Regional ecosystem details for 2.2.4
| Regional ecosystem | 2.2.4 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 1, (10), (7), (4), (8) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 21000 ha; Remnant 2021 21000 ha |
| Short description | Chrysopogon elongatus, Eriachne spp., Perotis rara and Aristida holathera in mixed tussock grasslands on coastal dunes |
| Structure code | Tussock Grassland |
| Description | Mixed tussock grassland, including combinations of the species Chrysopogon elongatus, Eriachne spp., Perotis rara and Aristida holathera. Occurs on Quaternary coastal beach ridges and dunes. Quartzose to shelly sand. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 28a). |
| Protected areas | Finucane Island NP |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: March to April, with occasional storm burns if woody weeds are a problem. INTENSITY: Low, occasionally moderate and high intensities. INTERVAL: 3-6 years south of latitudes below Karumba, 1-3 years to the north. INTERVAL_MIN: 1. INTERVAL_MAX: 6. STRATEGY: Do not actively target burning of sedgelands. Commence burning early in dry season to break up continuity of fuel across the landscape. Mosaic burning across the landscape at varying frequency will create patches at varying stages of post-fire response. Burn with good soil moisture to promote regeneration. ISSUES: Retaining grasslands by preventing woody thickening may be an issue in some situations. A long absence of fire or low intensity fire too early in the season may lead to overabundant seedlings and saplings. Invasive and high biomass grasses (e.g., buffel, Para and grader grasses) may increase fire severity to the detriment of these ecosystems. |
| Comments | 2.2.4: Was previously mapped as 2.2.2x3. Threatening processes include high total grazing pressure leading to wind erosion and invasion of grassland by *Cryptostegia grandiflora (rubber vine). |
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.
