Regional ecosystem details for 6.3.16
| Regional ecosystem | 6.3.16 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Least concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 5, (3) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 89000 ha; Remnant 2021 80000 ha |
| Short description | Callitris glaucophylla, Acacia excelsa, Geijera parviflora +/- Acacia aneura woodland on alluvial dunes |
| Structure code | Woodland |
| Description | Callitris glaucophylla predominates and forms a distinct but discontinuous canopy (9-11m high) and in places forming pure stands. Scattered low trees and tall shrubs including Acacia excelsa, Geijera parviflora, Psydrax oleifolia and Acacia aneura and less frequently Angophora melanoxylon, are often present. In areas with a more open tree canopy, a sparse low shrub layer (1-4 m) may be present. Common species include Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustissima, Alstonia constricta and Acacia murrayana. The ground layer is sparse to open, depending on tree density, and is dominated by grasses. Aristida holathera var. holathera and Perotis rara are dominant at higher tree densities, while A. calycina var. praealta and A. biglandulosa are dominant in more open areas. Other prominent grass species include Eragrostis eriopoda, Eriachne aristidea, Triraphis mollis and in some areas, Triodia mitchellii. There is generally a high diversity of forb species, subject to seasonal conditions and particularly in disturbed areas. Occurs on the upper slopes and crests of dunes and sand hills or sandy rises on alluvial plains or old alluvial terraces predominantly. Soils are deep, acid - alkaline, red or yellow earthy sands. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 20a). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 6.3.16x50: Callitris glaucophylla woodland, occasionally with Acacia excelsa, Geijera parviflora, Grevillea striata and Acacia aneura. A secondary tree or shrub layer may occur, including canopy species, Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustissima, Alstonia constricta and Acacia murrayana. The ground layer is tussock grasses, including Aristida holathera var. holathera, Perotis rara, Eragrostis eriopoda and Eriachne aristidea. There may be a high diversity of forb species, subject to seasonal conditions. Occurs on the upper slopes and crests of sand hills on alluvial plains. Soils are deep, red or yellow earthy sands. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 20a). |
| Supplementary description | Neldner (1984), 11a; Mills and Lee (1990), D1 (LU61), W3 (LU 61) |
| Protected areas | Binya NP, Culgoa Floodplain NP |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Late wet/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: 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: 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 | 6.3.16: Shrubs may be particularly prominent after disturbance. This regional ecosystem has been moved to 6.3.16x50. 6.3.16x50: Shrubs may be particularly prominent after disturbance. |
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.
