Regional ecosystem details for 8.1.5
| Regional ecosystem | 8.1.5 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Palustrine |
| Biodiversity status | Endangered |
| Subregion | 2, 5, 4, 11.14, (3) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 1000 ha; Remnant 2021 1000 ha |
| Short description | Melaleuca spp. and/or Eucalyptus tereticornis and/or Corymbia tessellaris woodland with a ground stratum of salt tolerant grasses and sedges, usually in a narrow zone adjoining tidal ecosystems |
| Structure code | Woodland |
| Description | Melaleuca spp. and/or Eucalyptus tereticornis and/or Corymbia tessellaris low open woodland to open forest (to open shrubland) (2-20m tall). Canopy dominants are very variable, ranging from dense stands of Melaleuca quinquenervia or M. leucadendra, to more open stands of Melaleuca spp. and/or eucalypt species. Acacia spp. such as A. leptocarpa and A. holosericea may be present. Mangrove species may also occur in clumps or scattered in low numbers. Some sites have a sparse (to isolated plants) secondary tree or shrub layer consisting of one or several of Acacia spp., Pandanus spp., mangrove spp., Melaleuca spp. Myoporum acuminatum, Clerodendrum inerme, Gahnia sieberiana, Phragmites australis, Banksia spp., and sometimes pioneering rainforest spp. There is usually a mid-dense to dense ground layer (often interspersed with large bare areas of saline silts), most often dominated by Sporobolus virginicus, Baumea juncea or Acrostichum speciosum. Other dominants may include Vincetoxicum carnosum, Baumea rubiginosa, Eleocharis dulcis and Paspalum vaginatum. Other typical associated species are Imperata cylindrica, Phragmites spp., Eriochloa procera, Gymnanthera oblonga, Juncus kraussii, Ceratopteris thalictroides and Cyperus javanicus. Narrow tidal and supratidal flats landward of and adjoining tidal regional ecosystems on lowlands. Sometimes occurs over broader low-lying, tidally influenced plains. Geologies mapped include Qm (Quaternary coastal mud, silt and minor evaporites), Qhe/m (Holocene mud, sandy mud, muddy sand and minor gravel), Qhcm (Holocene mud and sandy mud), Qhct (Holocene silt, mud and sand) and Qhe/s (Holocene sand, muddy sand, mud and minor gravel). Palustrine. (BVG1M: 22b). |
| Supplementary description | Brushe et al. (in prep), Map Unit 3(8), c3; Ryan et al. (2003), Vegetation unit 8MEa_1 |
| Protected areas | Cape Palmerston NP, MacKenzie Island CP, Broad Sound Islands NP, West Hill NP, Causeway Lake CP, Sandringham Bay CP |
| Special values | 8.1.5: Habitat for the threatened fauna species False Water Rat (Xeromys myoides), (listed as "Vulnerable" in the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992) and the locally rare species Swamp Rat (Rattus lutreolus), and Pale Field Rat (Rattus tunneyi). Stronghold for the locally uncommon Ceratopteris thalictroides. Habitat for Eleocharis spp. which have a very restricted habitat range (e.g. Eleocharis spiralis). Habitat for some species which are poorly known from CQC including Bacopa monnieri and Nymphoides exiliflora. |
| Fire management guidelines | INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. ISSUES: Although this ecosystem is expected to be fire tolerant, it is likely that hydrological actions, and seasonal location of the halo-zone (area of salt influence) are the 'disturbing factors' which drive periodic change in structure and floristics. Intense fire within this ecosystem is unlikely due to restricted levels of 'natural' fuel accumulation. However, in areas containing weed infestation, particularly involving guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) such fire is possible and could cause damage to nesting trees. Such infestations are best controlled by means other than fire although 'rehabilitation' burns may be used on occasion (see fire regime). |
| Comments | 8.1.5: Relatively common on inland margins of marine ecosystems, however occurrences are generally small in size. Distinguished from 8.1.4 by occurring on slightly higher ground (only inundated by tidal waters at the highest tides) and by being dominated by tree and shrub species. Similar to the 8.3.13 series, but for 8.1.5 the ground layer is always dominated by saline tolerant species, and it is inundated with brackish waters at highest tides (8.3.13a is not inundated by brackish waters). Relatively common in coastal areas throughout the bioregion, from Proserpine to Cape Manifold. Generally occurs in small or narrow patches. Some areas are in good condition, however some have been dramatically altered by draining and filling for agriculture and industrial development, and the construction of bund walls (which changes the natural fluctuation between brackish water and freshwater). Weed invasion is often a problem, especially *Lantana camara, *Leucaena leucocephala, *Megathyrsus maximus, *Dichanthium annulatum, and *Hymenachne amplexicaulis. Other weeds include *Passiflora foetida, *Passiflora suberosa, *P. pallida, and *Mimosa pudica. |
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.
