Regional ecosystem details for 12.11.2
| Regional ecosystem | 12.11.2 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 3, 1, 7, (5), (4), (9), (6) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 20000 ha; Remnant 2021 14000 ha |
| Short description | Eucalyptus saligna or E. grandis, E. microcorys, Lophostemon confertus tall open forest on metamorphics +/- interbedded volcanics |
| Structure code | Tall Open Forest |
| Description | Tall open forest with vine forest understorey ('wet sclerophyll'). Canopy species include Eucalyptus saligna or E. grandis, E. microcorys, Corymbia intermedia and Lophostemon confertus. Characteristic understorey species include Ackama paniculosa, Pittosporum undulatum, Synoum glandulosum subsp. Glandulosum and Cryptocarya microneura. Occurs on Palaeozoic and older moderately to strongly deformed and metamorphosed sediments and interbedded volcanics. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 8a). |
| Supplementary description | Ryan, T.S. (ed.) (2012); Bean et al. (1998), G22 |
| Protected areas | Conondale NP, D'Aguilar NP, Springbrook NP, Bellthorpe NP, Woondum NP, Maleny NP, Tomewin CP, Tuchekoi CP, Tuchekoi NP, Conondale RR, Tamborine NP, Tewantin NP, Nicoll Scrub NP |
| Special values | 12.11.2: Habitat for threatened flora species including Cyperus semifertilis. This ecosystem is known to provide suitable habitat for koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Late summer to autumn. INTENSITY: Moderate to high. INTERVAL: Minimum 20 years, maximum unknown, requiring further research. INTERVAL_MIN: 20. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. STRATEGY: Needs disturbance to maintain RE structure (eucalypt overstorey, rainforest dominated but mixed species understorey). It is unlikely that mosaic burns will be achievable because fire would most likely be of higher intensity (i.e., likely to be a wildfire) and is only likely to occur at long intervals (at least 20+ years) during prolonged dry periods. In exceptional circumstances, different localities containing this ecosystem could be burnt to ensure a continuum of habitat availability across the broader landscape. Using this strategy maximises the probability of spatial mosaics in the landscape. ISSUES: Operationally there will be many areas of wet sclerophyll that cannot be safely burnt, and will only burn in wildfire. Infrequent high intensity fires may assist regeneration of the overstorey. Wet sclerophyll has been shown to be a moving ecotone between vine forest and moist/dry sclerophyll. |
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.
