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

The Minister’s delegate approved this Conservation Advice on 15/07/2016.

Conservation Advice Ranunculus anemoneus

anemone buttercup

Conservation Status Ranunculus anemoneus (anemone buttercup) is listed as Vulnerable under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) (EPBC Act) effective from the 16 July 2000.

The species was eligible for listing under the EPBC Act at that time as, immediately prior to the commencement of the EPBC Act, it was listed as Vulnerable under Schedule 1 of the Endangered Species Protection Act 1992 (Cwlth).

Species can also be listed as threatened under state and territory legislation. For information on the listing status of this species under relevant state or territory legislation, see http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl

The main factors that are the cause of the species being eligible for listing in the Vulnerable category are historic herbivory by introduced species, climate change impacting on distribution and suitable habitat, competition by exotic plant species, and habitat fragmentation.

The 2001 recovery plan for this species noted anecdotal evidence to suggest some recovery was occurring (NSW NPWS, 2001); a 2008 review confirmed the species was “more abundant and widely distributed than thought at the commencement of the Plan.” (Kerswell Bain & Tolley 2008)

Description The anemone buttercup (family Ranunculaceae) is a robust, perennial herb that sends out roots from a horizontal underground stem (rhizome). The leaves at its base are large (up to 8 cm wide), leathery and deeply cleft into multiple spreading lobes. Its leaves are stalkless and clasp to the stem. The anemone buttercup produces creamy white flowers soon after snow melt, which are up to 6 cm in diameter. Numerous fruits are produced, densely clustered in a head to 1.5 cm in diameter, forming a prominent beak. A more detailed description can be found in Costin et al. (2000).

Distribution At least 32 extant populations of anemone buttercup are distributed in a narrow band (about 8 km in diameter) along the Great Dividing Range. Area of Occupancy for the anemone buttercup is 88km2, with an overall extent of occurrence of 328km2 in New South Wales.

Within its range, the anemone buttercup occurs in six disjunct areas: the Main Range between Mt Kosciuszko and Mt Twynam (which contains most records); the Charlottes Pass resort; the Mt Perisher – Mt Blue Cow area; the Guthega – Mt Tate area; the Schlink Pass – Gungarten Pass area; and a single record from South Rams Head. Most records are from above the treeline (the alpine zone, i.e. above 1900 m), although there are a few records from at or just below the treeline (to as low as 1600 m).

Relevant Biology/Ecology Little is known about the biology and ecology of the anemone buttercup. Habitat notes accompanying herbarium records suggest that the species generally occurs in environments

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with late melting snow (south to east facing, steep grassy slopes, rocky crevices, and short alpine herbfields) (NSW NPWS 2001). The species has also been collected along watercourses, in grassland, heathland (below snow patches) and on roadside batters (slopes). Soils at anemone buttercup sites include loams (alpine humus soils), peats and decomposing granite (NSW NPWS 2001). The anemone buttercup is capable of colonising areas of advanced soil erosion, and may occur among stones (Costin et al., 2000). The anemone buttercup flowers early (prior to January), soon after a snow melt. Costin et al., (2000) observe that the species can even flower “while still under the snow, evidently drawing upon reserves of food accumulated in roots and stems during the previous season.”

Threats Table 1 – Threats impacting the anemone buttercup in approximate order of severity of risk, based on available evidence.

Threat factor Threat type Evidence base and status Climate change Changes in known Owing to the ecological niche of this species, a climate snow cover future warming scenario corresponding to a reduction in snow cover would represent a significant future threat for the species, and increases the risks posed by proximate threats including predation and competition. Green (in Lindenmeyer et al., 2014) states that “Because of climate change, both increased regional warming and reduced snowfall, Australian snowpatch vegetation is one of the most threatened plant communities in the world.” and concludes “virtually all perceived threats to the mainland alpine ecosystem either result from climate change or are exacerbated by it.” (see also Worth et al., 2015)

In a thesis which assessed changes in distribution for threatened plants in NSW under climate change scenarios using bioclimatic modelling, a reduction was predicted in distribution of the anemone buttercup that showed the population contracting so that its distribution was limited to within Kosciuszko National Park (Mason 2005).

Grazing Introduced suspected The anemone buttercup’s palatability to grazers mean that any herbivores future potential increase in feral herbivores, such as horses, deer (rabbits and rabbits, may pose a significant threat. (Oryctolagus cuniculus), Green (in Lindenmeyer et al., 2014) states that hares currently hares (Lepus exist in the alpine environment and are increasing in numbers. spp.), horses Although dietary studies have revealed the hare is not (Equua ferus currently a major threat, ongoing monitoring is required. ), deer (Axis spp., Cervus spp. Dama spp.)) Cattle (Bos known Early flowering combined with attractiveness as a food source taurus) past for herbivorous species are thought to have contributed to the potential high impact of historic cattle grazing on the anemone future buttercup’s population and distribution (OEH 2016). Observations of grazing on anemone buttercup were made as

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early as 1887, and by the 1950s it was observed the species had been “almost grazed out of existence” (Spehn, Liberman, Korner 2006 citing Costin 1954, 1958; see also Costin et al., 2000).

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Habitat loss and fragmentation Habitat known Anemone buttercup’s distribution includes ski resort lease disturbance current areas. Development associated with ski resorts, such as slope associated grooming and the expansion of ski run and accommodation with ski facilities (NSW NPWS 2001) is likely to remain a contributing resorts factor to any future habitat loss and fragmentation for this species.

The potential impact of ski development on the species may be greater than would be expected if the species was evenly distributed in the landscape because both ski resorts and the anemone buttercup have a preference for snow-retaining slopes. Competition Competition known A symptom of historic post grazing disturbance has been the with current/future introduction of exotic plant species to the alpine zone, having introduced risen from one non-native species observed in 1898, to 37 in species 1954 and 74 in 2004 (Spehn et al., 2006). Acetosella vulgare may be a threat to this species (pers. comm. Bunn 2016).

Green notes invasion of escaped garden plants from ski resorts, and spread of seeds by walks from sub-alpine to alpine zones, or between alpine zones, as potential future issues for this species(in Lindenmeyer et al., 2014).

Use of fire trucks during alpine fires may also introduce exotic species or disease into the ecosystem at a critically vulnerable juncture (Lindenmeyer et al., 2014).

Fire Increased known Green suggests alpine areas are becoming increasingly frequency current vulnerable to fire, and highlights that alpine ecosystems are of fires. slower to recover from fire events than other communities (Lindenmeyer et al., 2014). Other human impacts Harvest, suspected The remarkable, large flowers of the anemone buttercup could trampling or current make them attractive to walkers and hikers. The portion of the other population occurring within ski resort lease areas is likely to be damage. the most at risk; however, there is not much evidence to suggest harvest or trampling to be more than a peripheral, potential threat. Most populations are some distance from walking tracks (NSW NPWS 2001).

A greater use of resorts in summer may have an impact on populations beyond resort boundaries (NSW NPWS 2001).

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Conservation Actions

Conservation and Management priorities

Climate change

o Where recovery is found to be insufficient or where monitoring reveals that climate change is causing the anemone buttercup population to decrease, consider the use of snow fences to restore (or shore up) the amount of snow in key habitat, or insulating snow patches. Complete shading of plants to retain some of their competitive advantage in snowpatch communities has been suggested by Lindenmayer et al. (2014), and could be conducted where this action was deemed appropriate, considering the requirements of the species and the impact of such shading on the broader community.

o Translocation to other suitable habitats within the species range was discussed in the recovery plan (NSW NPWS 2001). This strategy may be undertaken where it is determined there is suitable unoccupied habitat for the species.

o The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s fifth assessment report concludes that ‘the human influence on the climate system is clear and is evident from the increasing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere’, such that ‘virtually all published papers accept the scientific basis of human-induced climate change (United Nations 2016). Given that climate change is the key threat for this species, it follows that action supporting the mitigation of the human influence on the warming climate system must therefore be a key conservation action. In light of this, anemone buttercup conservationists should advocate continued strong commitments to emissions reduction and offset activities in Australia, which, if implemented, would contribute to the continued survival of the anemone buttercup by mitigating the threat of warming and its impact on suitable habitat for the species.

Grazing

o Implement mitigation or exclusion strategies for non-native herbivorous species such as hare and horses.

o Maintain the exclusion of cattle. Habitat loss and fragmentation

o Ensure strategic planning of future ski resort developments, including expansion of existing facilities, considers the anemone buttercup (e.g. that destruction of the species is avoided and transloaction sites are identified where relevant); in general, ensure adequate environmental assessment continues to take place (NSW NPWS 2001).

Invasive species

o Undertake weed control in the local area, using methods appropriate to the weed species present and avoiding methods which may be inappropriate for use proximate to the anemone buttercup. This will require identification of which introduced species exist in the landscape, establishing which of these may be a threat, and receiving advice from relevant experts on the best removal practices, noting that these will vary depending on the species.

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o Institute weed hygeine practices by visitors to the region (grounds keepers, hikers, skiers, fire-fighters) to prevent the spread of garden plants and other non-alpine species. Where possible, consider the inclusion of ”wash down points” for fire fighting equipment and vehicles prior to entry into the alpine zone to reduce the risk of introduction of weeds, pathogens and other non-local species into the alpine zone post- fire, when the ecosystem may be particularly vulnerable to weed colonisation (see Lindenmayer et al., 2014). Fire

o Provide maps of known occurrences to local and state Rural Fire Services and seek inclusion of mitigation measures in bush fire risk management plan/s, risk register and/or operation maps.

o Ensure planned fires are not implemented at the site.

Human Impacts

o Ensure developers and visitors are aware of the status of the buttercup, and institute practices to avoid picking flowers, trampling plants, or inadvertently spreading weeds (e.g. via transporting seeds to the site on equipment and clothing). Stakeholder Engagement

o Key stakeholders for this species are ski resort developers, ski resort guests, and hikers. Public engagement should aim to inform these stakeholders of the appearance and status of the species (awareness-raising). This could include provision of signage or infographic materials in resorts and/or signage on any hiking pathways proximate to populations.

o Inform ski resort owners and guests of the risks associated with the introduction of escaped garden plants and the transfer of seeds from clothing into the alpine ecosystem. Consider the development of guidance material to inform stakeholders on how to mitigate these risks (i.e. cleaning boots and equipment; informing groundskeepers to be mindful of perimeters and preventing the spread of garden plants).

o Engage the academic and scientific community to obtain further information on the ecology of this species.

o Encourage population monitoring that could be used to determine recovery or decline.

Survey and Monitoring priorities • Conduct ongoing monitoring on local herbivorous invasives (particularly hares and deer), with a view to identifying if and when these species may become a threat to the anemone buttercup. • Undertake ongoing monitoring into encroachment of invasive flora and any potential impact on the anemone buttercup. • Monitor the size and structure and reproductive status of populations at different stages in the fire cycle, taking opportunities to monitor after planned and unplanned fires (where they occur) and improve understanding of the fire response of the species.Obtain data on indirect impacts of fires, such as increases in atmospheric nitrogen content which might impact on the species. • Survey suitable habitat and locate any additional populations, occurrences or remnants. Ranunculus anemoneus (Anemone buttercup) Conservation Advice Page 6 of 8

• Survey for potential habitat in the event that new populations need to be established.

Information and research priorities • Undertake or seek to promote further research into the ecology of the anemone buttercup, including lifespan, habitat requirements, and reproduction. • Research into the extent and impact of changes in climate, including such aspects as current and predicted rate of snowfall, snow distribution, timing of snow melt, increase in temperature variability, and the impact of these climate driven changes on the wider ecological community and the presence of other threats (including invasives encroachment, fire frequency). • Obtain more evidence, including population size and distribution data, to determine whether (and to what extent) the species is recovering from its historical decline. The degree to which recovery is occurring will determine whether more intensive recovery actions (such as establishing new populations in suitable areas) are required. • Implement ongoing research into invasive plant and animal species in the alpine zone that may have an impact on the anemone buttercup. Such research may include: The causes for their introduction; their impact on the ecology of the area; the extent to which they compete directly with the anemone buttercup; population trends of established invasives; dietary preferences of herbivorous invasives. This data should allow further prioritisation of management actions toward addressing species that constitute the highest detrimental impact. • Undertake analysis of genetic diversity in the population to establish whether habitat linkages and connectivity is an important conservation measure for the anemone buttercup.

References cited in the advice

Costin, A. B., Gray, M., Totterdell, C. J. and Wimbush, D. J. (2000) Kosciusko Alpine Flora. CSIRO /Collins, Australia.

Kerswell, A., Bain, D., Tolley, H. (2008) Review of Threatened Species Recovery Plans, Eco Logical Australia, Australia

Lindenmayer, D., Dovers, S., Morton, S. (Eds.) (2014) Ten Commitments Revisted: Securing Australia’s Future Environment CSIRO, Australia.

McRae, B.H., Dickson, B.G., Keitt, T.H., & Shah, V.B. (2008). Using circuit theory to model connectivity in ecology and conservation. Ecology 10, 2712-2724.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service [NSW NPWS] (2001) Recovery Plan for the threatened Alpine Flora — anemone buttercup (Ranunculus anemoneus), Feldmark Grass (Erythranthera pumila), Raleigh Sedge (Carex raleighii) and Shining Cudweed (Euchioton nitidulus) NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Australia

Phillips, S.J., Anderson, R.P., & Schapire, R.E. (2006). Maximum entropy modeling of species geographic distributions. Ecological Modelling. 190(3-4), 231-259.

Spehn E. M., Liberman, M., Korner, C. (Eds.) (2006) Land use change and mountain biodiversity Taylor & Francis Group, Florida USA

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Worth, J. R. P., Harrison P. A., Williamson G. J. Jordan G. J. (2015) ‘Whole range and regional- based ecological niche models predict differing exposure to 21st century climate change in the key cool temperate rainforest tree southern beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii)’ Australian Ecology, 40, 126 – 138

Other sources cited in the advice

NSW Office of Environment and Heritage [OEH] (2015) Anemone buttercup (Ranunculus anemoneus) Available on the Internet at: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/savingourspeciesapp/project.aspx?ProfileID=10727

Mason, R. A. B. (2005) ‘Climate Change, Protected Areas and Threatened Plants in NSW.’ Macquarie University. Available on the Internet at: http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.603.8395&rep=rep1&type=pdf

United Nations (2016) ‘UN and Climate Change: the Science’. Available on the Internet at: http://www.un.org/climatechange/the-science/

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