Regional ecosystem details for 9.3.16
| Regional ecosystem | 9.3.16 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 6, 4, (5), (3), (2), (7.5), (7.6), (7.8) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 33000 ha; Remnant 2021 29000 ha |
| Short description | Eucalyptus tereticornis and/or E. platyphylla and/or Corymbia clarksoniana woodland on alluvial flats, levees and plains |
| Structure code | Woodland |
| Description | Open forest to open woodland of Eucalyptus tereticornis (bluegum) and/or E. platyphylla (poplar gum) and/or Corymbia clarksoniana (Clarkson's bloodwood) +/- C. tessellaris (Moreton Bay ash). The sub-canopy can be absent to open and include canopy species, Melaleuca nervosa (woodland paperbark), M. viridiflora (broad-leaved paperbark) and Lophostemon suaveolens (swamp mahogany). The shrub layer ranges from absent to open and can include Acacia crassicarpa (spoon tree), Petalostigma pubescens (quinine), Pandanus sp. and Ficus opposita (sandpaper fig). There is a mid-dense to dense grassy layer usually dominated by Heteropogon contortus (black speargrass) or Imperata cylindrica (blady grass). Occurs on alluvial plains and levees rather than as a fringing woodland. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 16c). |
| Protected areas | Girringun NP, Girringun CP, Girringun RR, Mount Lewis NP, Kuranda West FR |
| Special values | 9.3.16: Significant habitat as drought refuge, wildlife corridors and for arboreal animals. |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Early dry season and storm time. Timing of early dry season burns will vary depending on seasonal conditions; it may sometimes commence as early as March. INTENSITY: Low, with occasional moderate. INTERVAL: 2-5 year intervals with longer unburnt patches. Fuel loads tend to reach a maximum after 2-3 years. Ensure burn programs occur after big wet season as fuel loads will be higher than average. INTERVAL_MIN: 2. INTERVAL_MAX: 5. STRATEGY: Burn less than 40% across the landscape in any year. Burning through the early dry season will produce a network of burns that will contain later fires. Fires will only gain in intensity as the dry season progresses. Grass composition can be affected by timing and intensity of fire. Occasional moderate fire will help to reduce overabundant trees that could potentially suppress ground layer vegetation. ISSUES: Leave areas of long unburnt vegetation to maintain a diversity of habitat for wildlife. |
| Comments | 9.3.16: Not a fringing woodland and lacks the Melaleuca spp. in the canopy of similar units such as 9.3.1 and 9.3.15. Close to the Wet Tropics boundary mainly in the central east bioregion. Vulnerable to weed infestation by Themeda quadrivalvis (grader grass), Megathyrsus maximus (Guinea grass) and Praxelis clematidea. |
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.
