Regional ecosystem details for 11.3.1
| Regional ecosystem | 11.3.1 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Endangered |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Endangered |
| Subregion | 11, 37, 7, 3, 6, 5, (31), (8), (15), (10), (13), (18), (21), (2), (4), (14), (20), (9), (19), (33), (24), (17), (16), (12), (6.2), (35), (27), (29), (36), (32), (23), (26), (34), (1), (4.4), (9.4), (10.2), (22), (6.1), (10.4), (6.3), (10.3) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 785000 ha; Remnant 2021 80000 ha |
| Short description | Acacia harpophylla and/or Casuarina cristata open forest on alluvial plains |
| Structure code | Open Forest |
| Description | Acacia harpophylla and/or Casuarina cristata open forest (particularly in southern parts), with or without scattered emergent Eucalyptus spp. such as E. coolabah, E. largiflorens, E. populnea, E. orgadophila, and E. woollsiana. A low tree layer dominated by Geijera parviflora and Eremophila mitchellii is usually present. The vegetation sometimes occurs as low open forest or woodland. The ground stratum is usually sparse. Associated with Cainozoic alluvial plains which may be occasionally flooded. Landforms range from level to very gently sloping plains, alluvial flats, drainage floors, back-swamps and abandoned channels. Associated soils are predominantly deep to very deep cracking clays, sometimes with gilgai or texture contrast soils with sandy surface (particularly where Eucalyptus populnea is present). Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 25a). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 11.3.1a: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation community is now mapped as 11.3.1. Eucalyptus orgadophila woodland on alluvium with basaltic influence. Occurs on alluvium with basaltic influence. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 25a). 11.3.1b: Acacia harpophylla and/or Casuarina cristata open forest (particularly in southern parts), generally with scattered emergent Eucalyptus spp. such as E. coolabah, E. largiflorens, E. populnea, E. orgadophila, and E. woollsiana. A low tree layer may be present with species such as Terminalia spp., Eremophila spp. and Lysiphyllum spp. common. The ground layer may be sparse with Duma florulenta and a range of sedges prominent in depressions. Associated with closed and drainage depressions on Cainozoic alluvial plains. Characteristic landforms include drainage floors, back-swamps and abandoned channels. Associated soils are predominantly deep to very deep cracking clays, sometimes with gilgai or texture contrast soils with sandy surface (particularly where Eucalyptus populnea is present). Palustrine. (BVG1M: 25a). 11.3.1d: Acacia omalophylla low open forest +/- A. harpophylla fringing or mixed with open areas. Occurs on old lake bed. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 25a). |
| Supplementary description | Gunn et al. (1967), Alpha (3), Blackwater (5), Borilla (5), Comet (6, 7), Craven (6), Cungelella (4), Borilla (5), Disney (4), Durrandella (5), Hillalong (4), Hope (4), Islay (5), Lennox (5), Loudon (6), Monteagle (6), Pinehill (4), Portwine (4), Rutland |
| Protected areas | Culgoa Floodplain NP, Dipperu NP (S), Carnarvon NP, Nairana NP, Belmah CP, Taunton NP (S), Epping Forest NP (S), Albinia NP, Narrien Range NP, Junee NP, Mazeppa NP, Mount O'Connell NP, Rundle Range RR, Rundle Range NP, Mount Etna Caves NP, Blackwood NP, L |
| Special values | 11.3.1: Habitat for threatened fauna species including painted honeyeater, Grantiella picta particularly in subregion 35 (Oliver et al. 2003). |
| Fire management guidelines | INTERVAL: n/a. b, d: Occasional fires 5 - 10 years. INTERVAL_MIN: 5. INTERVAL_MAX: 10. STRATEGY: Maintain fire management of surrounding country so that wildfires will be very limited in extent. Frequent fire at the edge of this RE keeps fuel loads low. Protection from fire is necessary. ISSUES: Casuarina cristata is fire sensitive, although germination can be good in bare areas. Brigalow is soft-seeded, so germination is not promoted by fire. Buffel grass invasion will increase risk from fire. High intensity fires will cause damage to overstorey. Grazing may be an option for reducing fuel loads where exotic grass such as buffel have invaded. |
| Comments | 11.3.1: Regional Ecosystem 11.3.1a has been amalgamated into this RE. Extensively cleared for cropping and pasture. 11.3.1b: Occurs in depressions and abandoned channels on Cainozoic alluvial plains of Brigalow. May grade into Eucalyptus coolabah dominated associations with variation in seasonal flooding regimes. Extensively cleared for cropping and pasture. |
1 Estimated extent is from version 13 pre-clearing and 2021 remnant regional ecosystem mapping. Figures are rounded for simplicity. For more precise estimates, including breakdowns by tenure and other themes see remnant vegetation in Queensland.
2 Superseded: Revision of the regional ecosystem classification removed this regional ecosystem code from use. It is included in the regional ecosystem description database because the RE code may appear in older versions of RE mapping and the Vegetation Management regulation.
