Regional ecosystem details for 11.9.10
| Regional ecosystem | 11.9.10 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Endangered |
| Subregion | 26, 15, 6, 2, (29), (7), (6.2), (25), (31), (28), (24), (27), (34), (6.1), (23), (32), (21), (5), (20), (6.4), (4.4), (6.3) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 484000 ha; Remnant 2021 78000 ha |
| Short description | Eucalyptus populnea open forest with a secondary tree layer of Acacia harpophylla and sometimes Casuarina cristata on fine-grained sedimentary rocks |
| Structure code | Open Forest |
| Description | Eucalyptus populnea open forest forming a distinct but discontinuous canopy. Acacia harpophylla and sometimes Casuarina cristata usually form a secondary tree layer which occasionally becomes the dominant layer. A layer of shrubs is usually present and dominated by Eremophila mitchellii and Geijera parviflora with Acacia excelsa, Atalaya hemiglauca, Psydrax oleifolia, Alectryon oleifolius frequent. Scattered low shrubs such as Carissa ovata and Eremophila deserti are frequently present. The ground cover is usually sparse, and dominated by the grasses Aristida ramosa, Enteropogon acicularis, Bothriochloa decipiens and Paspalidium spp. Occurs on Cainozoic to Proterozoic consolidated, fine-grained sediments. Occurs on lower parts of undulating plains often with deep texture-contrast soils. Occurs on sodic and saline soils which may act as a discharge area if adjacent to alluvium. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 25a). |
| Supplementary description | Galloway et al. (1974), LU37, LU39; Neldner (1984), 22a (44); Speck et al. (1968), Woleebee; Story et al. (1967), Arcadia |
| Protected areas | Carnarvon NP, Tregole NP, Chesterton Range NP, Homevale NP, Morven CP |
| Special values | 11.9.10: Potential habitat for NCA listed species: Homopholis belsonii. |
| Fire management guidelines | INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. STRATEGY: Maintain fire management of surrounding country so that wildfires will be very limited in extent. Frequent fire at the edge of this RE keeps fuel loads low. Protection from fire is necessary. ISSUES: Casuarina cristata is fire sensitive, although germination can be good in bare areas. Brigalow is soft-seeded, so germination is not promoted by fire. Buffel grass invasion will increase risk from fire. High intensity fires will cause damage to overstorey. Grazing may be an option for reducing fuel loads where exotic grass such as buffel have invaded. |
| Comments | 11.9.10: Sometimes the Acacia harpophylla and/or Casuarina cristata forms small clumps. Where these clumps are > 5 ha they are defined as 11.9.5. Extensively cleared for cropping and pasture. |
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.
