Regional ecosystem details for 3.3.65
| Regional ecosystem | 3.3.65 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Palustrine |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 6, 9, 7, 8, (2), (1), (4), (2.4), (5), (2.6) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 31000 ha; Remnant 2021 31000 ha |
| Short description | Tussock grasslands in ephemeral lakes and lagoons |
| Structure code | Tussock Grassland |
| Description | Pseudoraphis spinescens or Cynodon dactylon tussock grasslands swamps. Other grasses are also common. When flooded the floating plants such as Monochoria spp. (monochoria) and Nymphoides spp. (marshworts) may dominate in some areas while the bottom-rooted Ludwigia perennis (water primrose), Nymphaea sp. (water lily) and Caldesia oligococca (caldesia) are dominant in other areas. Tall graminoids that emerge above the water surface such as Eleocharis spp. (bulkaru), Oryza rufipogon (wild rice) and Panicum trichoides (a native panic) are occasionally present and may dominate in some areas. Emergent forbs such as Aeschynomene spp., Melochia corchorifolia and Sesbania sp. also occur frequently. Melaleuca spp. may occur as emergents or in a fringing woodland. Occurs in ephemeral lakes and lagoons. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 34d). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 3.3.65a: Clumped tussock grasslands on floodplains. The floristic composition varies by locality and is determined by the interaction of such factors as substrate, water depth and frequency and duration of flooding. Melaleuca spp. may occur as emergents or in a fringing woodland. Occurs in ephemeral lakes and lagoons on floodplains. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 34d). 3.3.65b: Clumped tussock grasslands on non-floodplain landforms. The floristic composition varies by locality and is determined by the interaction of such factors as substrate, water depth and frequency and duration of flooding. Melaleuca spp. may occur as emergents or in a fringing woodland. Occurs in ephemeral lakes and lagoons on non floodplains landforms. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 34d). 3.3.65c: Phragmites grassland in ephemeral swamps. Occurs in swamps on low river levees. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 34c). |
| Protected areas | Rinyirru (Lakefield) NP (CYPAL), Oyala Thumotang NP (CYPAL), Muundhi (Jack River) NP (CYPAL), Ngaynggarr NP (CYPAL), Lama Lama NP (CYPAL), Alwal NP (CYPAL), Olkola NP (CYPAL), Cape Melville NP (CYPAL), Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range) NP (CYPAL) |
| Special values | 3.3.65: High diversity of aquatic plants. Important habitat for wetland fauna. |
| Fire management guidelines | INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. STRATEGY: Do not target for burning. Burn in association with surrounding landscape. ISSUES: Avoid peat fires by burning when there is standing water or the ground is water logged. Burn surrounding country when substrate is moist or there is standing water. |
| Comments | 3.3.65: The floristic composition and dominance of this regional ecosystem varies with locality and is determined by the interaction of such factors as substrate, water depth and frequency and duration of flooding. The composition of swamps will change depending on the amount of water present. All of the wetlands occupied by this regional ecosystem are usually shallow and dry completely in the dry season. Through-out the bioregion on alluvial plains. Potentially threatened by spread of exotic ponded pasture species. Heavily damaged by feral pigs. 3.3.65c: Limited distribution along the Watson River upstream of Aurukun, but may occur elsewhere on the west coast. |
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.
