Regional ecosystem details for 5.5.1
| Regional ecosystem | 5.5.1 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 4, 2, (5), (6), (11), (8), (4.4), (10), (4.3), (7), (3), (6.9), (4.5) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 447000 ha; Remnant 2021 442000 ha |
| Short description | Acacia aneura low woodland on Quaternary deposits |
| Structure code | Low Woodland |
| Description | Acacia aneura low woodland. Acacia aneura often occurs in diffuse groves, with grasses dominating the intergrove spaces. Atalaya hemiglauca, Acacia excelsa subsp. angusta, Grevillea striata, Corymbia terminalis and Codonocarpus cotinifolius are frequent canopy or emergent trees. Scattered shrubs may be present, but do not form a conspicuous layer. The ground layer varies from sparse to open, and is dominated usually by Aristida spp. or Thyridolepis spp. Scattered forbs are present. Occurs on gently undulating plains. Soils formed from Quaternary sands overlying Cretaceous sediments. Moderately deep to deep, acidic, sandy red earths and sandy light clays. Ironstone present on soil surface and in profile. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 23b). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 5.5.1x1: Aristida spp. open tussock grassland occasionally with scattered low trees such as Corymbia terminalis, Acacia aneura, Hakea eyreana and tall shrubs frequently present. There is usually a sparse to open, low shrub layer dominated by Acacia tetragonophylla, Senna spp., or Eremophila spp. In places tree density begins to approach a low open woodland. Occurs where superficial Cainozoic sand deposits overlie Cainozoic clay plains and alluvia, typically this occurs at the interface of clay plains and alluvia with Cainozoic sandplains and sandy red earths. Soils shallow to moderately deep, red clays with small areas of texture contrast soils where sand encroaches and earthy sands in run-on areas, or moderately deep to deep, acidic, sandy red earths and sandy light clays. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 31b). 5.5.1x2: Acacia cambagei +/- Acacia aneura low open woodland on Quaternary sediments. The ground flora is variable and composed of grasses and forbs. Tertiary and Pleistocene alluvium and areas where sandy red earths overly clay/alluvia, Moderately deep to deep, acidic, sandy red earths and sandy light clays. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 26a). |
| Supplementary description | Neldner (1991), 4a, 4b (1); Turner et al. (1978), M1 (15); Wilson and Purdie (1990), M1 (13, 15); Mills and Boyland (1979), M1 (11) |
| Protected areas | Munga-Thirri NP, Bladensburg NP, Lochern NP, Welford NP, Goneaway NP |
| Special values | 5.5.1: Potential habitat for NCA listed species: Solanum unispinum. |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Wet season. INTENSITY: Low - moderate. INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. STRATEGY: Aim to exclude fire by fuel reduction in adjacent vegetation communities where possible. Undertake partial burns when necessary to reduce fuel loads and protect against severe wildfire. Burn with high soil moisture (i.e., after rain/storms) or in winter when fire is more easily controlled. |
| Comments | 5.5.1: Winton plateau, Goneaway tableland. Severe sheet erosion and scalding common particularly in areas adjacent to floodplains (Turner et al. 1993). 5.5.1x1: Grades into herblands on Cainozoic clay deposits (Landzone 4) with decreasing level of superficial Cainozoic sand. Winton plateau, Paddy creek catchment, Birdsville. Severe sheet erosion and scalding common particularly in areas adjacent to floodplains (Turner et al. 1993). 5.5.1x2: Winton plateau, Goneaway tableland, Ethabuka. |
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.
