Regional ecosystem details for 3.12.23
| Regional ecosystem | 3.12.23 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 3 |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 2000 ha; Remnant 2021 2000 ha |
| Short description | Acacia brassii low open forest on igneous hills |
| Structure code | Low Open Forest |
| Description | Acacia brassii (Brass's wattle) dominates the mid-dense but frequently broken canopy (3-7m tall). Melaleuca viridiflora (broad-leaved paperbark) and Welchiodendron longivalve (yellow box-penda) are usually present as part of the canopy. Deciduous trees such as Canarium australianum (scrub turpentine), Ficus opposita (sandpaper fig) and Margaritaria dubium-traceyi may also be present. A sparse, variable shrub layer (0.8-1m tall) is sometimes present. The ground layer is usually very sparse, although it may be mid-dense in small patches where sufficient soil accumulates. Occurs on acid volcanics. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 28c). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 3.12.23a: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation community is now mapped as 3.12.23. Acacia brassii (Brass's wattle) dominates the mid-dense but frequently broken canopy (3-7m tall). Melaleuca viridiflora (broad-leaved paperbark) and Welchiodendron longivalve (yellow box-penda) are usually present as part of the canopy. Deciduous trees such as Canarium australianum (scrub turpentine), Ficus opposita (sandpaper fig) and Margaritaria dubium-traceyi may also be present. A sparse, variable shrub layer (0.8-1m tall) is sometimes present. The ground layer is usually very sparse, although it may be mid-dense in small patches where sufficient soil accumulates. Occurs on acid volcanics. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 28c). 3.12.23b: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation community is now mapped as 3.12.21. Manilkara kauki (Wongai plum) dominates the dense uneven canopy (6-15m tall). Mimusops elengi (tanjong), Terminalia arenicola, T. muelleri (Mueller's damson) and Canarium australianum (scrub turpentine) may frequently be codominant canopy trees. Erythrina variegata (coral tree) dominates the canopy at a few sites. Drypetes deplanchei, Eugenia reinwardtiana, Exocarpos latifolius and Diospyros maritima may be present as sub-canopy trees (2-10m tall). A variable shrub layer (1-6m tall) is usually present with Premna serratifolia and the vine Abrus precatorius frequently occurring. The ground layer is very sparse and composed of a variable mix of herb species. Restricted to hills on mainland islands in the Great Barrier Reef. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 2c). |
| Special values | 3.12.23: Potential habitat for NCA listed species: Psydrax reticulata. |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Do not burn deliberately. INTENSITY: Do not burn deliberately. INTERVAL: Do not burn deliberately. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. STRATEGY: No deliberate fire management required within this unit. Undertake fuel reduction burns in surrounding vegetation utilising multiple small fires throughout the appropriate season to manage biodiversity values and to limit the extent and reduce risks of wildfire. ISSUES: The role of fire in maintaining A. brassii is poorly understood. Best protection from wildfires is the creation of a multi-aged mosaic and perimeter burning. |
| Comments | 3.12.23: This includes shrublands of Acacia sp. on the exposed peaks of Adolphus Island. Torres Strait islands. 3.12.23a: Northern ranges and continental Torres Strait islands. 3.12.23b: This vegetation community has moved to 3.12.21x1. Great Barrier Reef Islands. |
1 Estimated extent is from version 13.1 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.
