Regional ecosystem details for 3.12.29
| Regional ecosystem | 3.12.29 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Extent in reserves | This regional ecosystem is now mapped as 3.12.48a. |
| Short description | Heteropogon triticeus +/- Sarga plumosum closed tussock grassland on continental islands |
| Structure code | Closed Tussock Grassland |
| Description | [RE not in use]²: This regional ecosystem is now mapped as 3.12.48a. Heteropogon triticeus (giant speargrass) and Cymbopogon bombycinus (lemon-scented grass) dominate the mid-dense to dense ground layer (0.3-1.0m tall), with grass inflorescences to 2m tall). Sarga plumosum (plume sorghum) and Heteropogon contortus (black speargrass) may form minor components of the grass biomass. Themeda triandra (kangaroo grass) is often the dominant species in more wind-exposed locations. Cassytha filiformis, Evolvulus alsinoides and Wollastonia biflora are the most frequent and abundant forbs. Low emergent shrubs (1-6m tall) are rarely present. The high accumulation of dry plant material covers the land surface. Occurs on granite slopes. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 32b). |
| Supplementary description | Neldner and Clarkson (in prep), 182b; Stanton, Fell & Gooding (2008), G17c, GD17c, MG17c, R17c, G12a |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Commence planned burns early in the dry season, after the wet season when dry enough to burn. Use occasional storm burns but generally avoid periods of extremely hot, dry conditions. INTENSITY: Low to moderate with occasional high intensity fire, particularly where seedlings or saplings are overabundant. INTERVAL: 1-3 years. INTERVAL_MIN: 1. INTERVAL_MAX: 3. STRATEGY: Apply a mosaic across the landscape at a range of intervals to create varying stages of post-fire response. Burn 30-60% at the property level. ISSUES: A significant issue to the retention of open grasslands is invasion of trees and shrubs following long periods of fire absence, low frequency of fire or fire applied repeatedly too early in the burning season. Woody thickening is exacerbated by stock grazing combined with repeated early season burns. To mitigate against the impact of late dry season fires, commence burning early in the season and continue through the dry to break up continuity of fuels across the landscape. Invasive high biomass grasses can promote fire and increase severity. Variation in burn seasons and short fire frequencies promote bird diversity. |
| Comments | 3.12.29: Restricted to the rocky continental islands off the eastern and northern coasts. Increased fire frequency could alter the composition of these restricted grasslands. On Dauan Island fire resistant Livistona muelleri has formed an sparse emergent layer in some areas where other vine forest species have retreated. |
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.
