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: Hunter Floodplain Red Gum Woodland in the NSW North Coast and Sydney Basin Bioregions
Gazetted date:
23 Apr 2010
Profile last updated:
07 Jun 2022
Description
Hunter Floodplain Red Gum Woodland generally forms a tall to very tall (18-35 m) woodland on floodplains and associated rises along the Hunter River and tributaries within the NSW North Coast and Sydney Basin Bioregions. Stands on major floodplains are generally dominated by Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum) in combinations with Eucalyptus tereticornis (Forest Red Gum), Eucalyptus melliodora (Yellow Box) and Angophora floribunda (Rough-barked Apple). Within the community stands of Casuarina cunninghamiana subsp. cunninghamiana (River Oak) and Casuarina glauca (Swamp Oak) can form a part of this community. Dominant groundcovers include Cynodon dactylon (Couch), Alternanthera denticulata (Lesser Joyweed), Austrostipa verticillata (Slender Bamboo Grass), Dichondra repens (Kidney Weed), Lepidium pseudohyssopifolium (Peppercress), Pratia concolor (Poison Pratia), Urtica incisa (Stinging Nettle), Einadia hastata (Berry Saltbush), Amaranthus macrocarpus var. macrocarpus (Dwarf Amaranth), Cyperus fulvus (Sticky Sedge), Cynoglossum australe (Australian Hound’s Tongue), Cyperus gracilis (Slender Flat-sedge), Glycine tabacina (Variable Glycine), Geranium solanderi (Native Geranium) and Microlaena stipoides var. stipoides (Weeping Rice Grass). The species assemblage that characterises the community is listed in the NSW Scientific Committee final determination.
Distribution
Hunter Floodplain Red Gum Woodland has been recorded from the local government areas of Maitland, Mid-Western, Muswellbrook, Singleton, and Upper Hunter but may occur elsewhere within the NSW North Coast and Sydney Basin Bioregions. Mapped occurrences include few remnants greater than 10 hectares and many small remnants less than 10 hectares, indicating severe fragmentation. Within the Central Hunter Valley geographic distribution is estimated to have been reduced by more than 90% of its pre-European extent.
Habitat and ecology
- Hunter Floodplain Red Gum Woodland generally occurs on floodplains and floodplain rises.
- The community is known to contain the endangered River Red Gum population in the Hunter Catchment
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Habitat degradation as a consequence of grazing/trampling by livestock and feral animals.
- Loss and fragmentation of habitat through clearing for grazing and agricultural development, particularly lucerne.
- Lack of long term protection for remaining TEC remnants and potential for change of land use causing further negative impacts.
- Fragmentation of TEC from clearing and grazing, leading to a risk of localised extinctions and edge effects.
- Lack of hollow bearing trees to provide habitat for fauna within the TEC.
- Potential for dieback; syndrome likely resulting from stress from overclearing, increasing nutrients, increasing attacks from insects (repeated defoliation).
- Lack of knowledge on the effectiveness of management of threats including weeds, disturbance by vehicles, firewood collection, road maintenance activities and habitat restoration.
- Habitat degradation as a consequence of weed invasion.
- Damage to trees from windstorms.
- Altered hydrological regime resulting in less frequent flooding events and affecting recruitment of Eucalyptus camaldulensis.
- The application of pesticides and fertilisers, particularly around remnants occurring on golf courses.
- Dumping of rubbish and plants in areas of the TEC leading to altered habitats and weed invasion.
- Physical damage from inappropriate access and disturbance by people, including trampling, littering and graffiti.
- Stormwater, sewerage and reuse overflow causing habitat degradation through altered nutrient levels, pollution and eutrophication.
- Disturbance from management of existing infrastructure, particularly railway lines, resulting in weed invasion.
- Disturbance and degradation caused by recreational users such as trail bike riders and 4WD vehicles leading to erosion and introduction and spread of weeds.
- Introduction of Eucalyptus camaldulensis cultivars not native to the Hunter Valley and hybrids may threaten the genetic integrity of native River Red Gums.
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
- Support local Landcare groups.
- Undertake strategic grazing or grazing exclusion in conjunction with weed control.
- Retain or reintroduce periodic water inundation of habitat.
- Protect areas of known and potential habitat from clearing.
- Encourage regeneration of remnants or disturbed areas of habitat.
- Improve vegetative connectivity between and within remnants through revegetation/regeneration programs.
- Use locally-sourced seed in revegetation or regeneration projects.
Information sources
- Meddings, R.A., McComb, J.A., Calver, M.C., Thomas, S.R. and Mazanec, R.A. (2003) Eucalyptus camaldulensis x globulus hybrids. Australian Journal of Botany 51, 319-331.
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2000) 'Vegetation Survey, Classification and Mapping: Lower Hunter Central Coast region. Version 1.2. A project undertaken for the Lower Hunter and Central Coast Regional Environment Management Strategy'. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville.
- Peake, T.C. (2006) 'The Vegetation of the Central Hunter Valley, New South Wales'. A report on the findings of the Hunter Remnant Vegetation Project. Hunter - Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Paterson.
- Potts, B.M., Barbour, R.C., Hingston, A.B. and Vaillancourt, R.E. (2003) Turner review No. 6. Genetic pollution of native eucalypt gene pools - identifying the risks. Australian Journal of Botany 51, 1-25.
- Umwelt (Australia) Pty Ltd (2008) River Red Gum post flood assessment and description of ecological character. Report to DECC.
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