Regional ecosystem details for 5.3.9
| Regional ecosystem | 5.3.9 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Riverine |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 4, 2, (5), (6), (1), (3), (4.2), (4.3), (4.4), (6.9), (7), (4.5), (10), (13), (4.1) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 259000 ha; Remnant 2021 256000 ha |
| Short description | Acacia cambagei +/- Eucalyptus coolabah low woodland on braided channel systems |
| Structure code | Low Woodland |
| Description | Acacia cambagei dominates forming a distinct but discontinuous canopy with scattered emergent Eucalyptus coolabah. Structure of the canopy varies from a low woodland to low open woodland. Acacia cambagei regeneration is frequently present forming a low shrub layer. Other scattered shrubs may be present. The ground layer is dominated by Eulalia aurea, Chrysopogon fallax and Cyperus spp. in the channels and Astrebla pectinata, Astrebla elymoides, Astrebla squarrosa and Eragrostis setifolia on interchannel and fringing areas. in Ephemeral herbland may exist on inter-channel areas. Occurs on shallow braided channels on alluvia above major drainage lines. Soils very deep, red, brown and grey cracking clays, sometimes with exposed gypsum deposits. Riverine. (BVG1M: 26a). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 5.3.9x1: Acacia cyperophylla var. cyperophylla low open woodland with Acacia cambagei and/or Acacia georginae frequently occurring as co-dominants and with occasional Eucalyptus coolabah or Eucalyptus camaldulensis. Atalaya hemiglauca is usually present as scattered tall shrubs. Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla and/or Eremophila freelingii are frequently present as scattered shrubs. The ground layer varies from very sparse to open, and is commonly dominated by Eulalia aurea, Themeda triandra, Eriachne mucronata, Enteropogon acicularis and diverse forbs. Occurs on minor drainage lines draining dissected residuals and plateaus and extending onto adjacent clay plains. Soils generally deep gravelly loams, sandy loams to sandy clay loams. Lower in the landscape deep gravelly red clays and texture contrast soils. Riverine. (BVG1M: 24a). |
| Supplementary description | Neldner (1991), 26b (16); Boyland (1984), 15a; Wilson and Purdie (1990a), W2 (72); Turner et al. (1978) A3, W3 (26) |
| Protected areas | Diamantina NP, Pullen Pullen SWR, Welford NP, Bladensburg NP, Goneaway NP |
| Special values | 5.3.9: Potential habitat for NCA listed species: Acacia peuce, Calotis suffruticosa, Grevillea kennedyana, Sclerolaena blakei, Swainsona murrayana. |
| 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 | 5.3.9: In most areas, 10-15% of the A. cambagei trees stand dead (Neldner, 1991). 5.3.9x1: RE 5.9.3c was amalgamated into this RE. Grades into 5.7.13 in upper drainage areas. |
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.
