Regional ecosystem details for 7.1.3
| Regional ecosystem | 7.1.3 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Palustrine |
| Biodiversity status | Endangered |
| Subregion | 2, 1, 3, (9), (6), (7) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 2000 ha; Remnant 2021 2000 ha |
| Short description | Schoenoplectus subulatus and/or Eleocharis dulcis sparse sedgeland, or Melaleuca quinquenervia low open forest, in swamps which fluctuate periodically between freshwater and estuarine |
| Structure code | Sedgeland |
| Description | Schoenoplectus subulatus (bulrush) and/or Eleocharis dulcis (bulkuru) sparse sedgeland, or Melaleuca quinquenervia (swamp paperbark) shrubland to open forest. Occurs on poorly drained soils with a highly organic or peaty surface in conjunction with a permanent surface watertable (often slightly brackish), on seasonally flooded marine plains. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 34c). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 7.1.3a: Schoenoplectus subulatus (bulrush) and/or Eleocharis dulcis (bulkuru) sparse sedgeland. May include scattered Melaleuca quinquenervia and/or mangrove species. Swamps of permanent open water that fluctuate seasonally between freshwater and estuarine. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 34c). 7.1.3b: Melaleuca quinquenervia open forest to woodland, and shrubland to closed scrub. Transitional saline areas. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 22a). 7.1.3c: Open water. Dune swales. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 34c). |
| Supplementary description | Stanton and Stanton (2005), E268, E33, D260i; Kemp and Morgan (1999), 3,19; Kemp et al. (1999), 3,17; Tracey and Webb (1975), 18 |
| Protected areas | Girramay NP, Hull River NP, Halifax Bay Wetlands NP, Gulngay NP, Daintree NP (CYPAL), Hinchinbrook Island NP, Maria Creek NP, Paluma Range NP, Ella Bay NP, Russell River NP |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Early to mid-dry season. INTENSITY: Low with occasional moderate. INTERVAL: 3-10 years. INTERVAL_MIN: 3. INTERVAL_MAX: 10. STRATEGY: Burn with anticipated rain as it will increase patchiness. Create burn mosaics using progressive burning. Do not deliberately burn submerged swamps but allow fire to carry into their edge. ISSUES: Avoid peat fires and maintain awareness of high biomass grasses which can increase fire intensity and spread. Avoid burning ant plants. |
| Comments | 7.1.3: Threatened by the creation of ponded pastures and other hydrological changes. Dieback of Melaleuca quinquenervia caused by increasing salinity (often due to man-induced hydrological changes) is widespread (e.g. adjacent to several major estuaries, particularly between Innisfail and Cardwell). A favoured habitat of, and often heavily dug up by, feral pigs, although this regional ecosystem appears to be resilient and recovers rapidly in the absence of pigs. 7.1.3a: Scattered along the coast, best developed in areas southeast of Ingham, also between Cairns and Tully, and the mouth of the Hull River. 7.1.3b: Scattered along the coastal margin. 7.1.3c: Very uncommon and small in area, scattered along the coastal margin. |
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.
