Regional ecosystem details for 7.1.2
| Regional ecosystem | 7.1.2 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Intertidal |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 1, 2, 3, 9, (6), (7), (8) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 6000 ha; Remnant 2021 5000 ha |
| Short description | Sporobolus virginicus grassland, samphire open forbland to sparse forbland and bare saltpans on plains adjacent to mangroves |
| Structure code | Tussock Grassland |
| Description | Sporobolus virginicus (saltwater couch) grassland, samphire open forbland to sparse forbland, and bare saltpans. Fine anaerobic saline silts on plains adjacent to mangroves. Saltpans dominate in extremely saline situations. Intertidal. (BVG1M: 35b). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 7.1.2a: Samphire flats with open forbland to sparse forbland of Tecticornia spp., and Suaeda australis. Includes bare saltpans. Occurs in extremely saline situations adjacent to mangroves, usually in slight depressions which form salt scalds after the accumulated seawater evaporates. Soils are fine anaerobic saline silts. Intertidal. (BVG1M: 35b). 7.1.2b: Sporobolus virginicus (saltwater couch) grassland. Slightly elevated marine plains on fine anaerobic saline silts of the saline littoral zone. Slightly elevated marine plains on fine anaerobic saline silts of the saline littoral zone. Intertidal. (BVG1M: 35b). |
| Supplementary description | Stanton and Stanton (2005), E22b, E107, D107; Kemp and Morgan (1999), 2; Kemp et al. (1999), 2; Neldner and Clarkson (1995), 194; Tracey and Webb (1975), 22b |
| Protected areas | Halifax Bay Wetlands NP, Girringun NP, Hinchinbrook Island NP, Girramay NP, Paluma Range NP, Daintree NP (CYPAL), Ngalba-bulal NP (CYPAL), Kurrimine Beach NP, Hull River NP, Ella Bay NP, Russell River NP |
| Fire management guidelines | INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. STRATEGY: Do not burn deliberately. ISSUES: No fire management required. Non-flammable vegetation consists of salt meadow herbfield with Sporobolus virginicus, Tecticornia indica and Suaeda australis. |
| Comments | 7.1.2: This regional ecosystem occurs as relatively small patches among mangroves on higher and drier areas subject to inundation only by king tides. Small depressions favour salt scalds after the accumulated seawater evaporates. This regional ecosystem is threatened by activities such as building of rubbish tips, airstrips, and recreational driving. Some areas are in poor condition due to recreational vehicular activities, usually close to urban areas. 7.1.2a: Distributed along the entire coast, but most extensive in the drier northern and southern sections of the bioregion. 7.1.2b: Distributed along the entire coast, but most extensive in the drier northern and southern sections of the bioregion. |
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.
