Regional ecosystem details for 9.5.17
| Regional ecosystem | 9.5.17 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 6, (7.6) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 2000 ha; Remnant 2021 2000 ha |
| Short description | Eucalyptus exserta, Corymbia abergiana and Callitris intratropica mixed low woodland on Tertiary remnants |
| Structure code | Low Woodland |
| Description | Mixed low open woodland to low woodland of Eucalyptus exserta (Queensland peppermint), Corymbia abergiana (range bloodwood) and Callitris intratropica (cypress pine) +/- Corymbia citriodora subsp. citriodora (lemon-scented gum) +/- Eucalyptus crebra (narrow-leaved ironbark). There is often a distinct sub-canopy or tall shrub layer dominated by Allocasuarina spp. (sheoak) as well as juvenile canopy species +/- Grevillea pteridifolia (toothbrush grevillea). Xanthorrhoea johnsonii (grass-tree) is often prominent in a lower shrub layer and the moderately sparse ground layer is often dominated by Themeda triandra (kangaroo grass) and sedge species such as Schoenus sparteus. Occurs on Tertiary remnants and valley infill. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 20a). |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Progressive early to mid-dry season burns, followed by storm time. INTENSITY: Low with occasional moderate. INTERVAL: 5-10 year. INTERVAL_MIN: 5. INTERVAL_MAX: 10. STRATEGY: Burn less than 30% in any year. Begin burning early in the fire season, with progressive patch fires burnt through the year. Burning through the dry season will produce a network of burns that will contain later fires. Fires will gain in intensity as the dry season progresses. ISSUES: Maintaining a fire mosaic will ensure protection of animal habitats and mitigate against wildfires. Leave areas of long unburnt vegetation to maintain a diversity of habitat. Burns should balance the biodiversity needs of the ecosystem and landscape. Callitris intratropica are fire sensitive. Protect from fires until plants old enough to replace seed pool. Grader grass thrives under frequent fire. Burn every 4 years to keep grader grass at bay. Targeted burning of rubber vine may be useful in controlling this weed. |
| Comments | 9.5.17: This is differentiated from similar Regional Ecosystems 9.5.14 and 9.5.15 by different dominant taxa and the conspicuous Xanthorrhoea sp. understory. Occurs close to the Wet Tropics on Yourka Station (Bush Heritage) in the east of the bioregion. |
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.
