Regional ecosystem details for 2.3.55
| Regional ecosystem | 2.3.55 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Palustrine |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 4, 6, (5), (3.8), (1), (3.1) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 74000 ha; Remnant 2021 73000 ha |
| Short description | Seasonal swamps (wooded). Melaleuca viridiflora and/or M. clarksonii low woodland in closed depressions on Tertiary to Quaternary deposits in the north |
| Structure code | Low Woodland |
| Description | Seasonal swamps (wooded). Melaleuca viridiflora and/or M. clarksonii low open woodland to low open forest, occasionally with Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa. The ground layer is a combination of tussock grasses, sedges and forbs, including Eleocharis spp., Pseudoraphis spinescens and Nymphoides indica. Occurs in closed depressions on Tertiary to Quaternary deposits in the north of the bioregion. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 22b). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 2.3.55a: Seasonal swamps (wooded). Melaleuca viridiflora (predominantly) and/or M. clarksonii low woodland, occasionally with Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa. The ground layer is tussock grasses or sedges, including Eleocharis spp., Pseudoraphis spinescens and Oryza sp. Occurs in closed depressions on gently undulating Tertiary sand sheets in the north-east of the bioregion. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 22b). 2.3.55b: Seasonal swamps (wooded). Melaleuca viridiflora and/or M. clarksonii low open woodland to low open forest. The ground layer is a combination of tussock grasses, sedges and forbs, including Pseudoraphis spinescens, Nymphoides indica and Eleocharis spp. Includes small unwooded areas and open water. Occurs in closed depressions on Quaternary deposits in the Mitchell-Gilbert Fans subregion. Silty and sandy clay soils. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 22b). 2.3.55c: Seasonal swamps (wooded). Melaleuca viridiflora woodland. The ground layer is commonly Eleocharis spp. Occurs in closed depressions on active Quaternary alluvial plains in the north-east of the bioregion. Cracking clay soils. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 22b). 2.3.55d: Seasonal swamps (wooded). Melaleuca viridiflora low woodland, occasionally with Excoecaria parvifolia and M. citrolens. A shrub or secondary tree layer may occur, including canopy species, Acacia holosericea and Owenia acidula. The ground layer is variable, with tussock grasses and herbs. Occurs in shallow closed depressions on gently undulating Tertiary sand sheets in the south-east of the bioregion. Shallow sands overlying clay. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 22b). |
| Supplementary description | Neldner and Clarkson (1995): 53 |
| Protected areas | Staaten River NP, Errk Oykangand NP (CYPAL) |
| Special values | 2.3.55: Seasonal wetland. Important feeding and moulting sites for water birds. 2.3.55a: Seasonal wetland. Important feeding and moulting sites for water birds. 2.3.55b: Seasonal wetland. Important feeding and moulting sites for water birds. 2.3.55c: Seasonal wetland. Important feeding and moulting sites for water birds. 2.3.55d: Seasonal wetland. Important feeding and moulting sites for water birds. |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Commence soon after wet season when just dry enough to carry fire. Occasional storm burns; high intensity fires caused by lightning are a feature of this system. INTENSITY: Low to moderate. INTERVAL: 1-3 years or longer, 3-5 years in the south (i.e., latitudes below Karumba) and in riparian areas. INTERVAL_MIN: 1. INTERVAL_MAX: 5. STRATEGY: Maintain a landscape mosaic of time since fire to break up fuel continuity through the landscape and to avoid impact of late season wildfire. Ensure good soil moisture. ISSUES: Repeat early season burns where there are overabundant seedlings and saplings is not recommended. Overgrazing can reduce fuel loads and give woody species a competitive advantage. |
| Comments | 2.3.55: Subject to degradation from high total grazing pressure, particularly in the dry season. Eleocharis spp. are commonly excavated by feral pigs. 2.3.55a: Was previously mapped as 2.3.28x15. Subject to degradation from high total grazing pressure, particularly in the dry season. Eleocharis spp. are commonly excavated by feral pigs. 2.3.55b: Was previously mapped as 2.3.28x11 and 2.3.11x2d. Subject to degradation from high total grazing pressure, particularly in the dry season. Eleocharis spp. are commonly excavated by feral pigs. 2.3.55c: A rare ecosystem. Was previously mapped as 2.3.28x2. Eleocharis spp. are commonly excavated by feral pigs. 2.3.55d: Subject to degradation from high total grazing pressure, particularly in the dry season. |
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.
