Regional ecosystem details for 2.3.2
| Regional ecosystem | 2.3.2 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Palustrine |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 1, 4, (8), (3), (2), (7), (10) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 44000 ha; Remnant 2021 44000 ha |
| Short description | Freshwater and brackish wetlands in old river channels on low plains adjacent to estuarine zone |
| Structure code | Sedgeland |
| Description | Seasonal wetlands usually with salt tolerant grasses, sedges and freshwater aquatics; semi-permanent to permanent wetlands in meanders have saline tolerant grasses and sedges in the lower reaches, and freshwater sedges and aquatics in upper reaches. Occurs on remnants of prior river channels within low elevated plains, subject to seasonal flooding by fresh water and saline water; grey clay soils. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 34c). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 2.3.2a: Seasonal swamps. A combination of sedges, grasses and aquatic species occurs. A wooded fringe may occur, including Eucalyptus microtheca, Melaleuca argentea, Corymbia confertiflora and E. camaldulensis. Small areas of open water may occur. Occurs in closed depressions on low elevated coastal alluvial plains, commonly adjacent to the tidal zone. Grey to brown cracking clay soils. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 34c). 2.3.2b: Waterholes in stream channels on low elevated coastal alluvial plains adjacent to the tidal zone. Subject to seasonal fresh water flows and prone to back fill with saline water at high tides. A wooded fringe may occur, including Eucalyptus microtheca, Excoecaria parvifolia and Melaleuca spp. Areas of open water and bare ground. Occurs in stream channels on low elevated coastal alluvial plains, commonly adjacent to the tidal zone. Grey to brown clay soils. Riverine. (BVG1M: 16d). 2.3.2x1: Melaleuca dealbata open forest. Occurs in wooded swamps fed from lateritic surfaces and backed onto coastal dunes. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 22b). |
| Supplementary description | Neldner and Clarkson (1995), 190 |
| Protected areas | Mutton Hole Wetlands CP |
| Special values | 2.3.2: Feeding and breeding areas of national significance for water birds. Sinks for terrestrial runoffs. 2.3.2a: Feeding and breeding areas of national significance for water birds. Sinks for terrestrial runoffs. 2.3.2b: Feeding and breeding areas of national significance for water birds. Sinks for terrestrial runoffs. |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Early to mid-dry season. INTENSITY: Low to moderate. INTERVAL: 3-5 years. INTERVAL_MIN: 3. INTERVAL_MAX: 5. STRATEGY: Burn less than 30% in any year. Buffer as indicated by fuel build-up in surrounding vegetation. ISSUES: Sedges are disadvantaged by repeated high intensity fires. Low intensity fires help to maintain open structure. Mosaic helps protect animal habitat and food. Can be burnt when water level is deep enough to protect bases of sedges. |
| Comments | 2.3.2: Survey required to verify extent. The most immediate threatening process is the introduction of ponded pasture species. |
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.
