Regional ecosystem details for 6.3.10
| Regional ecosystem | 6.3.10 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Palustrine |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 7, 3, (5), (4), (8), (11) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 28000 ha; Remnant 2021 28000 ha |
| Short description | Tecticornia spp. succulent shrubland fringing playa lakes |
| Structure code | Succulent Shrubland |
| Description | Tecticornia spp. succulent shrubland. Tecticornia indica subsp. leiostachya and T. pergranulata typically predominate. Isolated emergent Myoporum acuminatum and other shrubs may occur. The ground layer is variable but forbs are more prevalent than grasses. In some areas, bands of Tecticornia spp. open succulent shrubland alternate with bands of Atriplex spp. forbland, forming a complex. Occurs on the fringing margins of playa lakes. The soils are composed predominantly of fine-grained material such as fine sand, clay, silt and salts, which has been transported by wind and alluvial action. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 34b). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 6.3.10a: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation community is now mapped as 6.3.10x1. Water/bare areas of saline lakes. Closed depressions forming lakes with saline water. Lacustrine. (BVG1M: 34a). 6.3.10b: [RE not in use]²: This vegetation community is now mapped as 6.3.10x1. Water/bare areas of hyposaline lakes. Closed depressions forming lakes with hyposaline water. Lacustrine. (BVG1M: 34a). 6.3.10x1: Lake beds. Bare or water, depending on seasonal conditions. Large closed depressions, forming playa lakes with fresh to hyposaline water. Lacustrine. (BVG1M: 34a). 6.3.10x2: Lunettes (lake fringing dunes). Variable, from low woodland to tall shrubland to predominantly bare. Associated species include Eucalyptus largiflorens, Acacia spp. And Eremophila spp. The ground layer includes tussock grasses, forbs and chenopods. Occurs on the margins of playa lakes. Formed by wind transportation from lake beds. The soils of the lunettes are deep, composed predominantly of fine-grained material such as fine sand, clay, silt and salts. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 34b). |
| Supplementary description | Dawson (1974), D8 (LU 1, 30); Neldner (1984), 63 (159); Kingsford et al. (2001), Salt lakes; Timms (2006) |
| Protected areas | Currawinya NP, Lake Bindegolly NP |
| Special values | 6.3.10: This wetland regional ecosystem is often associated with larger salt lakes which can support large densities of water birds and include sites for colonial breeding water birds such as the Australian pelican (Pelecanus conspicullatus), black swans (Cygnus atratus), red-necked Avocet (Recurvirostra novaehollandiae). |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Wet season. INTENSITY: Low. 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: Rarely enough fuel load to burn. |
| Comments | 6.3.10: On margins of larger lakes, a zone of Cyperus gymnocaulos open sedgeland (up to 3m wide) may be associated with this complex. Heavily impacted by stock trampling. 6.3.10x1: A regional ecosystem with a restricted distribution. May include small areas of Tecticornia spp. Succulent shrubland (6.3.10). 6.3.10x2: A regional ecosystem with a restricted distribution. |
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.
2 Superseded: Revision of the regional ecosystem classification removed this regional ecosystem code from use. It is included in the regional ecosystem description database because the RE code may appear in older versions of RE mapping and the Vegetation Management regulation.
