Regional ecosystem details for 11.8.8
| Regional ecosystem | 11.8.8 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | No concern at present |
| Subregion | 31, (22), (12.6), (12.11), (12.1), (12.2) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 80000 ha; Remnant 2021 35000 ha |
| Short description | Eucalyptus albens, E. crebra woodland on Cainozoic igneous rocks |
| Structure code | Woodland |
| Description | Woodland usually dominated by either Eucalyptus albens or E. crebra. Eucalyptus tereticornis is an associated species that becomes locally dominant on creek lines. Other tree species that may be present include Callitris baileyi, Angophora subvelutina, Brachychiton populneus, E. melliodora, E. orgadophila, Angophora floribunda, E. moluccana, E. microcarpa, E. biturbinata, E. melanophloia and Corymbia clarksoniana. There is often a sparse low tree layer dominated by similar species to the canopy. The shrub layer is absent or sparse and consisting of species such as Cassinia laevis, Olearia elliptica, Acacia implexa, Xanthorrhoea glauca or Jacksonia scoparia. The ground layer is usually dominated by grasses of variable composition. Common species include Themeda triandra, Bothriochloa decipiens, Dichanthium sericeum, Cymbopogon refractus, Aristida spp. Fords or sedges such as Gahnia aspera, Asperula conferta or Desmodium varians frequently occur. Occurs on hilltops and sides formed from Cainozoic basaltic rocks. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 11a). |
| Supplementary description | Fensham (1998a); Fensham and Fairfax (1997), 9; Young and McDonald (1989), 10g |
| Protected areas | Mount Dumaresq CP, Main Range NP, Bunya Mountains NP |
| Special values | 11.8.8: Potential habitat for NCA listed species: Diuris parvipetala, Picris barbarorum, Picris evae, Pomaderris crassifolia, Thesium australe. This ecosystem is also known to provide suitable habitat for koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). |
| 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. Planned burns have traditionally been carried out in the winter dry season; further research required. |
| Comments | 11.8.8: Northern limit of temperate ecosystem which extends to Victoria. Extensively cleared through its geographic range. Naturalised species associated with this regional ecosystem include *Zinnia peruviana. |
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.
