions (transient variation in ecosystem characteristics) together with the drivers that influence change between them.

Show the archetype model diagramHide the archetype model diagram
Example archetype model: obligate-seeder eucalypt woodland.

State-and-transition models

State-and-transition models (STM) build on archetype models by depicting pathways of ecosystem modification and restoration associated with pressures such as land clearing, invasive species, grazing and altered disturbance regimes.

NatureStates has developed a series of nationally consistent STM templates for forests and woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands. These templates provide a common and consistent framework that can be adapted to specific ecosystems, regions and management contexts.

The templates support the development of ecosystem-specific STMs that integrate local ecological knowledge, monitoring data and management objectives.

Example states: eucalypt woodlands

Hover over a photo to see the state it represents, or select it to see it larger.

Close to reference tree layerModified tree layerHighly modified/absent tree layerCollapsed/transformer tree layerClose to reference shrub/ground layers
Close to reference tree layer with close to reference shrub/ground layers: York gum woodland, Korrelocking, WA
Close to reference tree layer with close to reference shrub/ground layersYork gum woodland, Korrelocking, WAPhoto: Suzanne Prober
Modified tree layer with close to reference shrub/ground layers: Semi-cleared poplar box woodland, Condobolin, NSW
Modified tree layer with close to reference shrub/ground layersSemi-cleared poplar box woodland, Condobolin, NSWPhoto: Suzanne Prober
Highly modified/absent tree layer with close to reference shrub/ground layers: Cleared grey box – yellow box woodland, Stockinbingal, NSW
Highly modified/absent tree layer with close to reference shrub/ground layersCleared grey box – yellow box woodland, Stockinbingal, NSWPhoto: Suzanne Prober
Collapsed/transformer tree layer with close to reference shrub/ground layers: Collapsing savanna woodland, Lockhart River, Qld
Collapsed/transformer tree layer with close to reference shrub/ground layersCollapsing savanna woodland, Lockhart River, QldPhoto: Suzanne Prober
Modified shrub/ground layers
Close to reference tree layer with modified shrub/ground layers: Yellow box woodland, Lexton, Vic
Close to reference tree layer with modified shrub/ground layersYellow box woodland, Lexton, VicPhoto: Suzanne Prober
Modified tree layer with modified shrub/ground layers: Semi-cleared York gum and jam woodland, WA wheatbelt
Modified tree layer with modified shrub/ground layersSemi-cleared York gum and jam woodland, WA wheatbeltPhoto: Suzanne Prober
Highly modified/absent tree layer with modified shrub/ground layers: Cleared white box woodland, NSW
Highly modified/absent tree layer with modified shrub/ground layersCleared white box woodland, NSWPhoto: Jacqui Stol
Collapsed/transformer tree layer with modified shrub/ground layers: Collapsed manna gum woodland, Monaro Tablelands, NSW
Collapsed/transformer tree layer with modified shrub/ground layersCollapsed manna gum woodland, Monaro Tablelands, NSWPhoto: Suzanne Prober
Highly modified shrub/ground layers
Close to reference tree layer with highly modified shrub/ground layers: Yellow box woodland, Bookham, NSW
Close to reference tree layer with highly modified shrub/ground layersYellow box woodland, Bookham, NSWPhoto: Suzanne Prober
Modified tree layer with highly modified shrub/ground layers: Semi-cleared yellow box – red gum woodland, Boorowa, NSW
Modified tree layer with highly modified shrub/ground layersSemi-cleared yellow box – red gum woodland, Boorowa, NSWPhoto: Suzanne Prober
Highly modified/absent tree layer with highly modified shrub/ground layers: Cleared white box woodland, Woodstock, NSW
Highly modified/absent tree layer with highly modified shrub/ground layersCleared white box woodland, Woodstock, NSWPhoto: Suzanne Prober
Collapsed/transformer tree layer with highly modified shrub/ground layers: Collapsed manna gum woodland, Tas
Collapsed/transformer tree layer with highly modified shrub/ground layersCollapsed manna gum woodland, TasPhoto: Suzanne Prober
Cultivated woodyCropsIntensively managed exotic pasturesArtificial surfaces and infrastructureIntensive land uses
Cultivated woody: Vineyard in cleared eucalypt woodland, Evandale, Tas
Cultivated woodyVineyard in cleared eucalypt woodland, Evandale, TasPhoto: Suzanne Prober
Crops: Canola crop in cleared salmon gum woodland, Kulin, WA
CropsCanola crop in cleared salmon gum woodland, Kulin, WAPhoto: Suzanne Prober
Intensively managed exotic pastures: Improved pasture in cleared wandoo woodland, Brookton, WA
Intensively managed exotic pasturesImproved pasture in cleared wandoo woodland, Brookton, WAPhoto: Suzanne Prober
Artificial surfaces and infrastructure: Mine pit in cleared salmon gum woodland, Ora Banda, WA
Artificial surfaces and infrastructureMine pit in cleared salmon gum woodland, Ora Banda, WAPhoto: Suzanne Prober
Show the state-and-transition model diagramsHide the state-and-transition model diagrams
The full state-and-transition model template.
Example state-and-transition model for Callitris woodlands of western NSW

Supporting better environmental decisions

NatureStates provides a nationally consistent knowledge framework that can support:

Nature Repair

Inform Nature Repair initiatives.

Evaluate restoration opportunities.

Examples

Accounts and Reporting

Support national ecosystem accounts.

Assess ecosystem condition consistently across Australia.

Examples

Climate Adaptation

Support climate adaptation planning.

Explore future ecosystem scenarios.

Examples

Land Management

Support decision-making across all land tenures and management contexts.

Integrate environmental monitoring and ecological knowledge.

Examples

NatureStates resources

14 groupsEcosystem GroupsBrowse all Aggregate Ecosystem Groups on the interactive map.Open the map 47 modelsArchetype ModelsCurrently 47 models across 14 Aggregate Ecosystem Groups are completed or in development.Browse the booklets 3 templatesState-and-transition Model TemplatesTemplates for forests and woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands.View templates Reports and guidancePublications and GuidanceThe Australian Ecosystem Models Framework, STM guidelines, technical reports and future releases.See publications

Booklets

NatureStates archetype models are published in a series of booklets. Each booklet describes the archetype models within one AEG. Select a group to view the archetype models it contains and where available, download the booklet.

Find an ecosystem group or archetype model

Status

Available Cover of the Callitris forests and woodlands booklet Callitris forests and woodlands 2 archetype models

Archetype models

  • Fire-intolerant Callitris forests and woodlands
  • Post-fire obligate seeder Callitris forests and woodlands
Download PDF →

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21126380

Available Cover of the Mallee woodlands and shrublands booklet Mallee woodlands and shrublands 4 archetype models

Archetype models

  • Chenopod or tussock grass mallee
  • Maalok
  • Mesic heathy mallee
  • Shrubby or Triodia mallee
Download PDF →

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21126933

Available Cover of the Eucalypt woodlands booklet Eucalypt woodlands 6 archetype models

Archetype models

  • Floodplain eucalypt forests and woodlands
  • Lowland temperate and subtropical resprouter shrub and grass eucalypt woodlands
  • Obligate seeder eucalypt woodlands
  • Temperate resprouter heathy eucalypt woodlands
  • Sub-alpine resprouter shrub and grass eucalypt woodlands
  • Wet-dry tropical eucalypt forests and woodlands
Download PDF →

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21126857

Available Cover of the Eucalypt forests booklet Eucalypt forests 3 archetype models

Archetype models

  • Coastal swamp sclerophyll forests
  • Resprouter eucalypt forests
  • Tall open obligate-seeder eucalypt forests
Download PDF →

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21127321

Available Cover of the Hummock grasslands booklet Hummock grasslands 1 archetype model

Archetype models

  • Hummock grasslands
Download PDF →

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21127038

Coming soon Cover of the Rainforests and vine thickets booklet Rainforests and vine thickets 6 archetype models

Archetype models

  • Littoral rainforests and coastal vine thickets
  • Semi-evergreen rainforests and vine thickets
  • Tropical and sub-tropical rainforests
  • Cool temperate rainforests
  • Warm temperate rainforests
  • Highland rainforest and scrub
Booklet coming soon

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21127286

Coming soon Cover of the Saltmarshes, mangroves and intertidal sediments booklet Saltmarshes, mangroves and intertidal sediments 1 archetype model

Archetype models

  • Mangrove, Saltmarsh and intertidal mudflats
Booklet coming soon

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21127313

Coming soon Cover of the Melaleuca forests and woodlands booklet Melaleuca forests and woodlands 2 archetype models

Archetype models

  • Very wet Melaleuca forests
  • Wet-dry Melaleuca forests
Booklet coming soon

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21127338

Coming soon Cover of the Heathlands and other shrublands booklet Heathlands and other shrublands 4 archetype models

Archetype models

  • Alpine heath
  • Coastal heath
  • Dry heathland and shrubland
  • Wet lowland heath
Booklet coming soon

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21127736

Coming soon Cover of the Tussock grasslands booklet Tussock grasslands 4 archetype models

Archetype models

  • Alpine grasslands
  • Coastal dune grasslands
  • Temperate mesic grasslands
  • Rainfall-pulse driven arid and semi-arid tussock grasslands
Booklet coming soon

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21127356

Coming soon Cover of the Casuarina forests and woodlands booklet Casuarina forests and woodlands 4 archetype models

Archetype models

  • Littoral dune Casuarina woodlands
  • Pulse-disturbance rainfall driven Casuarina woodlands
  • Riverine Casuarina woodlands
  • Swamp Oaks
Booklet coming soon

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21127374

Coming soon Cover of the Chenopod shrublands booklet Chenopod shrublands 2 archetype models

Archetype models

  • Dryland chenopod shrublands
  • Inland saline lake communities
Booklet coming soon

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21127392

Coming soon Cover of the Acacia forests, woodlands and shrublands booklet Acacia forests, woodlands and shrublands 7 archetype models

Archetype models

  • Floodplain Acacia forests and woodlands
  • Pindan
  • Fire-driven Acacia forests and woodlands
  • Rain-driven Acacia shrublands with pyric succession
  • Rain-driven, fire-promoted obligate-seeder Acacia woodlands and shrublands
  • Rain-driven resprouter Acacia forests and woodlands
  • Fire-intolerant Acacia woodlands
Booklet coming soon

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.21127403

A collaborative national effort

NatureStates combines expertise from TERN, CSIRO, domain experts, ecological modellers, monitoring specialists, Indigenous knowledge contributors and ecosystem assessment practitioners.

Featured researchers

Suzanne Prober

Anna Richards

Alison O'Donnell

Kristen Williams

Melissa Piper

+

Other contributing experts

Publications

Archetype booklets

  • SeriesThe NatureStates archetype model seriesOne booklet per Aggregate Ecosystem Group. 5 available, 8 coming soon.Browse booklets

State-and-transition model templates

  • PreprintTowards comparability among state-and-transition models: A set of generalised templates linked to ecosystem conditionProber SM, et al. In review.DOI
  • 2026Ecological Knowledge System: National ecosystem states template for the Nature Repair Market - Forests and woodlands. Version 1.0Murphy H, Prober S, Richards A, et al. CSIRO. Data Collection.DOI
  • 2026Ecological Knowledge System: National ecosystem states template for the Nature Repair Market - Shrublands. Version 1.0Murphy H, Prober S, Richards A, et al. CSIRO. Data Collection.DOI
  • 2026Ecological Knowledge System: National ecosystem states template for the Nature Repair Market - Grasslands. Version 1.0Murphy H, Prober S, Richards A, et al. CSIRO. Data Collection.DOI

Guidance

  • 2026Guide for expert elicitation of state-and-transition models. Version 1Richards AE, Moran C, Munroe SEM, et al. CSIRO. csiro:EP2026-0815DOI
  • 2026Guide for expert elicitation of state-and-transition models. Module 1: Climate change in the Ecological Knowledge SystemProber SM, Luxton S, Murphy HT, et al. CSIRO, in partnership with the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and WaterDOI
  • 2026The Climate Change Directory for Australia's Nature Repair MarketProber SM, Luxton SJ, Williams KJ, et al. CSIRO, in partnership with the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and WaterDOI

Technical reports

  • 2026State-and-transition models for western NSW: Fire-intolerant Callitris woodlandsProber SM, Richards AE, Luxton S, et al. A technical report for the Ecological Knowledge System project. CSIRO, in partnership with the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Data collection.View
  • 2026The Ecological Knowledge System for the Nature Repair Market. Technical report. Version 2Murphy HT, Munroe SEM, Ferrier S, et al. CSIRO, in partnership with the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and WaterDOI
  • 2020The Australian Ecosystem Models Framework project: A conceptual frameworkRichards AE, Dickson F, Williams KJ, et al. CSIRODOI

Related outputs

  • 2026State and transition model for freshwater herbaceous wetlands in mesic savanna regions of the Northern TerritoryDe Mello K, Richards A, Garcia EA, et al. CSIRO, Darwin. csiro:EP2026-4332. Built using the NatureStates archetype and STM templates.DOI
  • Restoring landscape resilience: safeguarding mallee birds and their habitats from compounding threatsNESP Resilient Landscapes Hub. Fact sheet.View
  • Ecosystem models for the Ecological Knowledge SystemCSIRO website.Visit

Contribute to NatureStates

Interested in contributing ecological knowledge, testing models or exploring applications?

Opportunities include expert review, collaboration, regional STM development, ecosystem assessment partnerships, research projects and application testing.

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