Conservation Management Zones of Australia

Mitchell Grasslands

Prepared by the Department of the Environment Acknowledgements This project and its associated products are the result of collaboration between the Department of the Environment’s Biodiversity Conservation Division and the Environmental Resources Information Network (ERIN). Invaluable input, advice and support were provided by staff and leading researchers from across the Department of Environment (DotE), Department of Agriculture (DoA), the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and the academic community. We would particularly like to thank staff within the Wildlife, Heritage and Marine Division, Parks Australia and the Environment Assessment and Compliance Division of DotE; Nyree Stenekes and Robert Kancans (DoA), Sue McIntyre (CSIRO), Richard Hobbs (University of Western Australia), Michael Hutchinson (ANU); David Lindenmayer and Emma Burns (ANU); and Gilly Llewellyn, Martin Taylor and other staff from the World Wildlife Fund for their generosity and advice.

Special thanks to CSIRO researchers Kristen Williams and Simon Ferrier whose modelling of biodiversity patterns underpinned identification of the Conservation Management Zones of Australia.

Image Credits Front Cover: Lawn Hill National Park – Peter Lik Page 4: Kowaris (Dasyuroides byrnei) – Leong Lim Page 10: Oriental Pratincole (Glareola maldivarum) – JJ Harrison Page 16: Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh) – World Heritage Listed site – Colin Totterdell Page 18: Mitchell Grasslands – Baz – The Landy,www.thelandy.com Page 20: Elizabeth Springs Goby (Chlamydogobius micropterus) – Gunther Schmida Page 21: Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis) – © The State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Heritage Protection) Page 22: Birdlife, Diamantina National Park – Nick Rains Page 24: Rainbow Bee-Eater (Merops ornatus) – Georgina Steytler, www.wildandendangered.com.au Page 25: Lawn Hill National Park, ‘Boodjamulla’– Mark Nemeth, © The State of Queensland (Department of Environment and Heritage Protection) Page 29: Plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus) – Mark Sanders, EcoSmart Ecology Page 30: Mitchell grass (Astrebla) tussock grasslands – Baz – The Landy, www.thelandy.com Page 31: Eucalyptus low open woodlands with hummock grass, Welford National Park – Murray Fagg Page 32: Eucalyptus open woodlands with a grassy understorey, Bladensburg National Park – Ray Jones, www.travelling-australia.info Page 33: Acacia open woodlands and sparse shrublands – Murray Fagg Back Cover: Lawn Hill National Park – Peter Lik

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Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Contents

Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners and Country ��2 Introduction ��2 Zone at a glance ��3 Population characteristics ��6 Employment, volunteering and incomes ��9 Agriculture, Natural Resource Management practices and sources of NRM advice ��11 Land tenure, land use, Native Title and Local Government Areas �� 13 Zone vegetation characteristics �� 15 Nationally Important Wetlands ��17 World and National Heritage �� 18 Major National Reserve System properties �� 19 EPBC Act (1999) threatened ecological communities �� 20 EPBC Act (1999) threatened species �� 21 EPBC Act (1999) migratory species �� 24 Threatened endemic species ��25 Invasive species �� 27 Vegetation profiles and management recommendations �� 29

Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners and Country The Australian Government acknowledges Australia’s Traditional Owners and pays respect to Elders past and present of our nation’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We honour the deep spiritual, cultural and customary connections of Traditional Owners to the Australian landscape, including Australia’s waterways, land and sea country.

Introduction The 23 Conservation Management Zones of Australia are geographic areas, classified according to their ecological and threat characteristics. The zones are also aligned with the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia.

The Conservation Management Zones provide a way of understanding Australia’s natural environment that will assist in long-term conservation planning and help the Australian Government to better design, deliver and report on Natural Resource Management (NRM) investments, including ensuring alignment of national NRM priorities with local action.

The Conservation Management Zones also provide a filter through which to make national environmental and socio-economic data more accessible and comprehensible, and a framework for gathering on-ground knowledge and expertise about the environment. This will improve information flow to the Australian Government about regional NRM requirements, best practice management, emerging NRM issues and knowledge gaps.

The Conservation Management Zones do not represent any change to existing administrative boundaries or governance structures, but aim to support the NRM and wider community to cooperatively manage environmental assets across boundaries, where they share common threats, ecological characteristics and stakeholders.

Each Conservation Management Zone profile contains a standard suite of nationally available ecological and socio-economic information. We hope that this information will enable Australians of all ages and backgrounds to engage with, understand and appreciate Australian landscapes, and support all Australians to manage our natural resources more effectively.

The profile information provides an indicative, high-level stock-take of the environmental and socio-economic landscape and it is not intended to be comprehensive. It should also be noted that, at present, the profiles contain only limited information on aquatic ecosystems, coastal assets and Indigenous land management practices. In future, consultation and comprehensive literature reviews will enable us to provide more complete information.

2 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Zone at a glance

Area of zone: Population density: 46,998,475 hectares

% of Australia: 0.08 people 6.11% per square kilometre

Zone population characteristics Zone employment characteristics 50,000

3% 40,000 40,645

30,000

Number of people 20,000

10,000

0 otal T er 65 Ov a second language English as

ndigenous 97% I outh (15–24) Y

Employed Unemployed

Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data

3 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Regional centres Population Top five agricultural commodities Value (millions) Barcaldine 1,317 Beef $689 Cloncurry 2,320 Wool $36 Longreach 3,139 Lamb $19 Mount Isa 20,568 Hay $9 Goats $4 Total value of agricultural Natural Resource Management (NRM) regions commodities (including other $761 Territory Natural Resource Management NT commodities not listed here) Desert Channels Group QLD NQ Dry Tropics Group Inc QLD Climate characteristics* South West NRM Group Ltd QLD Mean annual temperature 23.7 Celsius Southern Gulf Catchments Inc QLD Mean Maximum of the Hottest Month 37.1 Celsius Mean Minimum of the Coldest Month 7.8 Celsius Mean Annual Rainfall 399.4 mm

Dominant rainfall season Summer

* The figures are interpolated 75-year means (1921 to 1995) representing the period prior to the onset of rapid climatic warming. Cited in: Williams KJ, Belbin L, Austin MP, Stein J, Ferrier S (2012) Which environmental variables should I use in my biodiversity model? International Journal of Geographic Information Sciences 26(11), 2009–2047. (Data derived from Australian Climate surfaces version 2.1 for the ANUCLIM-BIOCLIM package). For future climate projections please refer to: http://www.climatechangeinaustralia.gov.au/

Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data

4 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Native Title area National Reserve System area

19%

81% 98%

Native Title area Other area NRS area Other area

Native vegetation clearance level Number of threatened species by class

6% 3

6 1

94% 10

Cleared (ha) Uncleared (ha) Plants Birds Mammals Reptiles Fish Sharks

Status of EPBC Act listed threatened species, communities and migratory species

Vulnerable species 32

Endangered species 19

Migratory species 26

Threatened ecological 3 communities

0 7 14 21 28 35

Source: Based on data from the National Native Title Register; Collaborative Australian Protected Area Database (CAPAD); National Vegetation Information System (NVIS); Species’ Profile and Threats Database (SPRAT).

5 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Population characteristics

Population

Population by age group Indigenous population by age group

9% 6%

23%

32% 26%

31%

14%

20% 16% 23%

0–14 years 15–24 years 25–39 years 0–14 years 15–24 years 25–39 years 40–64 years 65 years and over 40–64 years 65 years and over

Farmer and farm managers by age group Gender of farmers and farm managers

4% 16%

23%

586

949

57%

15–24 years 25–39 years Male Female 40–64 years 65 years and over

Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data

6 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Languages spoken at home English 83.61% Other languages 5.69% Not stated 10.41%

Non-English languages spoken at home* Indigenous languages spoken at home**

7% 6% 11.86% 13.63%

0.26% 3.72% 2% 18% 9%

2.86% 0.30%

7.66% 27.22%

3.12%

20.38% 67%

Northern European Arnhem Land and Daly River Region Languages (including Scandinavia, Celtic, Germanic, Dutch) Torres Strait Island Languages Southern European Northern Desert Fringe Area Languages Eastern European Arandic Central Asian, Turkic, Iranic and Semitic Other Australian Indigenous Languages Southern Asian, Dravidan and Indo-Ayran South-East Asian ** Please note, these gures are based on the proportion East Asian of the population who indicated in the 2011 ABS Census that they spoke an Indigenous language at home. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander African Paci c / Oceanic Sign language

* Please note, these gures are based on the proportion of the population who indicated in the 2011 ABS Census that they spoke a language other than English at home.

Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data

7 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Education

Highest level of educational attainment Highest level of educational attainment – total population – Indigenous community

40% 60%

35% 50% 30% 40% 25%

20% 30%

15% 20% 10% 10% 5%

0% 0% l l e e e e w w ve ve Le Le ti cat ti cat /Not stated /Not stated ti cate ti cate ee/Graduat ee/Graduat ee/Advanced ee/Advanced ears 11 and 12 ears 11 and 12 Y Y Cer Cer ears 10 or belo ears 10 or belo Y Y Diploma and Diploma and School School nadequately described nadequately described I I School School No Educational Attainment No Educational Attainment Bachelor Degr Bachelor Degr ostgraduate Degr ostgraduate Degr Diploma & Graduate Cer Diploma & Graduate Cer P P 15–24 years 25–39 years 15–24 years 25–39 years 40–64 years 65 years and over 40–64 years 65 years and over

Highest level of educational attainment Post-school qualication types* – farmers and farm managers 1,200 60% 1,000 50% 800 40% 600 30% 400 20% 200 10% 0 0% l e e w ve 65 years Le ti cat and above /Not stated 40–64 years old 25–39 years old 15–24 years old ti cate ee/Graduat ee/Advanced ears 11 and 12 Y Cer ears 10 or belo Y Natural and Physical Sciences Diploma and School

nadequately described Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies I School

No Educational Attainment Health and education Bachelor Degr ostgraduate Degr Diploma & Graduate Cer

P Architecture, building, society and culture and creative arts 15–24 years 25–39 years Information Technology, Management 40–64 years 65 years and over and Commerce and service industries

* Please note, this table omits quali cations of mixed eld, quali cations that are not adequately described, and information relating to census respondents who have not stated their quali cation or are not applicable (i.e. Not of age to have post-school quali cation). Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data

8 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Employment, volunteering and incomes

Employment

Employment status of general population* Employment by industry

80% 3% 70% 6% 13%

60% 9% 50%

40% 19% 30% 10%

20%

10% 8% 4% 0%

13% 65 years 15% and above 15–24 years old 25–39 years old 40–64 years old

Employed Agriculture, forestry and sheries Unemployed Mining Not in labour force or not stated Manufacturing Utilities, construction and transport Employment* Please note the %status gures are of relative general to each population* of the age groupings of the population. The categories above are Employmentaggregates of the following status Au ofstra Indigenouslian Bureau of Statis population*tics categories: Employed = Employed full-time;Health, Employed Social par Assistance,t-time; Education and training and Employed away from work. Unemployed = Unemployed looking for full-time work; and Unemployed looking for part-time 80%90% Public administration and safety work. Not in the Labour Force or Not Stated = Not in the Labour Force; and Not Stated. Please note the ‘not applicable’ Wholesale and retail trade 70%80%category has been omitted from the analysis. Not applicable applies to the proportion of the population that is not of working age (e.g. 0–15 year olds and retired). ABS 2011 Census Labour Force data has been utilised for Serthisvices report, 60%70%as the national quarterly employment gures are derived from a relatively small sample of the population. Food, accommodation, arts and recreation 50%60% Unknown/not stated 50% 40% 40% 30% 30% 20% 20% 10% 10%

0% 0% 65 years 65 years and above and above ndigenous ndigenous ndigenous ndigenous I I I I 15–24 years old 25–39 years old 40–64 years old 15–24 years old 40–64 years old 25–39 years old

EmployeEmployed d UnemployeUnemployed d Not Notin labour in labour force fo orrce not or statednot stated * Please note the % gures are relative to each of the age groupings of the population. The categories above are aggregates of the following Australian Bureau of Statistics categories: Employed = Employed full-time; Employed part-time; and Employed away from work. Unemployed = Unemployed looking for full-time work; and Unemployed looking for part-time work. Not in the Labour Force or Not Stated = Not in the Labour Force; and Not Stated. Please note the ‘not applicable’ category has been omitted from the analysis. Not applicable applies to the proportion of the population that is not of working age (e.g. 0–15 year olds and retired). ABS 2011 Census Labour Force data has been utilised for this report, as the national quarterly employment gures are derived from a relatively small sample of the population.

Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data

9 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Volunteering Income

Volunteering rates Total household income (% of households)*

70%

60% 14.4% 17.2%

50%

40% 9.6%

30%

20%

10%

20% 0% 38.8% 65 years and above 40–64 years old 25–39 years old 15–24 years old

Not a volunteer Under $20,800 $20,800–64,999 $65,000–$103,999 Volunteer Over $104,000 Not Stated/Partially Stated Not stated or not applicable * Please note these gures have been derived from the ABS Equivalised Total Household Income (HIED)Census 2011 data. ABS data categories have been aggregated for the purposes of this report. For more information see: http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/censushome. nsf/home/statementsdwellinghied?opendocument&navpos=430 In the 2011–12 nancial year, persons who earned $67,500 or less were eligible for Low Income Tax Oset. Human Services applied the following de nitions of “low income” as eligibility criteria for the Low Income Supplement in the 2012–13 nancial year: Income below $30,000 for singles, $45,000 combined for couples, or $60,000 combined for couples or singles with a dependent child.

Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data

10 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Income Agriculture, Natural Resource Management Total household income (% of households)* practices and sources of NRM advice Australian farmers manage over 60% of the Australian continent and shoulder much of the burden of responsibility for 14.4% 17.2% maintaining and protecting Australia’s natural resource wealth. The information contained in this profile aims to assist the wider community, non-governmental organisations and government agencies to support Australia’s key environmental custodians.

9.6% Number of people employed in agriculture, shing, forestry and downstream industries

Agriculture industries 2,344 (production)

20% 7,272 38.8% Agriculture downstream industries, including services, 189 food and beverage)

Forestry industry, including 83 production, logging, sawmilling Under $20,800 $20,800–64,999 $65,000–$103,999 10 and downstream wood and Over $104,000 Not Stated/Partially Stated paper product manufacturing * Please note these gures have been derived from the ABS Equivalised Total Household Income (HIED)Census 2011 data. ABS data categories have been aggregated for the purposes of this report. For more information see: http://www.abs.gov.au/websitedbs/censushome. nsf/home/statementsdwellinghied?opendocument&navpos=430 Agricultural commodity values In the 2011–12 nancial year, persons who earned $67,500 or less were eligible for Low Income Tax Oset. Human Services applied the following de nitions of “low income” as eligibility criteria for the Low Income Value of agricultural commodities^ Supplement in the 2012–13 nancial year: Income below $30,000 $800 for singles, $45,000 combined for couples, or $60,000 combined for couples or singles with a dependent child. $700

$600

$500

$400 illions M

$300

$200

$100

$0 y y y rk ol rui t ops Ha Po F Beef Eggs Wo Dair Lamb Goats oultr r grain P e cr Oilseeds oadacr gume fo Cereals for grain Le ther br O

^ Data obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Value of Agricultural Commodities Produced. The value estimates in this publication are derived by the multiplication of price and quantity estimates of agricultural commodities. Price information is estimated based on the average unit value of a given commodity realised in the market place. For more information please refer to: http://www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/Lookup/7503.0Explanatory%20Notes12010-11?OpenDocument

Source: Based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data

11 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Natural Resource Management practices and sources of NRM advice

Feral animal control* Native vegetation protection and regeneration* (% of agricultural holdings) (% of agricultural holdings) 70% 10% 9% 60% 8% 50% 7% 6% 40% 5%

30% 4% 3% 20% 2% 10% 1%

0% 0% e ol tio n ther O essur eral goats F eral camels eral animals F cluding stock of f No management ther (unspeci ed) Managing weeds eral animal contr f O Stopping mechanical or chemical destruc Reducing grazing pr encing o /ex F

* Data obtained from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2012 Land Management Practices Survey (LaMPS) 2012. LaMPS collected land practices information from approximately 50,000 farm businesses across Australia. The data has been aligned to Conservation Management Zones from ABS Statistical Area 2 units and Australian Agricultural Environment units. The % figures presented here are indicative only. For more information on LaMPS please refer to: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/mf/4630.0

Sought advice when adopting Sources of advice**^ native vegetation management**

18.91% s s s s s s s No No No No No No No Ye Ye Ye Ye Ye Ye Ye

81.09% oup oup egion nment ch and ver tion gr e or farmer rmer gr Go Resear Fa A/NRM r tension ocer oduc ex CM pr ivate consultant or agribusiness agent eers or neighbours Landcar employed facilitator P Pr

Yes No elopment Corporation Dev

** The sample for the Drivers of Practice Change 2012 survey consisted of a random subsample of 1228 broadacre farm managers from the Australian Agricultural and Grazing Industries Survey (AAGIS) frame. The data has been aligned to Conservation Management Zones from ABS Statistical Area 2 units. For this reason, the figures presented here are indicative only. ^ This chart indicates the sources of advice utilised for native vegetation management from respondents who identified they sought advice. For more information please refer to http://www.daff.gov.au/SiteCollectionDocuments/forestry/domestic-forestry/prep-for-future/drivers-practice-change.pdf

12 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Land tenure, land use, Native Title and Local Government Areas

Land tenure Land use

3.71% 3%

12.98% 0.13%

4.27% 0.13%

0.74% 2.37%

75.79%

97%

Crown Land – Private – Leased Grazing Native Vegetation Crown Land – Public Conservation and Natural Environments Crown Land – Public – Leased Other Crown Land – Unknown – Leased Freehold – Private Freehold – Unknown No Data/Unknown Source: Land tenure data based on Environmental Resources Information Network (ERIN) categorisation of Public Sector Mapping Authority (PSMA) State Tenure 2012; Land use mapping based on Australian Collaborative Land Use and Management Program (ACLUMP) 2012. For more information on Australian land use and management information and classification please refer to: http://www.daff.gov.au/ABARES/aclump/Pages/Default.aspx

Indigenous Land Councils Central Land Council: www.clc.org.au North Queensland Aboriginal Land Council: http://www.nqlc.com.au

13 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Native Title and Traditional Owners Traditional Owners Registered Native Title Body Corporate Hectares % of zone Kalkadoon People Kalkadoon Native Title Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC 2,725,478 5.80 Indjalandji-Dhidhanu People Indjalandji-Dhidhanu Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC 1,939,183 4.13 Pitta Pitta People 1,884,266 4.01 Ilperrelhelam, Malarrarr, Nwerrarr, Meyt, Itnwerrengayt Ilperrelhelam Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC 1,101,439 2.34 and Ampwertety landholding groups Waanyi People Waanyi Native Title Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC 953,456 2.03 The Newcastle Waters – 154,771 0.33 Murranji native title holders Warranangku group 118,930 0.25 The Kinbininggu group; the Warranangku group; 65,247 0.14 the Marlinja group The Jangga People Bulganunna Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC 21,429 0.05 The Karranjini group; the Bamarrnganja group; the Warranangku 14,012 0.03 group; the Pinda (OT Downs) group; the Lija/Muwartpi group The Warranangku group; the Karranjini group; the 11,962 0.03 Lija/Murwartpi group Gurungu/Kulumintini 143 0.00 people Source: The Native Title Tribunal Register, October 2013. For more information please refer to: http://www.nntt.gov.au/Pages/Searchportal.aspx

Local Government Areas Local Government Areas Barkly Shire NT Diamantina Shire QLD Central Desert Shire NT Flinders Shire QLD Roper Gulf Shire NT Isaac Regional QLD Barcaldine Regional QLD Longreach Regional QLD Barcoo Shire QLD Mckinlay Shire QLD Blackall Tambo Regional QLD Mount Isa City QLD Boulia Shire QLD Murweh Shire QLD Burke Shire QLD Quilpie Shire QLD Charters Towers Regional QLD Richmond Shire QLD Cloncurry Shire QLD Winton Shire QLD

14 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Zone vegetation characteristics

Major Vegetation Subgroups (MVS) with >1% original distribution within zone 50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0% , s a e ey ey ey rn fe ebla) understor ther shrublands +/- tussock grass O with tussock grass tussock grasslands , herblands or ests and woodlands r with hummock grass with hummock grass tchell grass (Astr and sparse shrublands and sparse shrublands fo Mi with a grassy understor tussock grass understor Eucalyptus open woodlands Eucalyptus woodlands with with a chenopod or samphir et tussock grassland with herbs Eucalyptus low openwoodlands Eucalyptus low open woodlands Acacia (+/- low) open woodlands Acacia (+/- low) open woodlands Eucalyptus (+/-) open woodlands W ther Acacia sedges or rushes O

Pre 1750 percentage of CMZ area Present day percentage of CMZ area

15 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands The National Vegetation Information System (NVIS) framework is a nationally consistent vegetation classification system based on vegetation data collected by states and territories. It provides information on the extent and distribution of vegetation types across the Australian landscape.

Two products are used to provide the Zone Vegetation Characteristics graph. A modelled pre-European vegetation distribution (pre-1750), and extant (current extent) vegetation, which is based on contemporary vegetation mapping. The information presented here relates to Major Vegetation Subgroups (MVSs). There are 85 MVS types across Australia, describing the structure and floristic composition of dominant and secondary vegetation stratums (e.g. canopy and mid-storey species). Major Vegetation Subgroups only reflect the dominant vegetation type occurring in an area from a mix of vegetation types. Less-dominant vegetation groups which may also be present are therefore not represented.

It is important to note that the vegetation information is indicative only, as state and territory mapping in Australia is of variable resolution and scale. However, this data is the best available nationally consistent information on vegetation, and the dataset continues to evolve and increase in accuracy.

Analysing this information at Conservation Management Zone, rather than national level provides greater discrimination for decision makers, as clearance levels of vegetation types are not uniform across Australia. For example, eucalypt woodlands with a tussock grass understory is a vegetation type found across Australia. In the Brigalow Woodlands Conservation Management Zone, eucalypt open woodlands with a tussock grass understory originally covered approximately 36% of the zone, but today it only covers only 14.5 % of the zone (58.7% of this vegetation community has been cleared in the Brigalow). In the Northern Australia Tropical Savannah zone, this vegetation type originally occupied 19.6% of the zone. Today, it occupies approximately 19.4% of the zone (only 2.3% of this vegetation type has been cleared). It should be noted that this data only provides an indication of change in extent, and not vegetation condition.

For more information on the National Vegetation Information System (NVIS) please refer to: http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/science-and-research/databases-and-maps/national-vegetation-information-system

16 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Nationally Important Wetlands

Nationally Important Wetlands Jurisdiction Hectares Criteria Aramac Springs QLD 399 1, 3 Austral Limestone Aggregation QLD 69,335 1 Bingeringo Aggregation QLD 429 1, 2, 3 Cauckingburra Swamp QLD 782 1, 2, 3, 5 Corella Lake NT 10,195 1, 2, 3 Diamantina Lakes Area QLD 2 1, 2, 3 Doongmabulla Springs QLD 400 1, 3 Elizabeth Springs QLD 399 1, 3 Eva Downs Swamp NT 12,672 1, 2, 3 Great Basalt Wall QLD 722 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 Gregory River QLD 14,833 1, 2, 3 Lake Buchanan QLD 23,212 1, 2, 3, 5 Lake de Burgh NT 22,216 1, 2, 3, 4 The National Vegetation Information System (NVIS) framework is a nationally consistent vegetation classification Lake Galilee QLD 25,789 1, 2, 3, 5 system based on vegetation data collected by states and territories. It provides information on the extent and Lake Julius QLD 1,936 1, 2, 3 distribution of vegetation types across the Australian landscape. Lake Moondarra QLD 1,742 1, 2, 3 Two products are used to provide the Zone Vegetation Characteristics graph. A modelled pre-European vegetation Lake Sylvester NT 76,466 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 distribution (pre-1750), and extant (current extent) vegetation, which is based on contemporary vegetation mapping. Lake Woods NT 42,568 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 The information presented here relates to Major Vegetation Subgroups (MVSs). There are 85 MVS types across Australia, describing the structure and floristic composition of dominant and secondary vegetation stratums Tarrabool Lake NT 46,942 1, 2, 3, 5 (e.g. canopy and mid-storey species). Major Vegetation Subgroups only reflect the dominant vegetation type Thorntonia Aggregation QLD 296,198 1, 2, 3, 6 occurring in an area from a mix of vegetation types. Less-dominant vegetation groups which may also be present Nationally important wetlands are defined according to the following criteria: are therefore not represented. 1. It is a good example of a wetland type occurring within a biogeographic region in Australia. 2. It is a wetland which plays an important ecological or hydrological role in the natural functioning of a major wetland system/complex. 3. It is a wetland which is important as the habitat for animal taxa at a vulnerable stage in their life cycles, or provides a refuge when It is important to note that the vegetation information is indicative only, as state and territory mapping in Australia is adverse conditions such as drought prevail. 4. The wetland supports 1% or more of the national populations of any native plant or animal taxa. of variable resolution and scale. However, this data is the best available nationally consistent information on vegetation, 5. The wetland supports native plant or animal taxa or communities which are considered endangered or vulnerable at the national level. and the dataset continues to evolve and increase in accuracy. 6. The wetland is of outstanding historical or cultural significance. Please note, the above are a subset of all the Nationally Important Wetlands found within the Zone. For more information on Nationally Analysing this information at Conservation Management Zone, rather than national level provides greater Important Wetlands please see: http://www.environment.gov.au/resource/directory-important-wetlands-australia-third-edition discrimination for decision makers, as clearance levels of vegetation types are not uniform across Australia. For example, eucalypt woodlands with a tussock grass understory is a vegetation type found across Australia. In the Brigalow Woodlands Conservation Management Zone, eucalypt open woodlands with a tussock grass understory originally covered approximately 36% of the zone, but today it only covers only 14.5 % of the zone (58.7% of this vegetation community has been cleared in the Brigalow). In the Northern Australia Tropical Savannah zone, this vegetation type originally occupied 19.6% of the zone. Today, it occupies approximately 19.4% of the zone (only 2.3% of this vegetation type has been cleared). It should be noted that this data only provides an indication of change in extent, and not vegetation condition.

17 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands World and National Heritage

Heritage Heritage values World or National type Jurisdiction Hectares % of zone Australian Fossil Mammal World and National Natural QLD 10,021.49 0.02 Sites (Riversleigh) Longreach Airport National Historic QLD 261.75 0.00 Great Artesian Basin National Natural QLD 101.11 0.00 Springs: Elizabeth Dinosaur Stampede National Natural QLD 90.94 0.00 National Monument QANTAS Hangar National Historic QLD 0.11 0.00 Longreach Tree of Knowledge National Historic QLD 0.02 0.00 and curtilage Please refer to the Australian Heritage Database for detailed information on listing criteria for these heritage values: http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/heritage/publications-and-resources/australian-heritage-database For more information on Australia’s world and national heritage please refer to: http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/heritage/about-australias-heritage

18 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Major National Reserve System properties

Major National Reserve System properties IUCN Name Property type Jurisdiction Hectares % of zone category Astrebla Downs National Park II QLD 173,527 0.37 Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park II QLD 163,669 0.35 Lake Woods Conservation Covenant IV NT 129,425 0.28 Diamantina National Park II QLD 116,839 0.25 White Mountains National Park II QLD 111,763 0.24 Kynuna Nature Refuge VI QLD 36,719 0.08 Moorrinya National Park II QLD 32,594 0.07 Connells Lagoon Conservation Reserve IA NT 25,890 0.06 Lochern National Park II QLD 24,327 0.05 Cudmore National Park II QLD 21,213 0.05 (Limited Depth) Bladensburg National Park II QLD 20,265 0.04 Camooweal Caves National Park II QLD 13,720 0.03 Toomba Nature Refuge VI QLD 13,693 0.03 Longreach Waterhole Protected Area IV NT 9,679 0.02 Toko Range Nature Refuge VI QLD 9,231 0.02 White Mountains Resources Reserve VI QLD 8,970 0.02 Edgbaston Station Biodiversity Hotspot IV QLD 8,165 0.02 Bimblebox Nature Refuge VI QLD 7,927 0.02 Bullen Bullen Nature Refuge VI QLD 6,550 0.01 Cudmore Resources Reserve VI QLD 6,312 0.01

The IUCN categories are as follows: Ia Strict Nature Reserve IUCN protected area management categories Ib Wilderness Area classify protected areas according to their II National Park management objectives. The categories are recognised by international bodies such as III Natural Monument or Feature the United Nations and are utilised by many IV Habitat/Species Management Area national governments, including the Australian V Protected Landscape/ Seascape Government, as the global standard for VI Protected area with sustainable use of natural resources defining and recording protected areas.

Please refer to the IUCN website for further explanation: http://www.iucn.org/about/work/programmes/gpap_home/gpap_quality/gpap_pacategories/ For more information on Australia’s National Reserve System please refer to: http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/land/national-reserve-system

Source: Collaborative Australian Protected Area Database 2012.

19 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands EPBC Act (1999) threatened ecological communities

Threatened ecological communities Name Listing status % of total distribution* % of zone** The community of native species dependent on natural discharge of groundwater from Endangered 17.47 0.4 the Great Artesian Basin Weeping Myall Woodlands Endangered 4.74 6.9 Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla Endangered 0.04 0.001 dominant and co-dominant) * % of the total national distribution describes the proportion of the total national distribution of the Threatened Ecological Community that is found within the zone. ** % of the total zone area describes the proportion of the zone that the Threatened Ecological Community is likely or known to occur in.

It should be noted that the identification of any given Threatened Ecological Community above does not imply that the Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) is found uniformly across the Conservation Management Zone. Rather, the % of the TEC’s total distribution (*) within the zone is an indication of its importance to that zone in terms of conservation efforts. The % of the zone (**) indicates how rare, or difficult the ecological community may be to find within the zone.

The threatened ecological communities above are listed underThe Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), which is the Australian Government’s principal environmental legislation. For more information, please refer to http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/communities

20 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands EPBC Act (1999) threatened species

Threatened mammals % of total % of Common name Scientific name Status distribution* zone** Julia Creek Dunnart Sminthopsis douglasi Endangered 75.51 4.28 Carpentarian Antechinus Pseudantechinus mimulus Vulnerable 50.81 11.23 Greater Bilby Macrotis lagotis Vulnerable 13.08 50.61 Kowari Dasyuroides byrnei Vulnerable 10.76 2.13 Koala (combined populations of Queensland, New South Wales and Phascolarctos cinereus Vulnerable 5.33 4.73 the Australian Capital Territory) Bridled Nail-tail Wallaby Onychogalea fraenata Endangered 2.85 0.01 Itjaritjari, Southern Marsupial Mole, Notoryctes typhlops Endangered 0.2 0.31 Yitjarritjarri May be Ampurta Dasycercus hillieri Endangered n/a present May be Northern Quoll Dasyurus hallucatus Endangered n/a present May be South-eastern Long-eared Bat Nyctophilus corbeni Vulnerable n/a present

21 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Threatened birds % of total % of Common name Scientific name Status distribution* zone** Night Parrot Pezoporus occidentalis Endangered 58.01 6.32 Black-throated Finch (southern) Poephila cincta cincta Endangered 32.28 4.43 Plains-wanderer Pedionomus torquatus Vulnerable 22.19 3.36 Star Finch (eastern), Star Finch (southern) Neochmia ruficauda ruficauda Endangered 3.93 3.40 Squatter Pigeon (southern) Geophaps scripta scripta Vulnerable 3.82 2.91 Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis Endangered 1.56 0.65 Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus Vulnerable 0.36 0.79 Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae Endangered 0.2 0.18 Masked Owl (northern) Tyto novaehollandiae kimberli Vulnerable 0.0008 0.001 May be Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus Endangered n/a present

* % of total distribution describes the proportion of the total national distribution of the threatened species that is found within the zone. ** % of zone describes the proportion of the zone that the threatened species is likely or known to occur in. The % of zone indicates how rare, or difficult the species may be to find within the zone.

22 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Threatened reptiles % of total % of Common Name Scientific name Status distribution* zone** Plains Death Adder Acanthophis hawkei Vulnerable 78.67 34.35 Gulf Snapping Turtle Elseya lavarackorum Endangered 20.96 0.57 Yakka Skink Egernia rugosa Vulnerable 4.43 0.76 Ornamental Snake Denisonia maculata Vulnerable 0.97 0.15 May be Mount Cooper Striped Lerista Lerista vittata Vulnerable n/a present May be Dunmall’s Snake Furina dunmalli Vulnerable n/a present

Other threatened fauna % of total % of Common name Scientific name Status distribution* zone** Edgbaston Goby Chlamydogobius squamigenus Vulnerable 100 0.016 Elizabeth Springs Goby Chlamydogobius micropterus Endangered 100 0.004 Scaturiginichthys Redfin Blue Eye, Redfin Blue-eye Endangered 100 0.008 vermeilipinnis Largetooth Sawfish, Freshwater Sawfish, River Pristis pristis Vulnerable 6.94 17.68 Sawfish, Leichhardt’s Sawfish, Northern Sawfish

Threatened flora % of total % of Common Name Scientific name Status distribution* zone** Blue Devil Eryngium fontanum Endangered 100 0.01 None Lawrencia buchananensis Vulnerable 100 0.03 None Austrobryonia argillicola Endangered 91.13 1.55 Pink Gidgee Acacia crombiei Vulnerable 57 1.44 None Sclerolaena walkeri Vulnerable 48.08 0.37 None Rhaphidospora bonneyana Vulnerable 42.64 0.25 Salt Pipewort, Button Grass Eriocaulon carsonii Endangered 33.65 0.05 Waddy, Waddi, Waddy-wood, Birdsville Wattle Acacia peuce Vulnerable 29.56 0.21 Waxy Cabbage Palm Livistona lanuginosa Vulnerable 24.68 0.01 None Solanum carduiforme Vulnerable 14.17 0.07 None Hakea maconochieana Vulnerable 2.68 0.06 Ooline Cadellia pentastylis Vulnerable 2.4 0.46 None Xerothamnella parvifolia Vulnerable 1.98 0.03 None Eucalyptus virens Vulnerable 1.56 0.04 Frogbit Hydrocharis dubia Vulnerable 0.65 0.00 King Blue-grass Dichanthium queenslandicum Endangered 0.37 0.02 bluegrass Dichanthium setosum Vulnerable 0.29 0.004 None Cajanus mareebensis Endangered May be present n/a a cycad Cycas platyphylla Vulnerable May be present n/a Miniature Moss-orchid, Bulbophyllum globuliforme Vulnerable May be present n/a Hoop Pine Orchid * % of total distribution describes the proportion of the total national distribution of the threatened species that is found within the zone. ** % of zone describes the proportion of the zone that the threatened species is likely or known to occur in. The % of zone indicates how rare, or difficult the species may be to find within the zone. The above species are listed under The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), the Australian Government’s principal environmental legislation. Please note that the list of threatened flora species is not comprehensive. The flora listed here have a significant proportion of their total national distribution within the zone. For more information please refer to: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species or the Species Profiles and Threats Database http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl

23 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands EPBC Act (1999) migratory species

Migratory birds Migratory birds Common name Scientific name Common name Scientific name Lesser Sand Plover, Fork-tailed Swift Apus pacificus Charadrius mongolus Great Egret, Mongolian Plover Ardea alba White Egret Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Cattle Egret Ardea ibis Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Rostratula benghalensis Painted Snipe Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis (sensu lato) Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata Glareola maldivarum Oriental Pratincole Marsh Sandpiper, Tringa stagnatilis Black-faced Monarch Monarcha melanopsis Little Greenshank Little Curlew, Numenius minutus Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Little Whimbrel Latham’s Snipe, Oriental Plover, Gallinago hardwickii Charadrius veredus Japanese Snipe Oriental Dotterel Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris White-bellied Haliaeetus leucogaster Sea-Eagle Rufous Fantail Rhipidura rufifrons Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Satin Flycatcher Myiagra cyanoleuca Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Rainbow Bee-eater Merops ornatus

For more information please refer to: http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/biodiversity/migratory-species

24 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Threatened endemic species

Threatened endemic species Taxonomic group Scientific name Reservation status EPBC Act status IUCN status Critically Fish Chlamydogobius micropterus Recorded in reserves Endangered Endangered Critically Fish Chlamydogobius squamigenus Recorded in reserves Vulnerable Endangered Scaturiginichthys Critically Fish Recorded in reserves Endangered vermeilipinnis Endangered Not recorded Molluscs Gabbia pallidula n/a Vulnerable in reserves Molluscs Jardinella acuminata Recorded in reserves n/a Endangered Not recorded Critically Molluscs Jardinella colmani n/a in reserves Endangered Not recorded Molluscs Jardinella coreena n/a Vulnerable in reserves Molluscs Jardinella corrugata Recorded in reserves n/a Vulnerable Molluscs Jardinella edgbastonensis Recorded in reserves n/a Vulnerable Not recorded Molluscs Jardinella isolata n/a Vulnerable in reserves Molluscs Jardinella jesswiseae Recorded in reserves n/a Endangered Molluscs Jardinella pallida Recorded in reserves n/a Endangered Not recorded Molluscs Jardinella zeidlerorum n/a Endangered in reserves Not recorded Reptiles Acanthophis hawkei Vulnerable n/a in reserves

25 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands http:// -natural- The colour grids and numbers are an indication of the location and number of endemic species that have all their known range outside of the National Reserve Concentrations System. of unreserved endemic species may be useful focal areas for private land conservation efforts. Endemism analyses were provided by the Australian Government Department Environmentof Australian Natural Heritage Assessment Tool (ANHAT). The ANHAT database has been compiled from specimens and site records held in state agency wildlife atlases, museum collections, and the work of individual researchers. moreFor information please refer to: www.environment. gov.au/topics/heritage/ publications-and-resources/ australian heritage-assessment-tool s n s s l e s ce ie d ude ve ra l th . rd

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26 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Invasive species

Invasive mammals Common name Scientific name % of total distribution* % of zone** Cat, House Cat, Domestic Cat Felis catus 6.12 100.00 Pig Sus scrofa 12.63 94.49 Red Fox, Fox Vulpes vulpes 4.49 58.97 Horse Equus caballus 6.88 21.69 Rabbit, European Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus 4.50 52.40 Dromedary, Camel Camelus dromedarius 5.38 39.01 House Mouse Mus musculus 3.37 25.53 Domestic Dog Canis lupus familiaris 4.17 22.09 Goat Capra hircus 4.51 20.55 Domestic Cattle Bos taurus 2.23 8.07 Feral deer species in Australia n/a 3.69 3.01 Black Rat, Ship Rat Rattus rattus 1.11 2.62 Brown Hare Lepus capensis 0.29 0.60

Other invasive fauna Common name Scientific name % of total distribution* % of zone** Cane Toad Rhinella marina 16.34 67.19 House Sparrow Passer domesticus 10.71 67.39 Rock Pigeon, Rock Dove, Domestic Pigeon Columba livia 3.57 19.36 Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris 2.35 10.78 Asian House Gecko Hemidactylus frenatus 3.84 1.84 Nutmeg Mannikin Lonchura punctulata 2.51 1.42 Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 0.7 1.06 Common Myna, Indian Myna Acridotheres tristis 0.79 0.87 Spotted Turtle-Dove Streptopelia chinensis 0.16 0.29

* % of the total national distribution of the invasive species found within the zone. ** % of the total zone area that the invasive species is likely or known to occur in.

27 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Invasive flora Common name Scientific name % of total distribution* % of zone** Prickly Acacia Acacia nilotica subsp. indica 37.03 90.63 Parkinsonia, Jerusalem Thorn, Parkinsonia aculeata 26.75 90.01 Jelly Bean Tree, Horse Bean Prickly Acacia, Blackthorn, Vachellia nilotica 47.39 56.28 Prickly Mimosa, Black Piquant, Babul Mesquite, Algaroba Prosopis spp. 40.55 52.23 Buffel-grass, Black Buffel-grass Cenchrus ciliaris 3.69 27.09 Rubber Vine, Rubbervine, India Rubber Vine, India Rubbervine, Palay Rubbervine, Cryptostegia grandiflora 16.02 23.19 Purple Allamanda Parthenium Weed, Bitter Weed, Parthenium hysterophorus 16.28 21.26 Carrot Grass, False Ragweed Cotton-leaved Physic-Nut, Bellyache Bush, Cotton-leaf Physic Nut, Jatropha gossypifolia 19.65 16.74 Cotton-leaf Jatropha, Black Physic Nut Athel Pine, Athel Tree, Tamarisk, Athel Tamarisk, Athel Tamarix, Desert Tamarix aphylla 5.31 8.17 Tamarisk, Flowering Cypress, Salt Cedar Lantana, Common Lantana, Kamara Lantana, Large-leaf Lantana, Pink Flowered Lantana, Red Flowered Lantana camara 2.72 2.82 Lantana, Red-Flowered Sage, White Sage, Wild Sage Salvinia, Giant Salvinia, Aquarium Salvinia molesta 2.76 1.82 Watermoss, Kariba Weed Prickly Pears Opuntia spp. 1.45 1.17 Hymenachne, Olive Hymenachne, Water Stargrass, West Indian Grass, Hymenachne amplexicaulis 1.23 0.59 West Indian Marsh Grass Prickly Pears Cylindropuntia spp. 4.26 0.57 African Boxthorn, Boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum 0.35 0.40 Water Hyacinth, Water Orchid, Nile Lily Eichhornia crassipes 1.06 0.21 Cat’s Claw Vine, Yellow Trumpet Vine, Dolichandra unguis-cati 1.41 0.17 Cat’s Claw Creeper, Funnel Creeper Fireweed, Madagascar Ragwort, Senecio madagascariensis 0.55 0.17 Madagascar Groundsel Prickly Pears Austrocylindropuntia spp. 3.24 0.09

* % of the total national distribution of the invasive species found within the zone. ** % of the total zone area that the invasive species is likely or known to occur in.

It should be noted that the identification of any given invasive species above does not imply that the species is found uniformly across the Conservation Management Zone. The % of the zone area (**) indicates how common or rare the species may be within the zone. For more information on invasive species please refer to: http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/biodiversity/invasive-species

28 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Vegetation profiles and management recommendations

Vegetation extent information and species lists contained in the vegetation profiles are based on analysis from the National Vegetation Information System (NVIS), including analysis of Major Vegetation Subgroups and NVIS Level V descriptions. Please see http://www.environment.gov.au/node/18930 for more information.

The management recommendations have been drawn from EPBC Act Recovery Plans, EPBC Act Ecological Communities Listing Advice and other sources. The recommendations are indicative only. Systematic reviews of management literature, consultation processes and improved Natural Resource Management program monitoring and evaluation will support development of a comprehensive set of management recommendations over time.

29 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Mitchell grass (Astrebla) tussock grasslands vegetation profile

Change in extent

45.1% 44.9%

99.43% Remaining

Commonly found species within this community Astrebla pectinata; Acacia farnesiana; Acacia victoriae; Acacia cambagei; Corymbia terminalis; Astrebla lappacea; Aristida latifolia; Dichanthium sericeum y

subsp. Sericeum; Astrebla squarrosa; Astrebla elymoides; -1750 Pre

Iseilema vaginiflorum; Iseilema membranaceum; esent da Eulalia aurea; tussock grass. Pr

Management recommendations

Protection Sustainable Rehabilitation Fire Wildlife Weed Feral Disease Agricultural Management Management Management Animal Management Practice Management

Purchase high Moderate grazing Areas badly Undertake Avoid dingo Manage weeds Undertake value remnants is beneficial as it affected by mosaic burning control which may including coordinated into reservation. maintains Mitchell Mitchell Grass to prevent increase the Prickly Acacia, and widespread grass tussocks dieback may uncontrolled, impacts of Parkinsonia, programs for the Encourage uptake by stimulating not have viable intense, introduced Rubberbush, control of feral of conservation plant growth seed banks and unplanned predators. Buffel Grass, animals, such agreements and seedling restoration may wildfires, and Counch Grass, as cats, pigs, and covenants, recruitment. be required. maintain habitat Roby Dock and foxes and rabbits. particularly on for endangered Noogoora Burr. private land that Manage total Consult with species including provides habitat grazing pressure, your local NRM Western for threatened particularly organisation hare-wallaby, species. during drought about recovery Bilbies and periods. strategies, Mulgara. grazing practices Consult with and seasonal your local NRM management for organisation areas affected by about grazing Mitchell Grass practices, seasonal dieback. management and rehabilitation for areas affected by Mitchell Grass dieback.

30 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Eucalyptus low open woodlands with hummock grass vegetation profile

Change in extent

12.4% 12.3%

99.18% Remaining

Commonly found species within this community Eucalyptus leucophloia; Eucalyptus leucophylla; Eucalyptus persistens; Eucalyptus pruinosa; Corymbia terminalis;

Corymbia capricornia; Corymbia aparrerinja; Acacia y

chisholmii; Triodia pungens; hummock grass; tussock grass. -1750 Pre esent da Pr

Management recommendations

Protection Sustainable Rehabilitation Fire Wildlife Weed Feral Disease Agricultural Management Management Management Animal Management Practice Management

Encourage uptake Manage Allow natural of conservation grazing practices regeneration agreements including of tree species and covenants avoiding through on private land. high-intensity fencing and set stocking. stock exclusion. Protect from firewood Avoid fertiliser Undertake harvesting. drift from revegetation adjacent crops activities Protect and pastures. where there is paddock no evidence of trees. over-storey regeneration.

31 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Eucalyptus open woodlands with a grassy understorey vegetation profile

Change in extent

11.8%

10.2%

86.46% Remaining

Commonly found species within this community Eucalyptus coolabah; Eucalyptus crebra; Eucalyptus whitei; Eucalyptus camaldulensis; Eucalyptus cambageana;

Corymbia dallachiana; Corymbia terminalis; Acacia y

harpophylla; Acacia cambagei; Carissa lanceolata; -1750 Pre

Eremophila mitchellii; Bothriochloa ewartiana; Eragrostis esent da dielsii; Triodia pungens; tussock grass; hummock grass. Pr

Management recommendations

Protection Sustainable Rehabilitation Fire Wildlife Weed Feral Disease Agricultural Management Management Management Animal Management Practice Management

Encourage uptake Manage total Revegetate gullies Develop Place nest boxes Manage weeds Control feral of conservation grazing pressure and stream banks appropriate in remnants including Lippia animals agreements on at important sites where vegetation fire management where there (Phyla canescens) contributing to private land. through exclusion has been cleared plans. are few hollow and African grazing pressure fencing or other and widen the bearing mature Boxthorn (Lycium and trampling. Retain hollow barriers. e.g. Fence strip of riparian Provide maps of trees. Ensure all ferocissimum). bearing trees riparian areas vegetation. remnants to local nest boxes are and ensure that and stream banks. and state Rural monitored for Avoid trees are left to Plant native Fire Services. invasive bird inappropriate grow to maturity. Manage hollow bearing species such chemical use livestock tree species. as Indian Myna. or mowing/ Retain fallen grazing practices slashing to timber. and density. Create or eradicate weeds. restore Protect from Reduce fertiliser wildlife corridors changes to water application. and linkages. flows and water table levels. Reduce herbicide application. Protect during maintenance/ Implement road works. water efficiency measures for existing irrigation and dryland cropping infrastructure.

32 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands Acacia (+/- low) open woodlands and sparse shrublands +/- tussock grass vegetation profile

Change in extent

8.8%

7.3% 83.92% Remaining

Commonly found species within this community Acacia cambagei; Acacia georginae; Acacia argyrodendron; Acacia pendula; Eremophila mitchellii; Senna artemisioides; Atalaya hemiglauca; Lysiphyllum y

cunninghamii; Ventilago viminalis; Sporobolus -1750 Pre actinocladus; Eragrostis setifolia; Astrebla pectinata; esent da Astrebla lappacea; tussock grass. Pr

Management recommendations

Protection Sustainable Rehabilitation Fire Wildlife Weed Feral Disease Agricultural Management Management Management Animal Management Practice Management

Encourage uptake Use lopping Replant Implement Keep stock Manage sites to Control Bag of conservation methods that understorey fire regimes away from prevent shelter moth agreements and do not result species (such that protect known nesting introduction outbreaks in covenants to in the death as chenopods) chenopod shrubs sites of ground of invasive significant stands protect remnants. of the dominant where they have (e.g. saltbushes dwelling birds. plant species. of acacia species. tree species. been depleted. and native Protect acacia cotton bushes). Allow fallen Manage grassy Control exotic species from Prevent Repair and branches and weeds such pest animals clearing and trampling and expand and Seek advice from bark to remain on as Buffel at known sites. lopping for excessive grazing connect your local NRM ground to provide grass (Cenchrus drought fodder. pressure in key remnants. organisation fauna habitat. ciliaris) and remnant sites. on appropriate Coolatai grass Avoid firewood Collect and store fire regimes. Do not remove (Hyparrhenia collection (dead Use strategic seeds for future mistletoe from hirta). and fallen trees). grazing, and plantings. Acacia and where possible eucalypt species Avoid cultivating Retain standing exclude as these provide or disturbing the dead trees. stock to allow important soil to prevent regeneration food resources weed invasion. to occur. for birds and mammals. Avoid fertiliser and herbicide application in or near remnants.

33 / Conservation Management Zones of Australia, Mitchell Grasslands ALC100.0915