Regional ecosystem details for 5.7.8
| Regional ecosystem | 5.7.8 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Endangered |
| Subregion | 2 |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 3000 ha; Remnant 2021 3000 ha |
| Short description | Acacia peuce low open woodland between dunes |
| Structure code | Low Open Woodland |
| Description | This regional ecosystem is now mapped as 5.7.8x1. Acacia peuce occurs in mono-specific stands, forming a low open woodland. Scattered low shrubs such as Senna artemisioides subsp. oligophylla, Senna artemisioides subsp. coriacea, Senna phyllodinea, Eremophila maculata subsp. maculata, Enchylaena tomentosa and Maireana aphylla usually occur. The ground layer is usually sparse, and dominated by Aristida spp. and Sclerolaena spp. Occurs on undulating plains between dunes. Associated soils include deep desert loams with silcrete gravel on surface in places. Wind-blown sand also occurs on the surface in places. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 26a). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 5.7.8x1: Acacia peuce occurs in mono-specific stands, forming a very low open woodland. Scattered low shrubs such as Senna artemisioides sub. oligophylla, S. artemisioides subsp. coriacea, S. phyllodinea, Eremophila maculata, Enchylaena tomentosa and Maireana aphylla commonly occur. The ground layer is usually sparse, varies with seasonal conditions and is commonly dominated by Aristida contorta and Sclerolaena spp. Treeless areas common. Grades into Aristida contorta sparse to open herbland on Cainozoic colluvial and residual deposits (5.9.4x1) with decreasing tree density. Occurs on interface of flat to undulating Cainozoic clay plains with Quaternary sand dunes. Associated soils include deep desert loams, deep texture contrast soils with a sandy A horizon both often with silcrete gravel on surface in places. Wind-blown sand also occurs on the surface in places. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 26a). |
| Supplementary description | Deveson, (1980); Boyland (1984), 5 |
| Special values | 5.7.8: Habitat for threatened species of flora (Acacia peuce) and of fauna (kowari Dasyuroides byrnei, and grey falcon (Falco hypoleucos). The ecosystem supports a high density of raptors with nesting sites including the grey falcon mentioned above. 5.7.8x1: Habitat for threatened species of flora (Acacia peuce) and of fauna (kowari Dasyuroides byrnei, and grey falcon (Falco hypoleucos). The ecosystem supports a high density of raptors with nesting sites including the grey falcon mentioned above. |
| Fire management guidelines | INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. STRATEGY: Exclude fire. ISSUES: Acacia peuce is fire sensitive and are thought to be unable to survive fire events. Three populations of Acacia peuce exist - one in the NT and two in Qld (one near Birdsville and the other near Boulia). The Birdsville population occurs in an essentially bare, rocky landscape where the threat of fire is minor due to general lack of fuel load to burn. The Boulia population occurs in the Mitchell Grass Downs bioregion on soils where, after high rainfall events and possibly where these areas are fenced off from cattle, build up of fuel loads in the ground layer may present a fire risk to the trees. |
| Comments | 5.7.8: Lack of Acacia peuce regeneration possibly due to grazing pressure. 5.7.8x1: Was previously mapped as 5.7.8. Created to move 5.7.8 to landzone 4. Lack of Acacia peuce regeneration possibly due to grazing pressure. |
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.
