Regional ecosystem details for 11.9.11
| Regional ecosystem | 11.9.11 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 26, (4.4), (15), (10.4), (6.2), (24), (6.4), (6.3) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 224000 ha; Remnant 2021 49000 ha |
| Short description | Acacia harpophylla shrubland on fine-grained sedimentary rocks |
| Structure code | Tall Shrubland |
| Description | Acacia harpophylla predominates forming a distinct but discontinuous canopy (4-6m high). A well-developed tall shrub/low tree layer dominated by species such as Eremophila mitchellii, Lysiphyllum carronii and Geijera parviflora is present and some emergent Eucalyptus spp. (10-12m high) may occur. Scattered low shrubs are usually present and may form a distinct layer. The ground layer is variable and composed of grasses and some forbs. Includes open areas with sparse to little vegetation on scalded stony areas. Occurs on gently undulating plains formed from Cainozoic to Proterozoic consolidated, fine-grained sediments. Soils are moderately deep to deep, medium to heavy, brown and grey cracking clays with thin surface crusts. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 25a). |
| Supplementary description | Neldner (1984), 50; Turner (1978), B1 (18), B2 (22) |
| Protected areas | Tregole NP, Chesterton Range NP |
| Special values | 11.9.11: Potential habitat for NCA listed species: Cadellia pentastylis. |
| 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 | 11.9.11: This regional ecosystem is distinguished from A. harpophylla open forest (11.9.5) by its low canopy height (< 12m often 4-6m high). Shrubland areas may be associated with widespread wildfires that occurred in the 1950's. Occurs in south-western part of bioregion. Cleared for pasture or impacted by total grazing pressure. |
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.
