Regional ecosystem details for 5.5.6
| Regional ecosystem | 5.5.6 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 4, 5, (1), (6.9), (2), (4.4), (4.3), (4.5) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 143000 ha; Remnant 2021 140000 ha |
| Short description | Archidendropsis basaltica and/or Acacia aneura +/- Corymbia terminalis low open woodland on sand plains |
| Structure code | Low Open Woodland |
| Description | Archidendropsis basaltica often predominates forming a distinct but discontinuous canopy. Other trees including Grevillea striata, Atalaya hemiglauca, Flindersia maculosa and Corymbia terminalis are usually conspicuous. In other areas, Acacia aneura is the dominant species with the other trees noted above occurring as sub-dominants. In this situation, Archidendropsis basaltica may occur in clumps. Scattered shrubs are usually present but rarely form a well defined layer. The ground layer is open and usually dominated by tussock grasses, with forbs being frequent. In small areas Triodia bitextura dominates the ground layer. Occurs on gently sloping, Quaternary sandplains sometimes on the level tops of dissected tablelands. Soils moderately deep sandy red earths with loose often with a week crust. Surface textures are sandy loam. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 23a). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 5.5.6a: Corymbia terminalis low open woodland over Triodia pungens open hummock grassland, scattered shrubs such as Senna artemisioides subsp. helmsii, S. artemisioides subsp. oligophylla, Gossypium australe occur frequently and Eremophila spp., and Acacia spp. infrequently. S. notabilis is often common in recently burnt areas. The perennial grass Paraneurachne muelleri occurs frequently in the ground stratum between the spinifex hummocks. Most grasses, e.g. Aristida spp. and forbs, e.g. Hibiscus spp., and Sida spp. are present infrequently. Some species such as Tephrosia brachycarpa become abundant after burning. Occurs on Cainozoic sand deposits on level tops of dissected tablelands. Associated soils are moderately deep sandy red earths with loose often with a week crust. Surface textures are sandy loam. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 33b). 5.5.6x1: Triodia pungens hummock grassland with occasional scattered low trees and tall shrubs including Corymbia terminalis +/- Acacia aneura +/- Acacia excelsa subsp. angusta +/- Corymbia aparrerinja. There is usually a sparse to open, low shrub layer dominated by Acacia spp. or Eremophila spp. Tussock grasses and forbs occur between the Triodia pungens hummocks. On low plateaus of Tertiary alluvia occasional scattered Acacia cambagei may occur. Fire frequency can affect density of woody species and Triodia pungens. Occurs on Quaternary sandplains sometimes on the level tops of dissected tablelands, and low level plateaus of Tertiary alluvia. Soils shallow to very deep, sandy red earths and earthy sands in run-on areas. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 33b). |
| Supplementary description | Neldner (1991), 13 (2), Turner et al. (1978), S2 (52, 53) |
| Protected areas | Welford NP, Bladensburg NP |
| Special values | 5.5.6: Potentially provides habitat for a number of small mammal species. |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Wet season. 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: a, b: To manage the spread of the highly flammable Triodia spp., winter and/or wet/storm season fire can be used. Acacia aneura may be killed by high intensity fires. |
| Comments | 5.5.6: Floristically diverse. Occurs around head waters of the Vergemont Creek in the north east of the bioregion. Highly modified floristic composition due to total grazing pressure and changed fire regime. Density of Acacia aneura reduced in some areas by cutting for drought feeding and regular burning to promote new grass growth. 5.5.6x1: Goneaway tablelands, Mayne River. Fire frequency can affect density of woody species and Triodia pungens. In local areas, Acacia adsurgens, A. ancistrocarpa and A. cowleana (run-on areas) may form tall shrublands with T. pungens ground layer. |
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.
