Regional ecosystem details for 11.8.2
| Regional ecosystem | 11.8.2 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 23, 24, 31, (18), (32), (26), (12.6), (12.1), (20) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 53000 ha; Remnant 2021 36000 ha |
| Short description | Eucalyptus tereticornis, E. melliodora woodland on Cainozoic igneous rocks |
| Structure code | Woodland |
| Description | Eucalyptus tereticornis predominates and together with other tree species forms a distinct but discontinuous canopy (14-23m high). Eucalyptus melliodora is usually present in the canopy and often is codominant. Scattered E. longirostrata, E. saligna or E. grisea may be present on wetter sites while Angophora floribunda and occasional E. microcarpa occur on the less, well-drained depressions and flat areas. Scattered tall and lower shrubs are usually present, but rarely form conspicuous layers. The ground layer is dense and dominated by perennial grasses. Occurs on steep slopes of hills and mountains (subregion 23) formed from basalt. The soils are generally shallow (< 60 cm deep), brown to grey-brown, gradational, clay-loams and clays. Basalt stones and boulders can occur on the surface. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 11a). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 11.8.2a: Eucalyptus tereticornis and E. melliodora woodland occurring on low hills. Occurs on low hills (subregion 31 and 32) formed from basalt. The soils are generally shallow (< 60 cm deep), brown to grey-brown, gradational, clay-loams and clays. Basalt stones and boulders can occur on the surface. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 11a). |
| Supplementary description | Fensham (1998a); Fensham and Fairfax (1997), 11; Galloway et al. (1974), LU16; Neldner (1984), 26a |
| Protected areas | Carnarvon NP, Bunya Mountains NP, Main Range NP, Cania Gorge NP, Mount Dumaresq CP |
| Special values | 11.8.2: Potential habitat for NCA listed species: Discaria pubescens, Homopholis belsonii, Picris evae, Prasophyllum incompositum, Thesium australe. 11.8.2a: This ecosystem is known to provide suitable habitat for koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Late wet to early dry season when there is good soil moisture. Early storm season or after good spring rains. INTENSITY: Low to moderate. INTERVAL: 6-10 years. INTERVAL_MIN: 6. INTERVAL_MAX: 10. STRATEGY: Restrict to less than 30% in any year. Burn under conditions of good soil moisture and when plants are actively growing. Sometimes a small amount of wind may move the fire front quickly so that burn intensity is not too severe to destroy habitat trees. ISSUES: Burn interval for conservation purposes will differ from that for grazing purposes; the latter being much shorter. Management of this vegetation type should be based on maintaining vegetation composition, structural diversity, fauna habitats (in particular hollow-bearing trees and logs) and preventing extensive wildfire. Maintaining a fire mosaic will help ensure protection of habitat and mitigate against wildfires. Fire can control shrub invasives (e.g., Eremophila spp. and A. stenophylla in the red soil country in particular). Fire will also control cypress. Low to moderate intensity burns with good soil moisture are necessary to minimise loss of hollow trees. Avoid burning riparian communities as these can be critical habitat for some species. Planned burns have traditionally been carried out in the winter dry season; further research required. |
| Comments | 11.8.2: The vegetation community 11.8.2a is contiguous with a similar SEQ regional ecosystem (12.8.16) and subject to review. 11.8.2a: Occurs in subregion 31. |
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.
