Regional ecosystem details for 11.4.7
| Regional ecosystem | 11.4.7 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Endangered |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Endangered |
| Subregion | 29, 34, 26, (33), (8), (15), (30), (11), (28), (13), (6.1), (35), (21), (23), (36), (10), (6.2), (24) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 205000 ha; Remnant 2021 18000 ha |
| Short description | Eucalyptus populnea with Acacia harpophylla and/or Casuarina cristata open forest to woodland on Cainozoic clay plains |
| Structure code | Open Forest |
| Description | Eucalyptus populnea and Acacia harpophylla and/or Casuarina cristata open forest. The secondary tree layer is typically Acacia harpophylla and/or Casuarina cristata. A tall shrub layer commonly occurs, and is dominated by Eremophila mitchellii and Geijera parviflora. Other tall shrubs, such as Ventilago viminalis and Archidendropsis basaltica, and lower shrubs such as Carissa ovata and Alectryon oleifolius may occur. The ground layer is often sparse. Usually associated with flat or lower, middle and upper slopes of gently undulating Cainozoic clay plains. Soils are usually texture contrast, but gilgai microrelief with cracking clays and earths may also be present. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 25a). |
| Supplementary description | Gunn et al. (1967), Humboldt (2), Lennox (4), Monteagle (5), Pine Hill (2), Playfair (4); Speck et al. (1968), Thomby (9), Wandoan (11); Story et al. (1967); Somerby (1); Galloway et al. (1974), LU 53, 55; Gunn and Nix (1977), LU 22, 23, 97; Neldner (1984 |
| Protected areas | Erringibba NP, Humboldt NP, Alton NP |
| Special values | 11.4.7: Potential habitat for NCA listed species: Rutidosis lanata, Solanum stenopterum. |
| Fire management guidelines | INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. STRATEGY: Avoid intentionally burning this vegetation. Fire sensitive Acacias can only tolerate very early dry season fires, under mild conditions, that trickle along the ground layer. Burn surrounding ecosystems in mild conditions that would minimise fire incursion. ISSUES: Fire is not needed to maintain the abundance of many of the Acacia species. Brigalow is soft-seeded, so germination is not promoted by fire. Brigalow is only tolerant of mild fires trickling underneath, and can be damaged or killed by moderate to high intensity fires. Intense fires can also damage some softwood species such as Geijera parviflora. Casuarina cristata is fire sensitive, although germination can be good in bare areas. Ensure minimal scorching and damage to trees. |
| Comments | 11.4.7: Sometimes the Acacia harpophylla and/or Casuarina cristata forms small clumps. Where these clumps are > 5 ha they are defined as 11.4.3. Extensively cleared for 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.
