Regional ecosystem details for 8.2.11
| Regional ecosystem | 8.2.11 |
|---|---|
| Vegetation Management Act class | Of concern |
| Wetlands | Palustrine |
| Biodiversity status | Of concern |
| Subregion | 2, 5, 11.14, (4), (1) |
| Estimated extent1 | Pre-clearing 400 ha; Remnant 2021 400 ha |
| Short description | Melaleuca spp. Open forest in parallel dune swales |
| Structure code | Open Forest |
| Description | Melaleuca spp. closed forest to woodland (4-18m tall). Dominants may include one or several of M. leucadendra, M. quinquenervia, M. viridiflora var. attenuata and M. dealbata. Occasional associated species include Livistona decora, and Corymbia tessellaris. Very sparse to sparse tall shrub or lower tree layers are sometimes present, and species include Acacia julifera, A. flavescens, Banksia integrifolia subsp. compar, Alphitonia excelsa, Melaleuca spp. and Pandanus spp. The ground layer commonly includes Imperata cylindrica, Ischaemum spp., Cyclosorus interruptus and Cyperus spp. Occurs in parallel dune swales. Geology is mainly Qhcb (Holocene quartzose to shelly sand beach ridges), Qr (Quaternary clay, silt, sand, gravel and soil; colluvial and residual deposits) and Qr (Quaternary sand in beach ridges and coastal dunes). Palustrine. (BVG1M: 22b). |
| Supplementary description | Bailey et al. (2003), 8MEa_2; Brushe et al. (in prep), c18b |
| Protected areas | Cape Palmerston NP, West Hill NP, Conway NP, Bakers Creek CP, Cape Hillsborough NP |
| Special values | 8.2.11: Potential habitat for the endangered plant species Phaius australis and the vulnerable plant species Sowerbaea subtilis. |
| Fire management guidelines | INTERVAL: Fire return interval not relevant. INTERVAL_MIN: 100. INTERVAL_MAX: 100. ISSUES: The ground stratum of this ecosystem is generally moist, decomposition rates high and consequently fuel accumulation usually low. Although vine forest species can be common, monitoring at an area of major geographical occurrence (Cape Palmerston National Park) does not indicate that such emergence threatens the integrity of this ecosystem. Although it is fire tolerant, hydrological events (i.e. seasonal flooding) are likely to be a major component of the ecosystems functioning. |
| Comments | 8.2.11: Similar to regional ecosystems 8.2.7a, 8.2.7e and 8.2.7b but these occur on parabolic (not parallel) dunes. May be similar to 8.2.4c, but this is associated with peat swamps and is usually adjacent to or surrounding 8.2.4a or 8.2.4b (and the ground layer is more similar to a wet heath). Can appear to be similar to 8.3.11 which is on alluvium instead of dune sands. Scattered across subregion 2 from the O'Connell River in the north to Clairview in the south and on Flock Pigeon Island. Also found in subregion 5 in Island Head Creek and Port Clinton areas, and between Yeppoon and the mouth of the Fitzroy River. Also on Great Keppel Island. Susceptible to weed invasion, and erosion caused by recreational activities. Common problem weeds include *Lantana camara, *Passiflora suberosa, *P. pallida, *Ipomoea cairica and *Solanum seaforthianum. Susceptible to hydrology changes caused by alteration of the surrounding terrain. |
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.
