Regional ecosystem details for 11.5.5
| Regional ecosystem | 11.5.5 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 26, 16, 29, (24), (33), (8), (11), (15), (34), (10.4), (30), (6.1), (6.2), (35), (28), (13), (6.4), (36) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 395000 ha; Remnant 2021 138000 ha |
| Short description | Eucalyptus melanophloia, Callitris glaucophylla woodland on Cainozoic sand plains and/or remnant surfaces. Deep red sands |
| Structure code | Woodland |
| Description | Eucalyptus melanophloia woodland, sometimes in association with E. populnea which may dominate localised areas. Scattered other Eucalyptus spp. may be present such as E. chloroclada (in south), Corymbia tessellaris (in north) and sometimes E. crebra. Callitris glaucophylla dominates the lower tree layer, with occasional Acacia spp. and Allocasuarina luehmannii trees. The shrub layer is often absent or sparse but may be prominent and dominated by tall shrubs such as Geijera parviflora and Eremophila mitchellii and scattered low shrubs, especially in disturbed areas. The ground layer is sparse to open, and dominated by perennial grasses such as Aristida spp., Bothriochloa decipiens and Eragrostis spp. Occurs on undulating plains and rises formed on Cainozoic deposits. Associated soils are usually deep texture contrast soils, with thick, sandy surface horizons overlying yellow, mottled clay subsoil's. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 17b). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 11.5.5a: Eucalyptus melanophloia, Callitris glaucophylla +/- E. populnea woodland. Occurs on undulating plains and rises formed on Cainozoic deposits. Associated soils are usually deep texture contrast soils, with thick, sandy surface horizons overlying yellow, mottled clay subsoil's. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 17b). 11.5.5b: Callitris glaucophylla, Eucalyptus melanophloia, Eucalyptus populnea +/- Corymbia tessellaris woodlands. Occurs on undulating plains and rises formed on Cainozoic deposits. Associated soils are usually deep texture contrast soils, with thick, sandy surface horizons overlying yellow, mottled clay subsoil's. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 20a). 11.5.5c: Eucalyptus melanophloia, and/or Eucalyptus populnea +/- Callitris glaucophylla +/- Allocasuarina luehmannii woodland sometimes E. conica is present in the overstorey. Occurs on undulating plains and rises formed on Cainozoic deposits. Associated soils are usually deep texture contrast soils, with thick, sandy surface horizons overlying yellow, mottled clay subsoil's. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 17b). |
| Supplementary description | Galloway et al. (1974)LU 25, LU48; Isbell (1957), 1957 MU12; Neldner (1984), 19b (54); Gunn and Nix (1977), LU 21 |
| Protected areas | Alton NP, Humboldt NP, Morven CP, Narrien Range NP |
| Special values | 11.5.5: Potential habitat for NCA listed species: Vincetoxicum forsteri. |
| 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: Moderate. b: Low to moderate. INTERVAL: 3-5 years. b: 6-10 years. INTERVAL_MIN: 3. INTERVAL_MAX: 10. STRATEGY: Burn less than 30% in any year. Burn under conditions of good soil moisture and when plants are actively growing. b: Burn less than 10-30% in any year to achieve a mosaic. Burn under conditions of good soil moisture and when plants are actively growing. Protection relies on broad-scale management of surrounding country with numerous small fires throughout the year so that wildfires will be very limited in extent. ISSUES: Young cypress are killed by fire. Planned burns have traditionally been carried out in the winter dry season; further research required. b: Cypress is killed by fire and regenerates from canopy stored seed (obligate seeder). It reaches reproductive age at about 6 years. Fire frequency less than 6-8 years will reduce cypress, but long fire interval will lead to cypress dominance and eucalypt suppression. Fuel reduction burns will help restrict incursions by high intensity wildfires that kill cypress. Fire after good spring rain has the potential to burn severely if there is no follow-up rain and re-lights occur. |
| Comments | 11.5.5: Extends into adjacent parts of the Mulga Lands bioregion. 11.5.5a: Occurs in northern parts of the bioregion. 11.5.5c: Occurs in northern parts 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.
