Regional ecosystem details for 9.3.2
| Regional ecosystem | 9.3.2 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 3, (2), (2.4), (2.6), (7.9), (7.8) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 19000 ha; Remnant 2021 18000 ha |
| Short description | Eucalyptus leptophleba and/or E. chlorophylla +/- Corymbia dallachiana woodland on river levees and terraces |
| Structure code | Woodland |
| Description | Woodland to open woodland of Eucalyptus leptophleba (Molloy red box) and/or E. chlorophylla (glossy-leaved box) +/- Corymbia dallachiana (Dallachy's gum) +/- C. clarksoniana (Clarkson's bloodwood) +/- E. cullenii (Cullen's ironbark). There is usually a sparse sub-canopy layer, which can contain canopy species along with Melaleuca viridiflora (broad-leaved paperbark), M. nervosa (woodland paperbark), M. citrolens (scrub teatree) and Petalostigma spp. The shrub-layer is absent to sparse and can contain Carissa lanceolata (currantbush), Planchonia careya (cocky apple) and Gardenia vilhelmii (breadfruit). A mid-dense to dense grassy ground layer is generally present and often includes Heteropogon contortus (black speargrass), Aristida spp., Themeda triandra (kangaroo grass) and Sarga plumosum (plume sorghum). Occurs on river levees and terraces. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 16b). |
| Supplementary description | Perry et al. (1964): Georgetown Unit 6 |
| Protected areas | Mount Lewis NP, Kuranda West FR |
| Special values | 9.3.2: Significant habitat particularly for herbivores such as macropods and arboreal mammals. |
| 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 | 9.3.2: This unit is distinguished from communities 9.3.3a and 9.3.3e by not having the subdominant species as a major component of the community. Confined to the north of the bioregion. Cryptostegia grandiflora (rubber vine) infestation and total high grazing pressures are leading to degradation. Logging is occurring in some areas. |
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.
