Regional ecosystem details for 11.3.6
| Regional ecosystem | 11.3.6 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 15, 26, 23, 24, 13, (10), (11), (20), (21), (18), (8), (7), (9), (16), (19), (22), (10.4) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 66000 ha; Remnant 2021 30000 ha |
| Short description | Eucalyptus melanophloia woodland on alluvial plains |
| Structure code | Woodland |
| Description | Eucalyptus melanophloia woodland to open woodland, generally with a grassy ground layer. Occasional E. populnea, E, crebra, Corymbia dallachiana, E. tereticornis may occur in the canopy. A secondary tree or tall shrub layer, including Callitris glaucophylla, Alphitonia excelsa, Lysicarpus angustifolius and Petalostigma pubescens may occur. The ground layer is usually dominated by perennial grasses. Occurs on levees and higher Cainozoic alluvial plains. Soils are usually deep red and yellow massive earths with dark brown loamy sand to sandy loam grading to light clay textures or texture contrast soils. In some areas this RE occurs on heavy cracking clay soils. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 17b). |
| Supplementary description | Galloway et al. (1974), LU60 in part; Neldner (1984), 24; Speck et al. (1968), Redcliffe, Mimosa, Kroombit; Gunn and Nix (1977) LU 134, 119, 120 |
| Protected areas | Carnarvon NP, Belmah CP, Taunton NP (S) |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Late wet to early dry season when there is good soil moisture. Early storm season or after good spring rains. INTENSITY: Low to moderate. INTERVAL: 6-10 years. INTERVAL_MIN: 6. INTERVAL_MAX: 10. STRATEGY: Restrict to less than 30% in any year. Burn under conditions of good soil moisture and when plants are actively growing. Sometimes a small amount of wind may move the fire front quickly so that burn intensity is not too severe to destroy habitat trees. ISSUES: Burn interval for conservation purposes will differ from that for grazing purposes; the latter being much shorter. Management of this vegetation type should be based on maintaining vegetation composition, structural diversity, fauna habitats (in particular hollow-bearing trees and logs) and preventing extensive wildfire. Maintaining a fire mosaic will help ensure protection of habitat and mitigate against wildfires. Fire can control shrub invasives (e.g., Eremophila spp. and A. stenophylla in the red soil country in particular). Fire will also control cypress. Low to moderate intensity burns with good soil moisture are necessary to minimise loss of hollow trees. Avoid burning riparian communities as these can be critical habitat for some species. Culturally significant (scar) trees may need protection, such as rake removal of ground fuels. Planned burns have traditionally been carried out in the winter dry season; further research required. |
| Comments | 11.3.6: Subject to clearing or disturbance. Subject to invasion by red Natal grass *Melinis repens and Sabi grass *Urochloa mosambicensis 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.
