Regional ecosystem details for 9.3.8
| Regional ecosystem | 9.3.8 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 6, 4, (5), (7.6) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 13000 ha; Remnant 2021 13000 ha |
| Short description | Eucalyptus moluccana woodland on alluvial deposits |
| Structure code | Woodland |
| Description | Woodland to open forest of Eucalyptus moluccana (gum-topped box) +/- E. tereticornis (bluegum) +/- E. crebra (narrow-leaved ironbark). The shrub layer varies from absent to scattered shrubs including juvenile E. moluccana, Acacia spp. and Petalostigma pubescens (quinine). The ground layer is dominated by tussock grasses including Bothriochloa spp. (bluegrasses) and Heteropogon contortus (black speargrass). Occurs on alluvial deposits and run-on areas often on a Tertiary remnant surface. Soils may be grey self-mulching clays. Alluvial deposits may overlie lateritised surfaces. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 13d). |
| Protected areas | Girringun NP, Girringun RR, Girringun CP |
| 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 | 9.3.8: Occurs in the central eastern parts of the bioregion adjacent to the Wet Tropics bioregional boundary. |
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.
