Regional ecosystem details for 8.2.8
| Regional ecosystem | 8.2.8 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 5, 1, 4, (11.14) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 14000 ha; Remnant 2021 14000 ha |
| Short description | Corymbia spp. and/or Eucalyptus spp. and/or Acacia spp. and/or Allocasuarina littoralis open forest on Pleistocene parabolic dunes |
| Structure code | Open Forest |
| Description | Corymbia spp. and/or Eucalyptus spp. and/or Acacia spp. and/or Allocasuarina littoralis open forest to open shrubland (1-38m tall). A wide variety of Eucalyptus and Corymbia species may be dominant in the canopy, and common Acacia dominants are Acacia julifera, A. disparrima subsp. disparrima and A. crassicarpa. sub-canopy and shrub layers are usually sparse and dominated by heath species such as Lithomyrtus obtusa and Banksia integrifolia subsp. compar, and the ground layer is usually sparse and dominated by a wide range of grasses and herbs but often including Trachystylis stradbrokensis, Lomandra spp., Eriachne spp. and Aristida spp. Occurs on parabolic dunes of Pleistocene age. Geologies mapped include Qpd (Pleistocene high parabolic quartz sand dunes). Soils are dune sands, mainly podzols and rudimentary podzols and Qr (Quaternary sand in beach ridges and coastal dunes). Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9e). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 8.2.8a: Corymbia spp. and/or Eucalyptus spp. open forest to low woodland (3-22m tall). Dominants usually include one or several of the following eucalypts; Corymbia intermedia, Eucalyptus portuensis, E. exserta, E. drepanophylla, C. tessellaris, Syncarpia glomulifera, E. latisinensis and C. clarksoniana, and there is sometimes a co-dominance or subdominance of other species such as Acacia disparrima subsp. disparrima, Banksia integrifolia subsp. compar, Allocasuarina littoralis and Lophostemon suaveolens. On South Percy Island the canopy dominants are usually E. exserta and E. drepanophylla, or C. clarksoniana, and sometimes C. xanthope. Lower tree layers are very sparse to absent. The shrub layers range from sparse to mid-dense and are typically dominated by heath species such as Lithomyrtus obtusa, Acacia julifera subsp. curvinervia, A. flavescens, Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia, Persoonia virgata, Leucopogon leptospermoides, Leptospermum neglectum and Grevillea banksii. The ground layer is usually sparse, and dominated by species such as Themeda triandra, Pteridium esculentum, Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia, Dianella caerulea, Imperata cylindrica, Eriachne pallescens and Trachystylis stradbrokensis. Occurs on high parabolic dunes, mainly of Pleistocene age (subregions 4 and 5). Geology is Qpd (Pleistocene high parabolic quartz sand dunes). Soils are dune sands, mainly podzols and rudimentary podzols. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9e). 8.2.8b: Eucalyptus exserta and Corymbia clarksoniana open forest to woodland (12-25 tall). Corymbia tessellaris is often present as a subdominant, and individuals of Acacia crassicarpa and A. flavescens often reach the canopy in places. Rainforest elements (such as Euroschinus falcatus) may also be present in the canopy. There is a mid-dense to dense sub-canopy tree layer dominated by Acacia crassicarpa, A. flavescens and sometimes A. disparrima as well as some rainforest elements. There is often a sparse to dense lower tree layer, also dominated by pioneering rainforest elements. Very sparse to mid-dense shrub-layers may be present consisting of a mixture of saplings of rainforest pioneers and heath-like sclerophyll elements such as Ricinocarpos pinifolius, Exocarpos latifolius, Lithomyrtus obtusa, Anthobolus filifolius and Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia. The ground stratum is dominated by sedges, grasses and low shrubs, especially Trachystylis stradbrokensis, Lepidosperma sp., Lithomyrtus obtusa, Fimbristylis sp. and Panicum sp. Occurs on fine white coastal sands on Pleistocene age parabolic dunes (subregion 1). The sand is wind-blown, and in some places has blown a considerable distance up the side of hills. The depth of sand to rock therefore probably varies considerably. Geology is mapped as Qr (Quaternary sand in beach ridges and coastal dunes). Soils are giant podzols and giant humus podzols. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9e). 8.2.8d: Acacia julifera and/or A. disparrima subsp. disparrima and/or Allocasuarina littoralis open shrubland to low woodland (1-10m tall). Common associated to codominant species include Acacia flavescens, Corymbia intermedia, Lophostemon suaveolens and Leptospermum neglectum. Other occasional species in the canopy (or as emergents) may include Eucalyptus latisinensis, E. exserta and Banksia integrifolia subsp. compar. Corymbia xanthope is an occasional canopy species on South Percy Island. There may be a very sparse to mid-dense secondary tree or lower shrub layer which is often Acacia spp. or Allocasuarina littoralis dominated and which may also include a variety of heath species such as Lithomyrtus obtusa, Leptospermum neglectum, Pityrodia salviifolia, Ricinocarpos pinifolius, Phyllota phylicoides, Hibbertia linearis, Leucopogon leptospermoides and Platysace linearifolia. Some sites include pioneering rainforest species in the lower structural layers. The ground layer consists of isolated plants or clumps, with common species including Imperata cylindrica, Paspalidium gausum, Pteridium esculentum, Xanthorrhoea latifolia subsp. latifolia, Lomandra longifolia, Themeda triandra, Trachystylis stradbrokensis, Eriachne pallescens and Aristida holathera var. holathera. Occurs on high parabolic dunes of predominantly Pleistocene age. The sand has been windblown up slopes and over low hills, resulting in a variable depth of sand to rock. Geology mapped as Qpd (Pleistocene high parabolic quartz sand dunes), Qr (Quaternary clay, silt, sand, gravel and soil; colluvial and residual deposits). Soils are Giant podzols and giant humus podzols. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9e). 8.2.8e: Acacia crassicarpa closed forest to open shrubland (9-28m tall). Acacia flavescens and Eucalyptus exserta are often associated species in the canopy. There are frequently mid-dense to sparse lower tree layers and shrub layers dominated by pioneering rainforest spp. and Acacia spp., and occasional to rare heath species such as Lithomyrtus obtusa, Anthobolus filifolius and Leucopogon leptospermoides, and the ground layer is often dominated by Trachystylis stradbrokensis. Occurs on fine white coastal sands of Pleistocene parabolic dunes. The sand is wind-blown, and in some places has blown a considerable distance up the side of hills. The depth of sand to rock therefore varies. Geology is Qr (Quaternary sand in beach ridges and coastal dunes). Soils are giant podzols and giant humus podzols. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 28b). |
| Supplementary description | Bailey et al. (2003), CW-2, CH-2p; Brushe et al. (in prep), c9a, c13a, c14, c15, c16; Queensland Herbarium (2008) Ajw_2, Cdw_2, Ehdw_2; |
| Protected areas | Byfield NP, Whitsunday Islands NP, Percy Isles NP, Byfield CP |
| Special values | 8.2.8: Potential habitat for NCA listed species: Samadera bidwillii. 8.2.8a: Habitat for the threatened plant species Samadera bidwillii. Habitat for many plant species at the northern limit of their range, including Persoonia virgata, Hovea clavata, Phyllota phylicoides, Homoranthus virgatus, Platysace linearifolia, Aotus lanigera, Hibbertia vestita, Macrozamia miquelii (also very restricted in distribution), Brachyloma daphnoides, Zieria laxiflora, Caustis recurvata, Zoysia macrantha subsp. macrantha, Hovea clavata, Ochrosperma lineare, Patersonia sericea and Phebalium woombye. 8.2.8b: Part of a unique and highly restricted landform supporting some locally restricted heath species such as Ricinocarpos pinifolius, Anthobolus filifolius and Lithomyrtus obtusa. Northern limit of Ricinocarpos pinifolius (Whitsunday Island). The low nutrient status of the sands on these islands supports a heath vegetation with species more typical of similar areas in subregion 4. 8.2.8d: Habitat for several species at the northern limit of their range, including Phyllota phylicoides, Brachyloma daphnoides, Homoranthus virgatus, Caustis recurvata, Persoonia virgata and Platysace linearifolia. Likely habitat for Acacia sp. (Pine Islet H.Heatwole AQ6370) which is restricted to the Percy Island Group. 8.2.8e: Part of a unique and highly restricted landform supporting some locally restricted heath species such as Ricinocarpos pinifolius, Anthobolus filifolius and Lithomyrtus obtusa. Northern limit of Ricinocarpos pinifolius (Whitsunday Island). The low nutrient status of the sands on these islands supports a heath vegetation with species more typical of similar areas in subregion 4. |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: April to June. INTENSITY: Low to High. INTERVAL: 8.2.8a and b: 6-8 years as a minimum interval between fires. INTERVAL_MIN: 6. INTERVAL_MAX: 50. STRATEGY: 8.2.8a and b: Attempt to retain some areas unburnt. Do not re-light areas remaining unburnt after the initial fire. ISSUES: 8.2.8a: A well layered woodland with high floristic diversity indicating that the current approximately 7 year fire interval is appropriate and should be maintained. 8.2.8b: Geographically restricted to one locality (Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island). Widespread fire removes nesting resources for the scrub-fowl, and may impact of food items available. Lack of knowledge of this ecosystem and its need for fire is a major obstacle to effective fire management. Any fire applied should be considered experimental and its responses carefully monitored. |
| Comments | 8.2.8a: Closely related to 8.2.8b, which can be distinguished by its occurrence in subregion 1 only. The RE 8.2.8e can be similar but is dominated by Acacia crassicarpa. Other dune regional ecosystems with a eucalypt woodland or open forest structure include: 8.2.6a and 8.2.6b which occur on parallel (not parabolic dunes) and are dominated by Corymbia tessellaris; 8.2.14b which occurs on Holocene (instead of Pleistocene) parabolic dunes and is dominated by C. tessellaris; 8.2.7b which is dominated by Eucalyptus robusta and occurs in swamps; 8.2.12a which occurs on low degraded parallel dunes (not high parabolics); 8.2.7c which occurs in swamps and is dominated by Lophostemon suaveolens; 8.2.13a and 8.2.13b which occur on the interface between alluvium, marine sediments and very low degraded dunes (as opposed to high parabolics). Distinguished from all other dune regional ecosystems by the dominance of Eucalyptus spp. or Corymbia spp. in an open forest or woodland structure. Burning has potential to dramatically alter structure and composition of this highly unstable ecosystem, and though probably desirable, should not be carried out on the full extent of this vegetation community at any one time. Occurs mainly in subregion 5, from the northern tip of Townshend Island to Corio Bay. Also found on Great Keppel Island and South Percy Island (subregion 4). Inappropriate fire regimes may be a threat, and weed invasion by species such as *Lantana camara and other weeds are a threat in some places. Island occurrences are in excellent condition apart from possibly being more senescent than they should be (possibly requiring burning). Most parts of the Shoalwater occurrences (subregion 5) are in good condition except where they receive frequent vehicle use. 8.2.8b: Closely related to 8.2.8a, which can be distinguished by its occurrence in subregion 5 and 2 only. The RE 8.2.8e is also very closely related but is dominated by Acacia crassicarpa. Other dune regional ecosystems with a eucalypt woodland or open forest structure include: 8.2.6a and 8.2.6b which occur on parallel (not parabolic dunes) and are dominated by Corymbia tessellaris; 8.2.14b which occurs on Holocene (instead of Pleistocene) parabolic dunes and is dominated by C. tessellaris; 8.2.7b which is dominated by Eucalyptus robusta and occurs in swamps; 8.2.12a which occurs on low degraded parallel dunes (not high parabolics); 8.2.7c which occurs in swamps and is dominated by Lophostemon suaveolens; 8.2.13a and 8.2.13b which occur on the interface between alluvium, marine sediments and very low degraded dunes (as opposed to high parabolics). Distinguished from all other dune regional ecosystems by the dominance of Corymbia spp. and Eucalyptus spp. in an open forest or woodland structure. Burning has potential to dramatically alter structure and composition of this highly unstable ecosystem, and though probably desirable, should not be carried out on the full extent of this vegetation community at any one time. Restricted to the area behind Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island and Haslewood Island, subregion 1. The presence of heath-like sclerophyll elements and very dense, aged Acacia spp. at most of the sites indicates that this community has not been burnt by a hot fire for several decades. A burn is likely to kill all the Acacias (which will regenerate by seed) and inhibit or kill the rainforest elements, and substantially modify community structure and composition overall, probably resulting in a heath-like structure in the lower tree and shrub-layers. This may be a desirable outcome, though some areas have developed such a well-developed rainforest understorey that finding the right conditions for a burn will be more and more difficult. In some places where the rainforest understorey is not so prevalent it might be possible for heath elements to return once the Acacias senesce and fall, opening up gaps to the forest floor. Otherwise, condition is excellent due to the almost complete lack of recent human disturbance. 8.2.8d: The RE 8.2.8e occurs on the same landform situation and is closely related but is dominated by Acacia crassicarpa. The RE 8.2.3a is similar but occurs on old eroded whaleback dunes or eroded parts of parabolic dunes (soils tend to be more humic), whereas 8.2.8d occurs on more recently active parabolic dunes (soils less humic), and also tends to be less heathy. The RE 8.2.3d is also similar, but occurs on low coastal parallel dune ridges and sand plains (as opposed to parabolics). The regional ecosystems 8.2.14a and 8.2.14c are similar but are much less heathy and occur on younger (Holocene) parabolic dunes. The RE 8.2.12a and 8.2.12b differ by occurring on parallel dunes. Occurs in subregion 5 from Townshend Island south along the eastern coastal area to Corio Bay. It is most extensive around Cape Manifold. Also in subregion 4 on South Percy Island and Great Keppel Island. Mostly in very good condition due to the remoteness of the areas that it occurs. The dominance of Acacia spp. which are usually killed by fire is an indication of a dynamic community that will change structure dramatically after a hot fire. The examples on South Percy Island have not been burnt for a considerable time and the acacias are senescing, and the subcanopy and shrub layers are extremely sparse. The sparse lower layers may be a result of the dense canopy, but are also likely to have been affected by the long history of grazing by sheep and feral goats on the island. The goats have only recently been removed. 8.2.8e: The RE 8.2.8b occurs on the same landform situation as 8.2.8e and is very closely related, but is dominated by Eucalyptus exserta and Corymbia clarksoniana. Distinguished from other Acacia dominated dune communities by: 8.2.14c - dominated by Acacia aulacocarpa and occurs on Holocene age dunes; 8.2.8d - dominated by Acacia julifera or A. aulacocarpa (or non-Acacia spp.); 8.2.12b - occurs on parallel dunes. South-east side of Whitsunday Island behind Whitehaven Bay. The presence of heathy sclerophyll elements and very dense, aged Acacia spp. at most of the sites indicates that this community has not been burnt by a hot fire for several decades. A burn is likely to kill all the Acacias (which will regenerate by seed) and inhibit or kill the rainforest elements, and substantially modify community structure and composition overall, probably resulting in a heath-like structure. This may be a desirable outcome, though some areas have developed such a well-developed rainforest understorey that finding the right conditions for a burn will be more and more difficult. In some places where the rainforest understorey is not so prevalent it might be possible for heath elements to return once the Acacias senesce and fall, opening up gaps to the forest floor. Otherwise, condition is excellent due to the almost complete lack of recent human disturbance. |
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.
