Regional ecosystem details for 3.9.5
| Regional ecosystem | 3.9.5 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 7, (4) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 32000 ha; Remnant 2021 32000 ha |
| Short description | Corymbia papuana open woodland on rolling plains |
| Structure code | Open Woodland |
| Description | Corymbia papuana open woodland, commonly with Eucalyptus leptophleba (Molloy red box) present. Shrubs and low trees are usually absent and the sparse to dense ground layer is dominated by Themeda arguens, Heteropogon triticeus (giant speargrass) and Capillipedium parviflorum (scented top). Heteropogon contortus (black speargrass), Dichanthium sericeum subsp. sericeum (Queensland blue grass), Sarga plumosum (plume sorghum) and Mnesithea rottboellioides (northern cane grass) can dominate some areas. Occurs on rolling plains. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 32b). |
| Supplementary description | Neldner and Clarkson (in prep), 118 |
| Protected areas | Oyala Thumotang NP (CYPAL), Batavia NP (CYPAL) |
| 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 | 3.9.5: Central Peninsula. Increased development pressure is possible in the future, due to live cattle exports through Weipa. More intensive grazing and establishment of exotic plant species are threatening processes. |
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.
