Regional ecosystem details for 5.3.18
| Regional ecosystem | 5.3.18 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Contains Palustrine |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 5, 3, 2, 9, (4), (6), (7), (8), (1), (4.2), (10), (4.1), (4.4), (6.10), (4.3), (13), (11), (6.9), (6.11) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 1831000 ha; Remnant 2021 1830000 ha |
| Short description | Braided channel complex of major alluvial plains, includes Chenopodium auricomum open shrubland and variable sparse to open-herbland |
| Structure code | Open Herbland |
| Description | Sparse to open grassland or herbland, with sparsely scattered Eucalyptus coolabah and/or Chenopodium auricomum open shrubland along channels. The perennial grass Sporobolus mitchellii occurs frequently and may be prominent, with a range of other grasses and forbs locally or seasonally dominant. Occurs on frequently flooded alluvial plains with shallow braided stream channels and formed from recent clay alluvia. Associated soils and very deep, neutral to strongly alkaline grey cracking clays. Surfaces may be crusted or self-mulching. Soils crack widely on drying and strongly sodic at depth. Contains Palustrine. (BVG1M: 31a). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 5.3.18a: Chenopodium auricomum open shrubland, frequently with pure stands of Chenopodium auricomum, however, scattered Eucalyptus coolabah low trees and Eremophila bignoniiflora tall shrubs may be present. The ground layer is usually sparse, and seasonally dominated by grasses, sedges and forbs. The sedge Eleocharis pallens or perennial grass Eragrostis setifolia frequently dominate the ground layer. Sporobolus mitchellii is frequently dominant in the channels. Occurs on braided channels on alluvial plains of major rivers. Associated soils are very deep, crusted, red, brown and grey cracking clays that are subject to scalding. Surfaces may be weakly self mulching. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 34g). 5.3.18b: Variable sparse to open-herbland with either grasses or forbs dominating the ground layer depending on incidence of flooding and seasonal conditions. At times extensive areas may be denuded of any species. Sporobolus mitchellii occurs frequently and may be prominent, while Eragrostis setifolia is locally common. After favourable seasons, herbs form a distinct but discontinuous ground cover. The dominant ephemerals include Iseilema vaginiflorum, Arabidella nasturtium, Atriplex velutinella, Brachyscome dentata, Pycnosorus pleiocephalus, Ethuliopsis cunninghamii, Euphorbia drummondii, Goodenia fascicularis and Senecio depressicola. Scattered low shrubs may occur with emergent trees fringing the association. Scattered low shrubs may occur. After summer local flooding, Dactyloctenium radulans, Panicum laevinode, Iseilema spp. and Chloris pectinata usually predominate. Atriplex spp., Sclerolaena spp., and Asteraceae are conspicuous after winter local flooding. Echinochloa turneriana usually predominates after early summer (general) flooding with Pycnosorus pleiocephalus and Trigonella suavissima conspicuous after early winter flooding. Occurs on braided channel systems on alluvial plains of major rivers. Associated soils are very deep, crusted, red, brown and grey cracking clays that are subject to scalding. Surfaces may be weakly self mulching. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 31a). |
| Supplementary description | Dawson (19) C1; Neldner (1991) 48; Boyland (1984), 29b; Wilson and Purdie (1990a), C1, (75) |
| Protected areas | Diamantina NP, Welford NP, Pullen Pullen SWR, Lochern NP, Astrebla Downs NP |
| Special values | 5.3.18: Potential habitat for threatened fauna species including plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus and fierce snake (western taipan) Oxyuranus microlepidotus. Provides wetland habitat for a wide range of water birds and other flora and fauna. 5.3.18a: Potential habitat for threatened fauna species including plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus and fierce snake (western taipan) Oxyuranus microlepidotus. Provides wetland habitat for a wide range of water birds and other flora and fauna. 5.3.18b: Potential habitat for threatened fauna species including plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus and fierce snake (western taipan) Oxyuranus microlepidotus. Provides wetland habitat for a wide range of water birds and other flora and fauna. |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Various (wet season or winter). INTENSITY: Low - moderate. INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. STRATEGY: Aim to exclude fire by fuel reduction in adjacent vegetation communities where possible. Undertake partial burns when necessary to reduce fuel loads and protect against severe wildfire. Burn with high soil moisture (i.e., after rain/storms) or in winter when fire is more easily controlled. ISSUES: Important waterbird breeding habitat. Rarely burns due to low fuel loads. |
| Comments | 5.3.18: Associated drainage lines are frequently fringed by Eucalyptus coolabah low open woodland or other species depending on the local habitat. Major component of 'channel country complex'. Varying degrees of degradation occur including scalding and vegetation loss associated with total grazing pressure (Dawson 1974). 5.3.18a: Includes many small braided (riverine channels) fringed by palustrine vegetated wetlands. Associated drainage lines are frequently fringed by Eucalyptus coolabah low open woodland or other species depending on the local habitat. Major component of 'channel country complex'. Varying degrees of degradation occur including scalding and vegetation loss associated with total grazing pressure (Dawson 1974). 5.3.18b: Associated drainage lines are frequently fringed by Eucalyptus coolabah low open woodland or other species depending on the local habitat. Major component of 'channel country complex'. Varying degrees of degradation occur including scalding and vegetation loss associated with total grazing pressure (Dawson 1974). |
1 Estimated extent is from version 13 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.
