Regional ecosystem details for 7.8.7
| Regional ecosystem | 7.8.7 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Not a Wetland |
| Biodiversity status | Endangered |
| Subregion | 6, 4, 5, (1), (3), (7), (9.3) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 1000 ha; Remnant 2021 1000 ha |
| Short description | Eucalyptus tereticornis open forest and associated grasslands, predominantly on basalt uplands |
| Structure code | Open Forest |
| Description | Eucalyptus tereticornis (forest red gum) open forest, and associated grasslands. Uplands and highlands on basaltic krasnozem and prairie soils, of the moist rainfall zone. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9c). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 7.8.7a: Eucalyptus tereticornis open forest, tall open forest and woodland. May also include Corymbia intermedia, E. drepanophylla, Lophostemon suaveolens and Allocasuarina torulosa. Uplands and highlands on basaltic krasnozem and prairie soils, of the moist rainfall zone. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 9c). 7.8.7b: Themeda triandra tussock grassland. Basalt uplands and highlands, and minor areas on coastal headlands. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 32b). 7.8.7c: Grasslands of unknown composition, possibly Imperata cylindrica. Presumed extinct. Basalt plains. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 32b). |
| Supplementary description | Stanton and Stanton (2005), B32, B59, B86 |
| Protected areas | Koombooloomba NP, Tully Falls NP, Baldy Mountain FR, Curtain Fig NP, Barnard Island Group NP, Hallorans Hill CP |
| Special values | 7.8.7: Potential habitat for NCA listed species: Phaius australis. |
| Fire management guidelines | SEASON: Cool, dry season (June-Sep). b, c: August-December. INTENSITY: Low to moderate. b, c: Moderate to high. INTERVAL: 2-5 years. b, c: 3-5 years. INTERVAL_MIN: 2. INTERVAL_MAX: 5. STRATEGY: Mosaic burn < 30%. Begin burning early in the fire season, with progressive patch fires burnt through the year. Stop burning when the network of fires and other breaks is sufficient to impede fire spread later in the year. Storm-burning may be used to add further diversity to the fire mosaic. b, c: Mosaic burn approximately 25%. ISSUES: Ignition is most likely during hot, dry season (Oct - Jan). These fires are typically high intensity fires that can be difficult to control. Maintaining a fire mosaic will ensure protection of animal habitats and mitigate against wildfires. b, c: High intensity fire will manage woody weed encroachment. |
| Comments | 7.8.7: This RE occurs on black clay soils (often darker and heavier than 7.8.8 and 7.8.10), and is usually taller in stature than these regional ecosystems. Occurs in central-western upland parts of the bioregion (and a small occurrence on lowlands SW of Ingham), Predominantly confined to a small area of basaltic krasnozem in the Kaban area between Atherton and Ravenshoe. A dense ground layer to 1 m is mainly composed of the grasses Imperata cylindrica and Themeda triandra. Appropriate fire management is urgently required. 7.8.7c: This grassland on basalt is believed to be extinct and has only been identified from old aerial photographs as no remaining areas have been found in field surveys. |
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.
