Regional ecosystem details for 2.3.1
| Regional ecosystem | 2.3.1 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 1, 4, (8), (3), (2), (10), (7), (3.8) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 334000 ha; Remnant 2021 334000 ha |
| Short description | Eriachne burkittii, Xerochloa imberbis, Oryza australiensis and Ophiuros exaltatus in mixed tussock grasslands on coastal alluvial plains |
| Structure code | Tussock Grassland |
| Description | Mixed tussock grassland, including combinations of the species Eriachne burkittii, Xerochloa imberbis, Oryza australiensis, Ophiuros exaltatus and Aristida holathera. Occasional species include Chrysopogon elongatus, Sporobolus virginicus and Eulalia aurea. Emergent Excoecaria parvifolia may occur. Occurs on low elevated coastal alluvial plains seasonally inundated by fresh water or rarely by saline waters; solonetzic soils. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 32a). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 2.3.1a: Mixed tussock grassland to closed tussock grassland, including combinations of the species Eriachne burkittii, Oryza australiensis, Xerochloa imberbis, Ophiuros exaltatus and Cyperus spp. Occasional species include Sporobolus virginicus, Eulalia aurea and Panicum spp. Emergent Excoecaria parvifolia may occur. Occurs on low elevated coastal alluvial plains, commonly adjacent to the tidal zone. Grey to brown cracking clay soils. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 32a). 2.3.1b: Mixed tussock grasslands, including combinations of the species Xerochloa imberbis, Aristida holathera and Chrysopogon elongatus inhabiting the raised areas, occasionally with Eriachne spp. or Pseudopogonatherum contortum. Eulalia aurea and Sarga sp. tussock grasslands inhabit the depressions. Bare areas are common. Occurs on raised sandy or silty areas adjacent to the tidal zone, with many depressions or distributary channels. Sandy and silty clay loams. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 32a). 2.3.1x1: [RE not in use]²: This regional ecosystem is now mapped as 2.1.5. Tidal lagoon on mud flats usually situated between two higher land masses flushed periodically by saline water. Occurs on tidal mud flats. Intertidal. (BVG1M: 35b). 2.3.1x2: [RE not in use]²: This regional ecosystem is now mapped as 2.3.1b. Mixed tussock grasslands, including combinations of the species Xerochloa imberbis, Aristida holathera var. holathera and Chrysopogon elongatus tussock grasslands inhabit the raised areas, occasionally with Eriachne spp. or Pseudopogonatherum contortum. Eulalia aurea and Sarga sp. tussock grasslands inhabit the depressions. Bare areas are common. Occurs on raised sandy or silty areas adjacent to the tidal zone, with many depressions or distributary channels. Sandy and silty clay loams. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 32a). |
| Supplementary description | Christian et al. (1954), Littoral; Galloway et al. (1970), Inkerman, Battersea, Cumbulla, Dunbar; Neldner and Clarkson (1995), 111, 183, 185, 186, 188; Perry et al. (1964), Carpentaria |
| Protected areas | Mutton Hole Wetlands CP, Finucane Island NP |
| Special values | 2.3.1: Seasonally important habitat for water birds feeding and breeding. 2.3.1b: Seasonally important habitat for water birds feeding and breeding. |
| 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 in latitudes south of 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 | 2.3.1: Diverse type requiring further analysis. 2.3.1a: Subject to degradation from high total grazing pressure. 2.3.1b: Diverse type requiring further analysis. Was previously mapped as 2.3.1x2. 2.3.1x1: Venturi wetlands; A rare ecosystem but poorly surveyed. |
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.
2 Superseded: Revision of the regional ecosystem classification removed this regional ecosystem code from use. It is included in the regional ecosystem description database because the RE code may appear in older versions of RE mapping and the Vegetation Management regulation.
