Regional ecosystem details for 11.7.1
| Regional ecosystem | 11.7.1 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 26, 11, 3, 5, 29, (15), (13), (6), (16), (34), (7), (28), (19), (33), (8), (24), (4), (4.4), (6.2), (21), (6.4), (10.4), (6.3), (32) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 196000 ha; Remnant 2021 76000 ha |
| Short description | Acacia harpophylla and/or Casuarina cristata and Eucalyptus thozetiana or E. microcarpa woodland on lower scarp slopes on Cainozoic lateritic duricrust |
| Structure code | Woodland |
| Description | Eucalyptus thozetiana predominates forming a distinct but discontinuous canopy (13-21m high) although localised areas may be dominated by a wide range of species. Occasionally scattered E. microcarpa or Casuarina cristata or Acacia harpophylla and sometimes E. cambageana (12-13m emergents) are present in the canopy or locally dominant. On the deeper soils of the lower slopes, there is a moderately dense low tree layer of C. cristata and/or Acacia harpophylla. Acacia catenulata and A. microsperma may be present towards crests. Cadellia pentastylis is sometimes present and may be locally dominant. A tall shrub layer of Geijera parviflora and less frequently, Eremophila mitchellii is usually developed, and a low shrub layer is often developed. The ground layer is sparse and usually dominated by forbs. Occurs on the slopes and scarps of rocky residual ranges with Cainozoic lateritic duricrust. The soils are shallow, gravelly, acidic loams and clays on the upper slopes, with deep (70-105 cm deep), uniform, brown clays with surface gravel on the lower slopes. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 25a). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 11.7.1x1: Semi-evergreen vine thicket. The following species are commonly present in the tree layer: Flindersia australis, Flindersia collina, Alstonia constricta, Excoecaria dallachyana, Geijera parviflora, Notelaea spp., Planchonella cotinifolia var. pubescens, Diospyros humilis and Denhamia oleaster, with emergent Brachychiton rupestris or Flindersia australis. A dense shrub layer of Psydrax odorata and Acalypha eremorum is often present. May contain emergent Eucalyptus decorticans or Eucalyptus melanoleuca in some southern locations. Occurs on the slopes and scarps of rocky residual ranges with Cainozoic lateritic duricrust. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 7a). |
| Supplementary description | Galloway et al. (1974), LU28, 35, 36; Neldner (1984), 27a, 27b; Gunn and Nix (1977) LU 19 |
| Protected areas | Tregole NP, Junee NP, Taunton NP (S), Narrien Range NP, Blackwood NP, Stones Country RR, Chesterton Range NP, Blackdown Tableland NP |
| Special values | 11.7.1: Habitat for threatened plant species including Cadellia pentastylis. |
| Fire management guidelines | INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. 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. x1: This vegetation requires protection from wildfire. Protection primarily relies on broad-scale management of surrounding country with numerous small fires throughout the year so that wildfires will be very limited in extent. Maintenance of fire breaks may be appropriate on flat country, but natural features will be useful as breaks in 'wild' country. 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. x1: Fuel reduction in the surrounding vegetation under low fire danger conditions and/or revegetation of cleared areas reduce the risk of damaging wildfires. Maintain or re-establish native vegetation communities adjacent to this ecosystem. Grazing may be useful in managing fuel loads created by introduced grasses such as buffel. |
| Comments | 11.7.1: Upper slopes often merge into Acacia catenulata dominated regional ecosystems (11.7.2) while lower slopes may merge into Acacia harpophylla dominated regional ecosystems (11.9.1 or 11.9.5). Lower slopes of this regional ecosystem, which are a natural saline discharge area, have often been heavily cleared. |
1 Estimated extent is from version 13.1 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.
