Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
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click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Myall Woodland in the Darling Riverine Plains, Brigalow Belt South, Cobar Peneplain, Murray-Darling Depression, Riverina and NSW South Western Slopes bioregions
Gazetted date:
15 Jul 2005
Profile last updated:
20 Dec 2023
Description
This ecological community is scattered across the eastern parts of the alluvial plains of the Murray-Darling river system. The community is also known as Boree particularly in the southern part of its distribution. Typically, it occurs on red-brown earths and heavy textured grey and brown alluvial soils within a climatic belt receiving between 375 and 500 mm mean annual rainfall. The structure of the community varies from low woodland and low open woodland to low sparse woodland or open shrubland, depending on site quality and disturbance history. The tree layer grows up to a height of about 10 metres and invariably includes
Acacia pendula (Weeping Myall or Boree) as one of the dominant species or the only tree species present. The understorey includes an open layer of chenopod shrubs and other woody plant species and an open to continuous groundcover of grasses and herbs. The structure and composition of the community varies, particularly with latitude, as chenopod shrubs are more prominent south of the Lachlan River district, while other woody species and summer grasses are more common further north. In some areas the shrub and canopy stratum may have been reduced or eliminated by clearing or heavy grazing, leaving derived grassland that may still constitute this community.
For a detailed description and list of characteristic species see the Scientific Committee's listing (link in left-hand box).
Distribution
This EEC is known from parts of the Local Government Areas of Berrigan, Bland, Bogan, Carrathool, Conargo, Coolamon, Coonamble, Corowa, Forbes, Gilgandra, Griffith, Gwydir, Inverell, Jerilderee, Lachlan, Leeton, Lockhart, Moree Plains, Murray, Murrumbidgee, Narrabri, Narranderra, Narromine, Parkes, Urana, Wagga Wagga and Warren, and but may occur elsewhere in these bioregions.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Incremental clearing of remaining remnants, large and small, and isolated paddock trees for cropping, pasture improvement, private and public infrastructure and other developments.
- Overgrazing by domestic stock.
- Invasion and establishment of weed species changing community structure and floristic composition. This is primarily introduced woody weeds and perennial grasses in the north of the State and introduced woody weeds, annual grasses and forbs in the south.
- Climate change impacting on species diversity, composition and structure.
- Lack of awareness of status and importance of TEC among land managers and decision-makers.
- Degradation of the landscape in which remnants occur including soil acidification, salinisation, extensive erosion, scalding and loss of connectivity.
- Clearing and damage to habitat by road construction and maintenance works and for local and regional firebreaks.
- Lack of recruitment caused by irregular seed production and grazing of seedlings.
- Death or degradation of vegetation caused by agricultural chemical overspray and drift.
- Intensification of historical grazing regime on public land through long-term grazing permits.
- Reduction in community integrity due to the small size of remnant woodland areas and potential loss of important components of the ecological community.
- Poor representation in conservation reserves.
- Herbivory by the processionary caterpillar Ochrogaster lunifer (Bag-shelter moth)
- Overgrazing by overabundant native herbivores e.g. macropods leading to loss of floristic structure and ecological function.
- Overgrazing by introduced herbivores e.g. feral goats and rabbits, leading to loss of floristic structure and ecological function
- Inappropriate fire regimes and escape of stubble burns.
- Lopping or pushing of trees for stock fodder during drought.
- Human disturbance by off road vehicles, camping, other recreational activities and dumping.
- Illegal firewood collection.
- Predation by introduced predators (foxes, dogs, cats, pigs).
Recovery strategies
A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.
Activities to assist this species
- Control feral herbivores, particularly rabbits and goats.
- Strategic grazing of Myall woodland and open grassy woodland to allow regeneration of A. pendula and other key plant species of the EEC.
- Conduct integrated weed control in Myall Woodland, particularly for African Boxthorn and Patterson's Curse.
- Encourage landholders to protect and manage their Myall Woodlands using VCAs and incentives.
- Ensure no further loss of Myall Woodland.
- Acquire land for reservation of Myall Woodland that is currently poorly represented in reserve system.
- Undertake research into the control of Bag Moth in Myall Woodland.
- Identify key areas of Myall Woodland, using existing mapping information and other sources.
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