Ecosystems of the Fraser Coast Region

Ecosystems of the Fraser Coast Region

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Fraser Coast Regional ecosystem information

Regional Ecosystem   12.3.3

 

Priority   1

Short Description  Eucalyptus tereticornis woodland on Quaternary alluvium

Notes  koala

Comments  12.3.3: While Eucalyptus tereticornis remains common in the landscape, very few intact stands remain. Eucalyptus tereticornis grows into a very large hollow-forming tree and has a special significance for fauna species, especially in drier areas. The type is variable, ranging from woodland in drier parts to tall open forest in higher rainfall areas and mono-specific to mixed with other canopy species. Eucalyptus tereticornis will regenerate readily but there is a lack of recruitment to replace old trees in stands that are logged, thinned or grazed and regularly burnt. The grasses and herbs associated with intact Eucalyptus tereticornis communities also persist in the landscape, so there is a potential for re-establishing the RE and increasing its remnant area. Eucalyptus tereticornis is replaced by E. grandis in highest-rainfall parts of the bioregion. Sub-coastal and inland parts of bioregion. Also occurs in coastal areas north of Bundaberg. 12.3.3a: Too small to map at 1:100 000 scale. Sub-coastal and inland parts of bioregion. Characteristic localities include Burnett River catchment and Ripley Valley. 12.3.3b: Erected as new RE 12.3.19 in August 2016. Restricted to the Ipswich and Jimboomba regions. 12.3.3c: This floristic association on land zone 9-10 is mapped as 12.9-10.11. Restricted to the Ipswich and Jimboomba regions.

Special Values  12.3.3: Habitat for threatened plant species including Rhaponticum australe. This ecosystem is known to provide suitable habitat for koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). 12.3.3a: Habitat for threatened plant species including occasional Rhaponticum australe. This ecosystem is known to provide suitable habitat for koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). 12.3.3b: Habitat for threatened flora species including Melaleuca irbyana. 12.3.3c: Habitat for threatened flora species including Melaleuca irbyana and Marsdenia coronata. 12.3.3d: Habitat for threatened plant species including Rhaponticum australe. This ecosystem is known to provide suitable habitat for koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus).

Fraser Coast region distribution  Mapped areas along the major rivers, Mary and Burrum. Areas of variant 12.3.3b also mapped.

Long Description  Eucalyptus tereticornis woodland. Eucalyptus crebra and E. moluccana are sometimes present and may be relatively abundant in places, especially on edges of plains and higher level alluvium. Other species that may be present as scattered individuals or clumps include Angophora subvelutina or A. floribunda, Corymbia clarksoniana, C. intermedia, C. tessellaris, Lophostemon suaveolens and E. melanophloia. Occurs on Quaternary alluvial plains, terraces and fans where rainfall is usually less than 1000mm/y. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 16c). Vegetation communities in this regional ecosystem include: 12.3.3a: Eucalyptus crebra, C. tessellaris woodland to open forest. Other species that may be present as scattered individuals or clumps include Corymbia clarksoniana, Eucalyptus melanophloia, E. tereticornis and C. citriodora subsp. variegata. Occurs on high level alluvial plains often of Pleistocene age, terraces and fans where rainfall is usually less than 1000mm/y. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 18b). 12.3.3b: [RE not in use]: This vegetation community is now mapped as 12.3.19. Open forest to woodland of Eucalyptus moluccana and/or Eucalyptus tereticornis and E. crebra, with a sparse to mid-dense understorey of Melaleuca irbyana. Occurs on margins of Quaternary alluvial plains. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 13d). 12.3.3c: [RE not in use]: This vegetation community is now mapped as 12.3.18. Melaleuca irbyana low open forest or thicket. Emergent Eucalyptus moluccana, E. crebra, E. tereticornis or Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata may be present. Occurs on Quaternary alluvial plains where drainage of soils is impeded. Palustrine. (BVG1M: 21b). 12.3.3d: Eucalyptus moluccana woodland. Other frequently occurring species include Eucalyptus tereticornis, E. crebra, E. siderophloia, Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata, Angophora leiocarpa and C. intermedia. Occurs on margins of Quaternary alluvial plains often adjacent sedimentary geologies. May also occur on stranded Pleistocene river terraces. Not a Wetland. (BVG1M: 13d).

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