Regional ecosystem details for 3.2.20
| Regional ecosystem | 3.2.20 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Palustrine |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Extent in reserves | This regional ecosystem is now mapped as 3.2.18. |
| Short description | Melaleuca arcana and Thryptomene oligandra open heath in swampy areas on sand plains |
| Structure code | Open Heath |
| Description | [RE not in use]²: This regional ecosystem is now mapped as 3.2.18. Melaleuca arcana (Cape York paperbark) dominates the sparse to mid-dense canopy (0.5-3m tall). Thryptomene oligandra, Asteromyrtus lysicephala (back to front bush), Baeckea frutescens (weeping baeckea) and Gahnia sieberiana (saw sedge) are usually also present at high densities. These latter species may be taller than the predominant M. arcana, which may only reach 0.5m metres in places. Very occasional emergent Grevillea pteridifolia (toothbrush grevillea) up to 6 metres tall may be present. The ground layer is sparse to mid-dense and dominated by Baloskion tetraphyllum subsp. Meiostachyum, Dapsilanthus spp. And Schoenus sparteus. In places, Gahnia sieberiana forms thick sedgelands up to 2 metres tall. Occurs in swampy areas on sandplains. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 22b). |
| Supplementary description | Neldner and Clarkson (in prep), 175 |
| Special values | 3.2.20: Provides wetland habitat for a flora and fauna. |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Burn any time after the wet season when sufficiently dry to carry fire, with occasional storm or late dry season burns (Oct-Jan). INTENSITY: Patchy and low or moderate to high. Fires will tend to burn either with high intensity or at low intensity. INTERVAL: 5-10 years. INTERVAL_MIN: 5. INTERVAL_MAX: 10. STRATEGY: Apply a mosaic across the landscape to break up the continuity of fuels and limit the extent of late season wildfire. Burn 10-20% of the landscape. ISSUES: A combination of early to mid-dry season fires and storm-burns would assist in maintaining a mosaic of fire ages. A mosaic of fire ages ensures both habitat diversity and restricts fire spread. Avoid peat fires by burning when there is standing water or the ground is water logged. |
| Comments | 3.2.20: Associated with swampy areas on sandplains in the northern dunefields. East coast dunefields from Cape Flattery to the Somerset. |
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.
