Regional ecosystem details for 3.2.1
| Regional ecosystem | 3.2.1 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 1, 4, 2, 6, (3), (5), (9) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 5000 ha; Remnant 2021 5000 ha |
| Short description | Evergreen notophyll vine forest in coastal dunefield systems |
| Structure code | Closed Forest |
| Description | Evergreen to semi-evergreen notophyll vine forest dominated by Buchanania arborescens (satinwood), Syzygium forte (white apple), Acacia polystachya (wattle), Terminalia muelleri (Australian almond), Mimusops elengi (tanjong) and Sersalisia sericea (wild prune). Xanthostemon youngii, (red Penda), also commonly occurs in this regional ecosystem and dominates the canopy in some areas. There is a mid-dense to dense uneven canopy and a sparse to mid-dense shrub/low tree layer usually present and often includes Eugenia reinwardtiana (Cedar Bay cherry), Drypetes deplanchei (yellow tulipwood), Wilkiea rigidifolia, Memecylon pauciflorum, Atractocarpus sessilis (false Gardenia) and Tabernaemontana orientalis (banana bush). Elaeodendron melanocarpum and Ixora timorensis are frequent components of the shrub/low tree layer. The ground layer is very sparse and composed of a variable mix of herb species. Vines such as Tetracera nordtiana var. nordtiana (fire vine), Cansjera leptostachya and Alyxia spicata (chain fruit) are common in the tree and shrub layers. Occurs on coastal dunes and beach ridges in dunefields. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 3a). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 3.2.1a: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation unit is now mapped as 3.2.1. Syzygium forte subsp. forte, Terminalia muelleri (Australian almond), Mimusops elengi (tanjong), Buchanania arborescens (satinwood), Acacia polystachya, Drypetes deplanchei and Manilkara kauki dominate the mid-dense to dense uneven canopy (7-25m tall). Xanthostemon youngii, frequently occurs in this regional ecosystem and dominates the canopy in some areas. A variety of species occur as a mid-dense to dense sub-canopy layer (5-20m tall). A sparse to mid-dense shrub/low tree layer (0.5-5m tall) is usually present with Atractocarpus sessilis and Eugenia reinwardtiana the primary species. Wilkiea rigidifolia, Cyclophyllum coprosmoides, Memecylon pauciflorum, Rhodomyrtus macrocarpa, Elaeodendron melanocarpum and Ixora timorensis are frequent components of the shrub/low tree layer. The ground layer is very sparse and composed of a variable mix of herb species. Vines such as Tetracera nordtiana var. nordtiana, Cansjera leptostachya and Alyxia spicata are common in the tree and shrub layers. Drynaria spp. And the epiphytic orchid Dendrobium discolor occur occasionally. Occurs on coastal dunes and beach ridges. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 3a). 3.2.1b: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation unit is now mapped as 3.2.13. This vegetation community is dominated by a larger proportion of deciduous species in the mid-dense to dense, uneven canopy (8-20m tall) than 3.2.1a. Garuga floribunda var. floribunda, Millettia pinnata, Terminalia muelleri (Australian almond) and Vitex acuminata are the dominant deciduous species. The dominant evergreen species include Ganophyllum falcatum, Mimusops elengi (tanjong), Amorphospermum antilogum, Celtis paniculata, Cupaniopsis anacardioides, Polyalthia nitidissima and Sersalisia sericea. The sparse to mid-dense shrub/low tree layer (1-8m tall) contains a similar group of species to 3.2.1a. A large number of species of vines are present in both the canopy and low tree layer. The ground layer is very sparse. Occurs on coastal dunes and beach ridges. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 3a). |
| Protected areas | Cape Melville NP (CYPAL), Apudthama NP (CYPAL), Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) NP (CYPAL), Bromley (Ampulin) NP (CYPAL), Rinyirru (Lakefield) NP (CYPAL), Wuthathi (Shelburne Bay) NP (CYPAL), Turtle Group NP |
| Special values | 3.2.1: High numbers of endemic plant species. The vulnerable plant species Myrmecodia beccarii and near threatened species Syzygium buettnerianum occur in this ecosystem. |
| Fire management guidelines | INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. 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: Fire sensitive vegetation type. |
| Comments | 3.2.1: Vegetation community 3.2.1a was amalgamated into this RE. Included in Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets ecological community protected under the Commonwealth's EPBC act (1999). Stanton & Fell rainforest type 18 is the best development of this RE on Cape York Peninsula. 3.2.1a: This vegetation community has been moved to 3.2.1. 3.2.1b: This vegetation community has been moved to 3.2.13a. Vegetation community 3.2.1b occurs between Starke and Cape Melville. |
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.
