Regional ecosystem details for 6.4.3
| Regional ecosystem | 6.4.3 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Endangered |
| Subregion | 1, 2, (3), (11.37), (11.35), (11.29), (11.26) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 306000 ha; Remnant 2021 39000 ha |
| Short description | Eucalyptus populnea, Casuarina cristata or Acacia harpophylla +/- Geijera parviflora woodland on clay plains |
| Structure code | Woodland |
| Description | Eucalyptus populnea predominates forming a distinct but discontinuous canopy (15-18 m. tall). Casuarina cristata or sometime Acacia harpophylla form a lower tree layer (8-14m tall). In some areas the E. populnea woodland forms a mosaic with C. cristata open forest. An open to moderately dense layer of tall shrubs is usually present and dominated by Eremophila mitchellii and Geijera parviflora. Scattered low shrubs are frequently present. The ground cover is usually sparse, and dominated by the grasses Aristida ramosa, Paspalidium distans, P. gracile, Enteropogon acicularis and Bothriochloa decipiens. Occurs on flat to gently undulating clay plains. Associated soils are either deep, texture contrast soils with thin sandy or loamy, surface horizons over neutral to alkaline clay subsoils, or mosaics of cracking clays on gilgai microrelief with loamy red earths, texture contrast soils or uniform clays. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 25a). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 6.4.3x50: Eucalyptus populnea woodland, commonly with Casuarina cristata. A secondary tree layer may occur, including Acacia harpophylla, A. aneura, Alectryon oleifolius and Callitris glaucophylla. A shrub layer commonly occurs, including Eremophila mitchellii, Geijera parviflora and Atalaya hemiglauca. The ground layer is tussock grasses, including Aristida ramosa, Paspalidium distans, P. gracile, Enteropogon acicularis and Bothriochloa decipiens. Occurs on level deposits of sandy material overlying clay plains in the West Balonne Plains subregion. Red-brown sandy loam soils. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 17a). |
| Supplementary description | Neldner (1984), 22a, b; Galloway et al. (1974), LU 53 |
| Protected areas | Thrushton NP, Narkoola NP |
| Special values | 6.4.3: Habitat for threatened fauna including glossy black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami). 6.4.3x50: Habitat for threatened fauna including glossy black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami). |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Late wet/dry season when there is good soil moisture. Early storm season or after good spring rains. INTENSITY: Moderate to high. INTERVAL: 6-10 years. INTERVAL_MIN: 6. INTERVAL_MAX: 10. STRATEGY: Burn less than 10-30% in any year. Burn surrounding vegetation under conditions of good soil moisture and when plants are actively growing throughout the year so that wildfires will be very limited in extent. Fire exclusion not necessary. ISSUES: Best protection from wildfires is probably the creation of a multi-aged mosaic in surrounding vegetation and perimeter burning. Planned burns have traditionally been carried out in the winter dry season; further research required. |
| Comments | 6.4.3: This regional ecosystem has been moved to 6.4.3x50. Areas of Casuarina cristata open forest on clay plains or Eucalyptus populnea woodland on red earths, which are large enough to map (> 5ha), are included under regional ecosystem 6.4.2 or 6.5.3. Extensively cleared, particularly over 1997-1999 period. 6.4.3x50: Areas of Casuarina cristata open forest on clay plains or Eucalyptus populnea woodland on deep red earths, which are large enough to map (> 5ha), are included under regional ecosystem 6.4.2 or 6.5.3. Extensively cleared, particularly over 1997-1999 period. |
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.
