THREATENED SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE Established under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Minister’s delegate approved this Conservation Advice on 16/12/2016.

Conservation Advice Thelymitra mackibbinii

brilliant sun-orchid

Conservation Status Thelymitra mackibbinii (brilliant sun-orchid) is listed as Vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) (EPBC Act) effective from 16 July 2000. The species was eligible for listing under the EPBC Act as on 16 July 2000 it was listed as Vulnerable under Schedule 1 of the preceding Endangered Species Protection Act 1992 (Cwlth). Species can also be listed as threatened under state and territory legislation. For information on the current listing status of this species under relevant state or territory legislation, see http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl The brilliant sun-orchid is considered eligible for listing in the Vulnerable category as it has a very low number of mature individuals and is restricted to only a few sites in central-western Victoria. The species was previously more widespread (Coates et al., 2002; DSE 2003).

Description The brilliant sun-orchid () produces a 15 - 30 cm tall flower stem, with 1 - 3 flowers on each stem. Flowers are 20 - 25 mm across and are deep purple, violet or pinkish in colour with darker stripes (Backhouse & Jeanes 1995; Jones 2006). It has a short post-anther lobe that is yellow and roughened, while arms are elliptic in shape, yellow and glandular (Jones 2006). Leaves are 70 - 100 mm long and 6 - 9 mm wide (Jones 2006).

Distribution The species is endemic to Victoria and occurs in the Goldfields Bioregion (Stawell, St Arnaud and Maryborough areas) (DSE 2003). In 2003, fewer than 30 individual were known to occur across three populations (DSE 2003), at an altitude of 150 - 200 m above sea level (Jones 2006). The species was formerly also known from an area near Bendigo, and was also recorded near Port Elliot in South ; however the latter is likely to have been a mis- identification (DSE 2003; Jones 2006). The species is likely to have been naturally rare but more common prior to landscape scale disturbance from gold exploration and mining (DSE 2003). The brilliant sun-orchid occurs in open forest dominated by Eucalyptus leucoxylon (yellow gum) and sometimes with Allocasuarina verticillata (drooping sheoak), with a healthy understorey typically consisting of Acacia paradoxa (prickly acacia), Acacia montana (mallee wattle) and Pultenaea largiflorens (twiggy bush-pea) on well-drained, light brown silt with quartz and lateritic lag deposits (DSE 2003). It is likely to require an undisturbed ground layer that is well-covered by leaf litter (DSE 2003; Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria 2015). The species is reserved in the Mount Bolangum Nature Conservation Reserve, Deep Lead Nature Conservation Reserve and Paddys Ranges State Park. These sites are managed by Parks Victoria (Victoria West Region) (DSE 2003).

Thelymitra mackibbinii (brilliant sun-orchid) Conservation Advice Page 1 of 6

Relevant Biology/Ecology The brilliant sun-orchid flowers in September and October, though flowers are few (Jones 2006). Flowers open freely and are long-lasting (Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria 2015). Little else is known of the species’ biology and ecology, including pollination, which may involve food or specialised sexual deceptive syndromes. The life cycle and ecological requirements of , and the conditions required for maintenance of and fungal activity, are therefore unknown (DSE 2003). This represents a major risk in managing the long-term reproductive capability of the species, as the long term persistence of a suitable mycorrhiza and pollinators is critical for growth and development of the orchid.

Threats Table 1 – Threats impacting the brilliant sun-orchid in approximate order of severity of risk, based on available evidence.

Threat factor Threat Evidence base type and status Site disturbance

Trampling by known Some areas where the species is found are subject to recreational current disturbance by recreational vehicles. In particular, the Mount activities Bolangum population is close to tracks and is extremely vulnerable to damage from vehicles (DSE 2003).

Mining suspected The species is likely to have been more common prior to past landscape scale disturbance from gold exploration and mining (DSE 2003).

Information / knowledge

Lack of known In 2003, there were significant gaps in the information knowledge past, available on the species’ biology, ecology and precise suspected distribution (DSE 2003). This makes it difficult to properly current understand and manage threats.

Grazing

Grazing by possible The brilliant sun-orchid may be adversely affected by rabbits invasive current (Oryctolagus cuniculus ) (DEWHA 2008). Grazing by rabbits species and future occurs within Paddys Ranges State Park, and possibly also within the Mount Bolangum Nature Conservation Reserve (DSE 2003). Grazing by introduced and over-abundant native herbivores is known to be a significant threat to ground layer vegetation, including orchids (Coates et al., 2002).

Grazing by possible Grazing by over-abundant native herbivores (e.g. macropods) native current occurs within Paddys Ranges State Park, and possibly also species and future within the Mount Bolangum Nature Conservation Reserve (DSE 2003) and is known to be a threat to ground layer vegetation, including orchids (Coates et al., 2002).

Thelymitra mackibbinii (brilliant sun-orchid) Conservation Advice Page 2 of 6

Fire

Too frequent possible While the species’ response to and possible need for fire is or infrequent current unknown, too frequent or aseasonal fire may alter the species’ and future habitat, remove organic surface materials and negatively impact pollinators and mycorrhizal agents. There is evidence that the population biology of some orchid species in Victoria may be heavily influenced by fire frequencies, fire intensity, season of burning, and time since fire (Backhouse & Jeanes 1995). In 2003, fire risk was ‘low’ at the known sites for this species (DSE 2003).

Weeds

Invasion by possible In 2003, weeds were scarce at the three known sites weeds current (DSE 2003) but may occur there currently or in the future and and future may adversely affect the species through competition.

Illegal collection

Illegal possible While there is no evidence of collection in the past, the species collection future may be sought by collectors due to its rarity (DSE 2003).

Conservation Actions

Conservation and Management priorities The Victorian threatened orchid recovery program undertakes a wide range of activities to assist the recovery of more than 60 threatened orchid species across the state (DELWP 2016). Conservation actions for the brilliant sun-orchid should be undertaken in a manner consistent with the threatened orchid recovery program and in consultation with relevant Victorian Government staff and experts. Conservation actions that specifically apply to the brilliant sun-orchid are outlined below. Site disturbance

o Reduce the potential for accidental damage from recreational use by re-directing or closing any vehicle or walking tracks that occur close to known populations. o If any populations occur close to a vehicle or walking track that cannot be moved, consider erecting signage and/or constructing fences around known populations. o Such actions require careful consideration given the threat of illegal collection. Site confidentiality may be vital to the species’ protection (DSE 2003). o Ensure that mineral exploration and mining does not occur at or nearby sites where the species is known to occur. This action will be captured through relevant environmental approvals processes at the state and/or national level.

Thelymitra mackibbinii (brilliant sun-orchid) Conservation Advice Page 3 of 6

Grazing

o Consider caging or fencing known populations and/or individual plants, to protect from grazing by invasive or over-abundant native species. o In consultation with relevant authorities, implement control programs for invasive species and potentially also over-abundant native species. o Implement the Threat Abatement Plan for competition and land degradation by rabbits (DEWHA 2008). Fire

o Seek to better understand the species’ response to fire, which is poorly known, through monitoring and/or experimental techniques (see Survey and Monitoring) as well as by researching fire histories in the areas where the species occurs. o Fires must be managed to ensure that prevailing regimes do not disrupt the life cycle of the brilliant sun-orchid; that they support rather than degrade the habitat necessary to the species; that they do not promote invasion of exotic species; and that they do not compound the impacts of grazing. o Ensure that prescribed fires occur only within the habitat during the dormant phase of the species’ life cycle. Weeds

o Control weed species that occur within close proximity of the three known populations, using direct methods such as herbicide application and hand-pulling. o Undertake broad-scale weed control within the parks and reserves where the species does or could possibly occur. Illegal collection

o Whilst community involvement can be important from an educational and resourcing perspective, such involvement should be restricted to a small number of groups and/or individuals that have a demonstrated ability and commitment to orchid conservation, such as through involvement in the Australian Native Orchid Society conservation group and Stawell Field Naturalists Club (Coates et al., 2002; DSE 2003). o Careful consideration should be given to potential trade-offs involved in drawing attention to the precise location of the species, such as by erecting fencing or signage. Seed collection, propagation and other ex-situ recovery actions

o Establish plants in cultivation in appropriate institutions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. o To manage the risk of losing genetic diversity, undertake appropriate seed and mycorrhizal fungi collection and storage in appropriate institutions, such as the Victorian Conservation Seedbank, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, and curate the collection to ensure sustained viability of stored seed. Best practice seed storage guidelines and procedures should be adhered to, to maximise seed viability and germinability. Seeds from all natural populations should be collected and stored.

Thelymitra mackibbinii (brilliant sun-orchid) Conservation Advice Page 4 of 6

Survey and Monitoring priorities • Undertake surveys of the three known populations of the brilliant sun-orchid, as well as in other potential (including known past) locations, in order to more accurately estimate the number, size and structure of populations, and any trends; and calculate the species’ current area of occupancy and extent of occurrence. This information will help to guide decision- making and management, and prioritise recovery actions. • Monitor each population annually, in September-October (flowering season), using a consistent and scientifically-rigorous survey method. • Survey known past or potential locations of the brilliant sun-orchid. • Adhere to the orchid monitoring protocols established by the Victorian threatened orchid recovery program. • Design and implement a long-term monitoring program for the species. This program should be efficient, targeted, coordinated and scientifically robust, so that data analysis and management decisions can be confidently made at a regional, population and species level (DELWP 2016). • Monitor the impact of known and potential threats including grazing, fire, weeds, illegal collection and site disturbance (e.g. vehicle use). Accurately record this information and use it to adjust and adapt recovery activities as necessary. • Consider involving community volunteers in monitoring activities, where appropriate.

Information and research priorities • Undertake relevant field trials and experiments to find out more about the species’ biology, ecology and threats, in consultation with staff and experts involved in the Victorian threatened orchid recovery program. For example: • collect and analyse information on the species’: life history; natural pollination levels and/or causes of pollinator limitation; effects of artificial pollination on growth, survival and reproduction; and symbiotic relationships with mycorrhizal fungi, by undertaking and/or supporting research in these areas • In combination with ex situ germination, undertake in situ seed germination trials and encourage recruitment by caging, hand-weeding, building up ground cover, and watering during critical periods • collect and store seed and mycorrhizal fungi, assess seed viability, investigate methods to establish seedlings and maintain populations in cultivation (see ANOS 2006). • Provide educational material to relevant individuals/groups (e.g. landholders, catchment management authorities and local governments) regarding the species’ status and recovery activities. Note that information that identifies the precise location of known populations (e.g. detailed maps) should not be widely distributed.

• Incorporate information regarding the location and management of the species into local planning schemes, including environmental significance overlays, and apply the Victorian Planning Provisions so as to protect these sites (DSE 2003).

• Train staff in cultivation techniques and conducting relevant trials/experiments.

Thelymitra mackibbinii (brilliant sun-orchid) Conservation Advice Page 5 of 6

References cited in the advice

Backhouse, G. N. & J. A. Jeanes (1995). The Orchids of Victoria . Carlton: Miegunyah Press, Melbourne University Press. Coates, F., Jeanes, J. & Pritchard, A. (2002). Recovery Plan for Twenty-five Threatened Orchids of Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales 2003 - 2007. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne. Jones, D. L. (2006). A Complete Guide to Native Orchids of Australia, Including the Island Territories . Reed New Holland. Sydney, Australia. Nevill, G. (2010). Orchids on the Edge: Threatened Orchid Recovery in the North Central Region, 2003-2009. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 122(2), 84-91. Other sources cites in this advice

ANOS (Australasian Native Orchid Society) (Victoria Group) Inc. (2006). Back from the brink: saving Victoria’s threatened orchids . Winner of the Banksia Awards for the Environment (Land and Biodiversity category). Viewed: 14 April 2016. Available on the Internet at: http://anosvic.org.au/Banksia_Awards_2006_Vic_Thrt_Orchid_Project.pdf DELWP (Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning) (2016). Threatened Species and Communities: Victorian threatened orchid recovery program. Viewed: 14 April 2016. Available on the Internet at: http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/environment-and- wildlife/arthur-rylah-institute/research-themes/threatened-species-and- communities#victhreatorchid DEWHA (Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts) (2008). Threat abatement plan for competition and land degradation by rabbits . Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra. Viewed: 14 April 2016. Available on the Internet at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/tap/competition-and- land-degradation-rabbits DSE (Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment) (2003). Action statement no. 139 – brilliant sun orchid . Viewed: 14 April 2016. Available on the Internet at: http://www.DELWP.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/250254/Brilliant_Sun- orchid_Thelymitra_mackibbini.pdf Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria (2015). Thelymitra mackibbinii F. Muell. VicFlora – Flora of Victoria. Viewed: 11 August 2016. Available on the Internet at: http://data.rbg.vic.gov.au/vicflora/flora/taxon/98f85e71-29e9-4f1d-8823-a45821a29adc

Thelymitra mackibbinii (brilliant sun-orchid) Conservation Advice Page 6 of 6