Taking into account that Sheoak Ridge Nature Reserve is only 165 acres in size (that’s small by Australian standards), it contains a large number of regional ecosystems. At first glance the property looks like it is 50% rainforest and 50% dry forest. However, when you take a walk around you quickly realize that the environment around you changes constantly. The alluvial plain through which Rifle Creek flows is dominated by riparian rainforest, yet smaller and often fragmented ecosystems also exist here. There are wetlands dominated by melaleucas, stands of tall blue gums and plains of beautiful white poplar gums. While the dry eucalyptus forest changes composition half-way along the ridge and along the gentle south eastern slopes the broad leaved paperparks dominate the landscape. Add to this Rifle Creek, over 20 permanent and seasonal Billabongs, as well as a variety of ecotones and you quickly realize how complex it it all is.
To explore each of these ecosystems and habitats a little more closely, use the following links:
7.3.16d: Riverine wetland or fringing riverine wetland. Lophostemon suaveolens, Eucalyptus platyphylla, Corymbia tessellaris, Melaleuca viridiflora, M. dealbata woodland and open forest, with Imperata cylindrica and Crinum sp. Swampy drainage lines and swamp fringes in upland situations. Regional ecosystem 7.3.16d
Melaleuca quinquenervia (swamp paperbark) and/or Melaleuca cajuputi (cajuput) closed forest to shrubland on poorly drained alluvial plains. Lowlands of the very wet and wet rainfall zone, on poorly drained peaty humic gley soils where the water table is near or above the ground for most of the year. Remnant Ecosystem 7.3.5
Sheoak Ridge 
One thought on “Ecosystems and Habitats”