Regional ecosystem details for 9.3.20
| Regional ecosystem | 9.3.20 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 2, 1, 2.6, 2.9, 5, (4), (2.5), (2.4) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 46000 ha; Remnant 2021 45000 ha |
| Short description | Eucalyptus microneura +/- Corymbia spp. +/- E. leptophleba woodland on alluvial plains |
| Structure code | Woodland |
| Description | Woodland to low open woodland of Eucalyptus microneura (Georgetown box) +/- Corymbia pocillum +/- E. leptophleba (Molloy red box) +/- Terminalia spp. There is an absent to sparse mixed shrub layer which can include juvenile canopy species, Gardenia vilhelmii (breadfruit), Dolichandrone alternifolia (lemonwood), Atalaya hemiglauca (whitewood), Melaleuca spp. and Carissa lanceolata (currantbush), with some of these species sometimes forming an open sub-canopy layer. The grassy ground layer is generally dominated by Heteropogon contortus (black speargrass), Eragrostis spp. and Aristida spp. Occur on alluvial plains. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 18d). |
| Supplementary description | Perry et al. (1964): Belmore Unit 3 |
| Protected areas | Littleton NP, Undara Volcanic NP, Canyon RR, Rungulla NP, Littleton RR |
| Special values | 9.3.20: 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 | 9.3.20: This regional ecosystem can also can also have patches of grassland scattered through it. Occurs from Mt. Surprise to Esmeralda in the central west of the bioregion. Rubber vine Cryptostegia grandiflora infestation and total high grazing pressures are leading to degradation. Weeds species Mesosphaerum suaveolens and Malvastrum americanum can also occur. |
1 Estimated extent is from version 13.1 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.
