Regional ecosystem details for 3.3.48
| Regional ecosystem | 3.3.48 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Contains Palustrine |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 6, (3), (2), (1), (5), (7), (8), (9) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 25000 ha; Remnant 2021 25000 ha |
| Short description | Melaleuca saligna +/- M. viridiflora low open woodland on drainage depressions and outwash plains |
| Structure code | Low Open Woodland |
| Description | Melaleuca saligna low open woodland +/- M. viridiflora. Occurs in longitudinal drainage depressions and outwash plains. Contains Palustrine. (BVG1M: 21b). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 3.3.48a: Melaleuca saligna (weeping teatree) low open woodland. M. viridiflora (broad-leaved teatree) and Hakea pedunculata can also occur as canopy species. Very scattered, low trees and shrubs may be present. The ground layer is sparse and dominated by graminoids. In small depression areas the ground cover is mid-dense and dominated by sedges. An algal crust occurs over much of the soil surface. Occurs in longitudinal drainage depressions. Contains Palustrine. (BVG1M: 21b). 3.3.48b: Melaleuca saligna low woodland. Subdominant canopy species include Melaleuca viridiflora (broad-leaved paperbark) and Asteromyrtus symphyocarpa +/- Asteromyrtus brassii +/- Corymbia spp. +/- Banksia dentata (tropical banksia). C. stockeri subsp. peninsularis and C. nesophila can occur in the canopy or as emergents. A. symphyocarpa and Pandanus spp. are most frequently found in the open shrub layer. The ground layer is sparsely vegetated by sedges and grasses. Occurs on alluvial outwash plains. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 21b). |
| Protected areas | Rinyirru (Lakefield) NP (CYPAL), Muundhi (Jack River) NP (CYPAL), Cape Melville NP (CYPAL), Alwal NP (CYPAL) |
| Special values | 3.3.48: Potential habitat for NCA listed species: Dendrobium johannis. |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Early to mid-dry season, with occasional storm burn or late dry season burn of limited area. INTENSITY: High, but low to moderate are more likely during the early to mid-dry season. INTERVAL: 1-5 years. INTERVAL_MIN: 1. INTERVAL_MAX: 5. STRATEGY: A mosaic of early dry season fires will prevent extensive wildfires in the late dry season and preserve areas for later storm-burning. Storm time and late dry season burns are used to maintain suitable vegetation structure. Burn less than 30% in any year. ISSUES: Lack of fire or low intensity burns can lead to overabundant broad-leaved ti-tree. High intensity fires may be difficult to achieve because of low fuel availability and accumulation rates and typically moister conditions. High intensity fires around storm time will promote a better developed ground layer. Active burning early in the dry season creates a mosaic to minimise the spread of wildfire late in the dry season. Early burns will usually burn with low intensity and will not control broad-leaved ti-tree. |
| Comments | 3.3.48: On the western side of the Cape RE 3.3.56 occupies similar landscape position. It has a similar species composition in the ground layer, but lacks the woody plant species. Laura Basin and Torres Strait. 3.3.48a: Laura Basin. 3.3.48b: Inner and Near Western Island groups of the Torres Strait 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.
