Regional ecosystem details for 2.3.44
| Regional ecosystem | 2.3.44 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 4, (6), (8), (1), (3.8) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 456000 ha; Remnant 2021 449000 ha |
| Short description | Eriachne spp., Dichanthium spp., Chrysopogon fallax, Eulalia aurea and Oryza australiensis in mixed tussock grasslands on active Quaternary alluvial plains in the Mitchell-Gilbert Fans subregion |
| Structure code | Tussock Grassland |
| Description | Mixed perennial tussock grassland, including combinations of the species Eriachne spp., Dichanthium spp., Chrysopogon fallax, Eulalia aurea and Oryza australiensis. Occasional species include Panicum decompositum, Themeda arguens, Chloris spp. and Ophiuros exaltatus. Emergents include Eucalyptus microtheca, Lysiphyllum cunninghamii, Corymbia confertiflora and Eucalyptus chlorophylla. Occurs on active Quaternary alluvial plains, primarily in the Mitchell-Gilbert Fans subregion. Soils commonly fine-textured, from sandy clays to cracking clays. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 32a). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 2.3.44a: Eriachne spp., Oryza australiensis and Themeda arguens tussock grassland, commonly with Eulalia aurea, Chrysopogon fallax and Panicum decompositum. Emergent Eucalyptus microtheca, Corymbia bella and Excoecaria parvifolia may occur. Occurs on active Quaternary alluvial plains (inner zones of river deltas). Cracking clay soils. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 32a). 2.3.44b: Eriachne spp., Chrysopogon fallax, Dichanthium spp. and Eulalia aurea tussock grassland, occasionally with Ophiuros exaltatus and Oryza australiensis. Emergent Lysiphyllum cunninghamii, Eucalyptus microtheca and Corymbia spp. commonly occur. Occurs on active Quaternary alluvial plains (outer zones of river deltas). Texture contrast and non-cracking clay soils. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 32a). 2.3.44c: Eriachne spp., Ophiuros exaltatus, Dichanthium spp. and Sarga plumosum tussock grassland. Emergent Corymbia polycarpa, Eucalyptus chlorophylla, Petalostigma banksii and Melaleuca spp. commonly occur. Occurs on level, old alluvial plains (recent Pleistocene surface). Texture contrast and sandy clay soils. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 32a). 2.3.44d: Mixed tussock grassland, including combinations of the species Eriachne spp., Chrysopogon fallax, Panicum decompositum, Dichanthium spp., Cyperaceae spp. and Oryza australiensis. Emergent Eucalyptus microtheca, E. chlorophylla, Corymbia confertiflora and Melaleuca viridiflora may occur. Occurs in open drainage depressions, commonly on old Quaternary alluvial plains (recent Pleistocene surface). Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 32a). 2.3.44e: Mixed tussock grasslands, including combinations of the species Chloris spp., Themeda arguens, Dichanthium spp., Panicum decompositum and Aristida latifolia. Occasional species include Ectrosia scabrida, Cenchrus basedowii and Dinebra neesii. Emergent Vachellia bidwillii, Lysiphyllum cunninghamii and Excoecaria parvifolia may occur. Occurs on active Quaternary alluvial plains derived from fine-grained parent material (Cretaceous mudstone). Grey to brown cracking clay soils. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 32a). |
| Protected areas | Errk Oykangand NP (CYPAL) |
| Special values | 2.3.44a: Possible habitat for near threatened species Fimbristylis carolinii. |
| 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: 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. Overgrazing can reduce fuel loads and give woody species a competitive advantage. |
| Comments | 2.3.44: Subject to degradation from high total grazing pressure and clearing for intensive agriculture. 2.3.44a: Was previously mapped as 2.3.9x2a. Subject to degradation from high total grazing pressure. 2.3.44b: Was previously mapped as 2.3.9x2b. Subject to degradation from high total grazing pressure. 2.3.44c: Was previously mapped as 2.3.9x2c. Subject to degradation from high total grazing pressure. 2.3.44d: A poorly surveyed vegetation community. Was previously mapped as 2.3.9x2d. Subject to degradation from high total grazing pressure. 2.3.44e: Was previously mapped as 2.3.6x1. May be invaded by *Cryptostegia grandiflora (rubber vine). Some areas are subject to degradation from high total grazing pressure. |
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.
