Regional ecosystem details for 12.8.11
| Regional ecosystem | 12.8.11 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 1, 2 |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 300 ha; Remnant 2021 200 ha |
| Short description | Eucalyptus dunnii tall open forest on Cainozoic igneous rocks |
| Structure code | Tall Open Forest |
| Description | Eucalyptus dunnii +/- E. saligna and E. microcorys tall open forest. Occurs on Cainozoic igneous rocks and areas subject to local enrichment from Cainozoic igneous rocks. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 8a). |
| Supplementary description | Bean et al. (1998), G21 |
| Protected areas | Main Range NP, Mount Barney NP, Spicers Gap Road CP |
| Special values | 12.8.11: Habitat for threatened plant species including Eucalyptus dunnii. This ecosystem is known to provide suitable habitat for koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Summer to winter with good soil moisture. INTENSITY: Plan for low to moderate. Unplanned occasional high intensity wildfire will occur. Regular fire will mitigate impact of severe fire. INTERVAL: Most fire intervals expected to be 2-5 years. INTERVAL_MIN: 2. INTERVAL_MAX: 5. STRATEGY: Fire management should aim to maintain a healthy grassy system. To achieve this, aim for 40-60% fine scale mosaic burn. Needs disturbance to maintain RE structure (eucalypt overstorey with open understorey of predominantly non-rainforest species). Burn with soil moisture and with a spot ignition strategy so that a patchwork of burnt/unburnt country is achieved. Variability in season and fire intensity is important, as well as spot ignition in cooler or moister periods to encourage mosaics. Assess regeneration after the first growing season post-fire and for the next 2 years to ensure recuits (primarily wattles Acacia irorata, lantana and rainforest pioneers) are not developing too thickly. Observe over subsequent years to ensure next fire occurs in time to maintain healthy grasses (especially Themeda sp., Poa sp., Sorghum sp.). A follow-up burn soon after a high intensity wildfire can be considered to reduce germinating/resprouting mesic species. ISSUES: Typically lower rainfall than other moist RE types, but prefers sheltered slopes and gullies where it maintains moist environment. Frequent fire is needed to maintain understorey integrity, keeping more mesic species low in the profile of the understorey so that other species can compete. A grassy system is especially important for species such as the eastern bristlebird. It is essential that wildfires are not the sole source of fire in this ecosystem. Maintain ground litter and fallen timber habitats by burning only with sufficient soil moisture. Weeds are a significant problem, e.g., crofton weed Ageratina adenophora. |
| Comments | 12.8.11: Restricted to main Range. |
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.
