Species and Communities Branch newsletter for Threatened and Ecological Communities conservation July 2006 Volume 12, Issue 2 Buying time for threatened flora and ecological

communities. By Renée Hartley The flora of the South Coast is rich in diversity and endemism. The Albany district is home to five Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) and more than 400 species of threatened and priority flora. Dieback disease caused by the pathogen threatens many of our species with extinction. However, efforts are being concentrated to ‘buy us time’ with phosphite treatment. If phosphite can prolong the survival of rare flora populations, it will enable us to make comprehensive collections. By collecting seed from as many populations and individual as on a long and difficult walk to a peak in Above Volunteer collecting seed of the Critically possible, the species’ genetic diversity can the , to one of only three Endangered fairallii on the edge of be preserved in long-term storage for the remaining populations of the species. Cages a dieback front in the Stirling Range. future.The seed can also be used for were needed to protect the seed from Photo – Sarah Barrett translocations and scientific research, such being eaten by birds and repeated trips released.This ‘mountain bell’ occurs at up as genetic studies and species resistance to were necessary to collect sufficient seed. to 900 m above sea level, and given that it dieback disease, salinity and waterlogging. Similarly, time and effort has been may take several visits to the population, However, seed collection is rarely easy. invested into seed collection for the the time required is substantial. In the case of the Critically Endangered Endangered Darwinia sp. Stirling Range. Seed and cuttings collected in the , Department of The species requires close monitoring as district have been used to provide Conservation and Land Management timing must be precise to ensure that individuals for establishing new and (CALM) staff carried caging materials the seed is fully developed but not yet secure seed orchards through translocations in conjunction with CALM’s Science Division and the Inside this issue Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority. Three Critically Endangered taxa, Buying time for threatened flora and ecological communities. 1 limited to the mountain tops of the Catching up with elastica 2 eastern Stirling Range and threatened by Alignment of State and Commonwealth Threatened Species List 2 factors such as dieback, grazing, fire and climate change, have been established in Recovering (Western) ’s rich endemics 3 a ‘seed orchard’. of these species Priority Ecological Communities Project 3 are particularly hard to collect due to Extra security for threatened species and communities in the 4 the low number of individuals, limited Northern Agricultural Region seed-set and difficult location. Pityrodia scabra – A disturbance opportunist in trouble? 4 Through perseverance and repeated efforts, the amount of stored seed collected Visit from Department of Environment and Heritage 5 from Critically Endangered species such Bankwest Landscope Conservation Visa Card – new projects 5 as Dryandra montana, Dryandra anatona and Wongan-Ballidu Threatened Flora Management Plan released Lambertia fairallii has increased significantly in February 2006 6 and has enabled a range of ex-situ Twenty more Interim Recovery Plans approved 6 conservation options to be considered. Threatened species and communities recovery teams’ For further information contact Renée on summaries of 2005 annual report 7 (08) 9842 4500 or email [email protected] Catching up with By Gillian Stack

The glossy-leafed hammer orchid (Drakaea elastica) is an intriguing plant that has a close association with a single species of thynnid wasp. Each orchid plant has a single (up to four cm long) with a labellum (lip) that roughly resembles a flightless female wasp resting on a blade of grass.The labellum has glands that emit a sex attractant (pheromone) that attracts winged males of the wasp species.The wasp lands on the labellum and, as it attempts to carry it away, a hinge on the long arm between the labellum and the brings the wasp into contact with the column of the flower.At this time the wasp either removes from the anther or deposits previously acquired pollen onto the , thus enabling cross . The of each plant is between one and two cm wide, round to heart-shaped and laid flat on the ground. It is a distinctive glossy light green when it emerges from an underground storage tuber Drakaea elastica or glossy-leaved hammer orchid. Photo – Andrew Brown in May. However, it starts to yellow and shrivel by the time the plant in September. The assistance of all these people is gratefully acknowledged. Plants are found in sandy habitat near winter-wet areas that support These survey efforts, in combination with historical data, spearwood ( ericifolia) thicket or mixed woodland, established that almost half of the previously known populations in patches which also support other orchid species, sometimes are now presumed to be extinct due to clearing, or have including other hammer orchids (eg D. glyptodon, D. livida). contained no plants for many years.Two relatively large and robust Drakaea elastica has been recorded from 34 populations over a populations are still known, and a third is small but stable (12 range of approximately 350 km, from Cataby in the north to plants). Others are in decline, and a few require further survey to Busselton in the south, with a cluster of populations around clarify their current status. Capel. However, habitat is highly fragmented and subject to a Several new populations were found during 2005, but these tend range of threats including clearing for development, weed invasion to be small and isolated. Some may be vestigial populations (for and competition, grazing and soil disturbance by rabbits, example, plants found on small areas of land subject to a kangaroos and stock, hydrological change including salinisation, development application near Capel), while others may represent disease including Phytophthora cinnamomi, inappropriate fire of wind-blown seed in marginally suitable habitat, regimes, absence of pollinators or seed germination stimuli, and rather than robust and viable populations (for example, plants depletion of mycorrhizal fungi. found in a large area of remnant vegetation near Gingin, widely In 2005, a major survey effort was undertaken across the range of separated from other known populations). Drakaea elastica to reassess its . This monitoring The species is now being considered for ranking at a higher level was undertaken in collaboration with a number of CALM staff, of threat. and with volunteers and landowners. In addition, consultants contributed information about several new populations discovered For further information contact Gillian Stack on (08) 9405 5157 or during flora surveys of land subject to development applications. email [email protected]

Alignment of State and Commonwealth Threatened Species List By Melanie Harding There are currently a significant number of discrepancies CALM’s Species and Communities Branch employed one between the threatened species that are listed under the Western project coordinator and three project officers to prepare the Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and the datasheets under a six month contract.There were 347 Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity discrepancies for species, with 233 differences for threatened Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). flora and 114 for threatened fauna listed at that time.Another For example, some species are listed under the State legislation 140 species were listed under the Wildlife Conservation Act but but not under the Commonwealth’s, while others are listed not the EBPC Act, 31 were listed under the EPBC act but not under both but in a different threat category. the Wildlife Conservation Act, and 171 were included on both lists but under a different rank.An additional five WA fauna These discrepancies can lead to inconsistencies in the advice species were nominated by the public for listing under the provided by the State and Commonwealth Departments and is EPBC Act, and also required SPRAT sheets. confusing to members of industry and the public. In an attempt to address this problem, CALM and the Commonwealth Ninety two SPRAT sheets were submitted to the DEH during Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH) agreed to 2005. To date, the Commonwealth’s Threatened Species undertake a project to align the two lists, with funding assistance Scientific Committee has made recommendations on provided by the Commonwealth. nominations for amendments to the EPBC Act for about 40 WA species that were part of the SAP. However these To enable the DEH to assess the species for listing (or delisting) recommendations have not yet resulted in formal changes to the under the EPBC Act, CALM is providing advice on each species EPBC list of threatened species. It is anticipated that changes to in the form of a Species Profiles and Threats (SPRAT) datasheet. the list will start to occur in the near future. Information contained in the SPRAT sheet includes the species’ biology, distribution, threats and recovery actions. For further information contact Melanie Harding on (08) 9334 0472 or email [email protected] In January 2005 the Species Alignment Project (SAP) began.

2 watsnu Recovering (Western) Australia’s rich endemics By Craig Douglas

Interim Recovery Plans (IRPs) are being prepared for a number of Declared Rare Flora (DRF) found in the wheatbelt using funding from the Natural Heritage Trust. These include the Critically Endangered Daviesia cunderdin, Cyphanthera odgersii subsp. occidentalis and Gastrolobium glaucum in CALM’s Merredin District, the Endangered Banksia cuneata in CALM’s Narrogin District and the Vulnerable Acacia lanuginophylla with populations in the Merredin and Katanning Districts. Gastrolobium glaucum and Acacia lanuginophylla exemplify the impact a lack of disturbance can have on species that germinate following disturbance such as fire. Surveys show that during the late 1980s and early 1990s, Gastrolobium glaucum totalled approximately 1127 plants.This has decreased to a current estimate of 178 Successful recovery actions completed High rainfall throughout the wheatbelt, great plants. Similarly, since 1991 the number under the previous plan for Daviesia conditions for DRF!! Photo – Craig Douglas of mature Acacia lanuginophylla plants in cunderdin include an experimental burn wild populations has decreased from of dead plants at the single natural more than 10,000 to 5483 plants. population.This resulted in germination In 2005, a translocation conducted by Reductions in both these species are of soil-stored seed and increased the CALM staff and local volunteers, using mainly due to senescence and poor population size from five to nine plants. funds from a World Wide Fund for Nature recruitment resulting from the lack of The research action was accompanied by Fund grant, resulted in the establishment disturbance events such as fire. weed control. of 13 translocated plants of D. cunderdin in a secure, fenced area of private property. Recovery actions are continuing, with further plantings at the translocation site Priority Ecological Communities Project scheduled for the coming winter. By Monica Batista Land clearing in WA’s wheatbelt during In addition to the database of threatened the past century has reduced the area of ecological communities (TECs), Banksia cuneata habitat to about seven CALM’s Species and Communities per cent of its original size. Recently, Branch maintains a list of all, and species in Banksia subgenus Isostylis, database records of many, Priority including B. cuneata, have been the focus Ecological Communities (PECs). of major research into pollination biology and population dynamics, fire These communities require further response, and intra and inter species work to determine their status. genetic diversity. A new project is underway to collect This research has provided valuable information about a series of PECs that Priority ecological Community, Red Morrel information for the management of this are viewed by staff from CALM’s Woodland, Goomalling. Photo – Vanessa Malcolm species.The main threats are poor seed regions and districts as being of the set due to a lack of suitable habitat for highest concern. In order for an ecological community honeyeaters which pollinate the flowers to be considered as a PEC there are a and poor recruitment due to competition The project will seek information from number of information requirements that from weeds, predation by rabbits and a CALM district and regional staff, and need to be met. This includes location lack of disturbance such as fire. other people with detailed knowledge information and descriptive species lists. about the status of PECs. Other Weed and rabbit control are high Regional staff, community groups and information will then be gathered from priorities identified in the IRP.The consultants have valuable knowledge available literature such as flora and construction of a vegetation corridor about ecological communities and the vegetation reports. linking three Banksia cuneata populations success of this project will rely on is proposed and will hopefully reduce Where there is thought to be sufficient collaboration with those people. the threat of inbreeding.This will aid in information, data for the PECs are then For further general information on TECs or the preservation of the population entered onto the Department’s database, by creating additional habitat for including mapped boundaries. PECs please visit our website at: http://www.dec.wa.gov.au/plants_animals seedlings to establish and by increasing Information on these communities will pollinator presence at the population. then be presented to the TEC Scientific /watscu/index.html Committee for endorsement of the For further information contact Monica For further information contact Craig recommended priority status. Batista on (08) 9405 5168 or email Douglas on (08) 9405 5172 or email [email protected] [email protected]

watsnu 3 Extra security for Threatened Species and Communities in the Northern Agricultural Region By Benson Todd Threatened species and communities in calliantha, one of the many species the Northern Agricultural Region will to benefit from ‘Back from the Brink.’ be afforded some extra security under a Photo – Gina Broun. new and exciting project aptly titled ‘Back from the Brink’. ‘Back from the Brink’ is a three-year project funded by the Natural Heritage addition, urgent actions for threatened Trust and National Action Plan for and priority species without RPs will be Salinity and Water Quality, administered implemented. by the Northern Agricultural Catchment Council and implemented Recovery actions will include seed by CALM’s Moora District and the collection, weed control, survey and Midwest Region. monitoring, translocations, education and capacity building, habitat The Northern Agricultural Region reconstruction and fencing.These stretches from Guilderton in the south actions will be carried out across all land to Kalbarri in the north and Dalwallinu tenures in conjunction with relevant and Mullewa in the east, encompassing landowners and managers, resulting in both the Moora and Geraldton CALM increased security for threatened species Districts and small portions of the Swan ‘Back from the Brink’ will implement a and communities and a greater level of Coastal and Merredin Districts. It is suite of recovery actions for threatened community capacity to manage these internationally renowned for its high flora, fauna and ecological communities. species and communities. level of biodiversity, which includes 130 Most of these recovery actions will be species of Declared Rare Flora (DRF), drawn from the 11 endorsed IRPs and For further information contact Benson Todd 27 species of threatened fauna and 19 several draft IRPs for TECs, 37 endorsed on (08) 9652 1911or email TECs. IRPs for DRF and three endorsed [email protected] Recovery Plans (RPs) for fauna. In

Pityrodia scabra – A disturbance opportunist in trouble? By Mia Morley

The wheatbelt species Pityrodia scabra, Pityrodia scabra. Photo – Andrew Brown commonly known as Wyalkatchem foxglove, is under extreme threat. The species was first collected by S. B. The lack of knowledge regarding the Rosier in 1959 and was declared as historical distribution of these species, Rare Flora in 1990.As its common whether they were historically rare or name suggests, the species is found in widespread, and the processes that the Shire of Wyalkatchem. maintained the populations is something which may never be fully A translocation of 119 seedlings and understood.This lack of knowledge can cuttings to two locations was undertaken cause major problems in making in 1990. However by 2000, most of decisions on the future management of these plants had senesced. Currently, these species. only two populations containing a total of five extant plants exist in the wild and Disturbance events responsible for just six cultivated plants are held at the germination of soil-stored seed are Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority. often difficult to manage as they have the capacity to destroy populations Threats to Pityrodia scabra will be through the death of mature plants and addressed in an IRP which is in its late weed invasion. draft.Threats include lack of suitable disturbance by fire or physical Hopefully, through the preparation and disturbance, weed invasion, rabbits, road implementation of IRPs and ongoing and rail maintenance, poor genetic research, the best ways and means of diversity and habitat clearance. managing species such as this Senescence of plants and subsequent proliferation from soil disturbance opportunist will be able to be defined. stored seed following events such as fire are natural processes in For further information contact Mia Morley on (08) 9405 5170 or many wheatbelt species listed as Rare Flora.These natural email [email protected] processes have been greatly impacted by broad-scale land clearing and decline of natural disturbance events including fire.

4 watsnu Visit from Department of Environment and Heritage By Val English

Staff from the Species Listing, Recovery DEH and DEC staff view the mound springs. and Policy section of the Commonwealth Photo – Val English Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH), based in Canberra, met The role of Botanic Garden and Parks with members of CALM’s Species and Authority in research and recovery Communities Branch to discuss a series programs for threatened orchids, and its of issues in April 2006. role in providing CALM and recovery Site visits were also conducted to some teams with advice on weed control (and areas where Commonwealth funds have also providing propagates of a range of been used for recovery work on threatened plant species for translocations) threatened species and communities.The was discussed before visiting the habitat major threats, how recovery is being of a Critically Endangered orchid, tackled and other issues were considered huegelii in Jandakot. at all of the sites visited. The large number of people and DEH provides funding support for a organisations that are involved in the recovery of a threatened species and the series of WA recovery planning projects. organic mound springs, and the to importance in CALM staff coordinating Issues discussed in the meetings with Gingin Ironstone association. Project these people and groups to provide the CALM staff included the species officers funded through NHT, who are best and most efficient conservation alignment project – which is aimed at based at CALM’s Swan Coastal District, outcome were discussed. better aligning the State and discussed the on-ground work that has Commonwealth threatened species lists, been completed through the projects. At the Caladenia huegelii site issues of the indigenous consultation in recovery Species and Communities Branch staff numerous threats to listed species that planning, determining priorities for the provided information about the are found in the generally small bush preparation of recovery plans, assessing community description, history of the remnants in the metropolitan area was habitat critical to the survival of species sites, and threats. discussed. Recovery actions that have and communities, the implementation of been put in place to protect and recover The main habitat for the Critically recovery plans, assessing the success of the species were then reviewed. recovery actions and future funding. Endangered western swamp tortoise at Ellen Brook Nature Reserve was also The visit provided a very useful The group inspected a series of visited.An area of land recently acquired opportunity for exchange of threatened ecological communities to extend the available habitat, and the information between CALM and DEH where recovery actions are being massive new fox proof fencing project staff who are involved in recovery implemented through Natural Heritage enclosing the new land and replacing the planning and on-ground recovery of Trust (NHT) programs with funds old fox proof fence, were examined at the threatened species and communities. administered through the Swan site with the Chair of the Western Swamp Catchment Council.These included Tortoise Recovery Team.The group also For further information contact Val English fencing, monitoring and weed control examined new pond habitat that is being on (08) 9405 5169 or email projects at the Critically Endangered built for the tortoise in the reserve. [email protected] Bankwest Landscope Conservation Visa Card – new projects

CALM has continued to receive funding from the Bankwest Landscope Conservation Visa Left Aganippe castellum Card trust fund to aid in the recovery of threatened species and threatened ecological (female). communities. In 2005-06, a total of $22,700 was allocated. Successful projects are listed below. Illustration – Brad Durrant Below Calyptorhyncus The ecology of the tree-stem trapdoor spider, Aganippe castellum magnificus naso (Forest in the eastern WA wheatbelt. Peter Mawson Red-tailed Black ). Processing frozen carcasses of threatened cockatoo (Carnaby’s, Baudins’ Photo – Babs and Bert and forest red-tailed black cockatoo) and corella (Muir’s) species Wells/DEC currently held in the WA Museum freezer. Peter Mawson Susceptibility to Phytopthora cinnamomi of key species in the Montane Community of the Stirling Range National Park. Bryan Shearer Captive breeding of the central rock-rat Zyzomys pedunculatus. Keith Morris and Helen Robertson Confirming the taxonomic status of . Alan Danks / Margaret Byrne Promoting awareness of threatened ecological communities through interpretive signage at high recreational use reserves. Mia Morley Analyses of water samples collected at Kachana Springs, Kimberley Region. Jill Pryde Sorting and identification of plant specimens from TEC monitoring sites. Jill Pryde

watsnu 5 Wongan-Ballidu Threatened Flora Management Plan released in February 2006 CALM has now prepared 10 threatened and priority flora management plans under the Wildlife Management Programs series. Completed plans include those for CALM’s Swan (as Northern Forest Region and Metropolitan Region) and Central Forest Regions (now South West Region) and for the Districts of Merredin,Albany, Esperance, Moora, Narrogin, Katanning and Geraldton.A plan for CALM’s Warren Region is in the process of being approved. The Shire of Wongan-Ballidu contains an unusually high number of threatened flora taxa that are largely restricted to the area, so the decision of preparing a plan for an area defined by local government boundaries rather than CALM boundaries was made. Most of these flora species are restricted to specific habitats associated with the unusual greenstone Wongan Hills formation, with a few others restricted to remnant sandplain areas. This plan provides a brief description of the appearance, distribution, habitat and conservation status of flora declared as Above rare under the Western Australian Piawanning Clawflower (Calothamnus accedens). Photo – Rosemarie Rees Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (Threatened Flora) and poorly known Left Piawanning Clawflower (Calothamnus accedens). Illustration – Susan Patrick (Priority Flora) flora restricted to the Shire of Wongan-Ballidu. It recommends research and management actions necessary to ensure their continued survival. By ranking the Declared Rare Flora in priority order, resources can be allocated to plant taxa that are most urgently in need of attention. Funds to prepare this plan were provided by the Commonwealth’s Natural Heritage Trust with 16 Rare flora species and 12 Priority flora species dealt with in the plan. The photo above is of Piawaning clawflower (Calothamnus accedens) which was presumed to be extinct during development of this plan because the only known population at that time had been destroyed during road works. In 2004, the species was rediscovered and, although outside the Shire of Wongan- Ballidu, several populations are now known from the Shires of Moora and Victoria Plains, to the west of Wongan- Ballidu.

6 watsnu Twenty more Interim Recovery Plans approved

Twenty IRPs, including 17 for flora and three for TECs have been approved by the Director of Nature Conservation. Some of these plans have been updated to include new information. Most of the plans were written with the assistance of Natural Heritage Trust funding and will be sent to the Commonwealth Department of Environment and Heritage for adoption under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999.

Number Recovery plan Author

TECs 198 Assemblages of Organic Mound (Tumulus) Springs of the Swan Coastal Plain Rachel Meissner,Val English and John Blyth 215 Shrubland Association on Southern Swan Coastal Plain Ironstone (Busselton area) (Southern Ironstone Association) updated Rachel Meissner,Val English 217 Scott River Ironstone Association Robyn Luu,Val English Flora 209 Long-sepalled Daviesia, Daviesia megacalyx Renée Hartley and Sarah Barrett 210 Feather-leaved banksia, Banksia brownii Sandra Gilfillan and Sarah Barrett 211 Grass conostylis, Conostylis misera Renée Hartley and Sarah Barrett 212 Tufted plumed featherflower, Verticordia plumosa var. ananeotes Heather Taylor,Val English,Andrew Webb 213 Dunsborough spider orchid, Caladenia viridescens updated Julie Patten,Andrew Webb,Andrew Batty 214 Bussell’s spider orchid, Caladenia busselliana updated Julie Patten,Andrew Webb,Andrew Batty 216 Naturaliste Nancy, Wurmbea calcicola Heather Taylor,Val English,Andrew Webb 218 Boscabel conostylis, Conostylis setigera subsp. dasys updated Bethea Loudon 219 Green flowered emu bush, Campion eremophila, Eremophila virens Julie Patten, Kate Brunt,Andrew Brown 220 Wagin banksia, Julie Patten, Kim Kershaw, Bethea Loudon 221 Sprawling spiky , subsp. effusus updated Heather Taylor, Bethea Loudon,Andrew Brown 222 Hairy phalanx grevillea, subsp. hirsuta Kate Brunt, Kim Kershaw,Andrew Brown, Greg Durell 223 Small two-coloured kangaroo paw, Anigozanthos bicolor subsp. minor Julie Patten, Ryan Butler, Gillian Stack, Andrew Brown 224 Corrigin grevillea, updated Julie Patten, Kim Kershaw, Greg Durell, Bob Dixon,Andrew Brown 225 Bailey’s symonanthus, Symonanthus bancroftii updated Heather Taylor, Kim Kershaw,Andrew Brown 226 Badgingarra box, Eucalyptus absita Gina Broun 227 Hidden beard heath, Leucopogon obtectus Ben Bayliss, Heather Taylor, Gina Broun, Andrew Brown

Copies of the plans will be placed on DEC’s NatureBase web site and also the Below far left Grass conostylis (Conostylis misera). Wildlife Sciences Library at Woodvale. However you can request a copy from Below left Feather-leaved banksia (Banksia Jill Pryde by email at [email protected] brownii). Photos – Stephen Hopper Below Naturaliste Nancy (Wurmbea calcicola). Photo – Andrew Brown

watsnu 7 Threatened Species and Communities recovery teams’ summaries of 2005 annual report Recovery team Chairs are responsible for By Vanessa Clarke for the • a Dowerin Field Days display by the writing annual reports on recovery action Goldfields Region Threatened Merredin CALM District; progress specified in Recovery Projects Flora Recovery Team • the completion of a Grevillea (RPs) or Interim Recovery Projects dryandroides subsp. dryandroides DRF (IRPs). Reports received are forwarded The Goldfields Region has an IRP for survey at Ballidu with 17 Wongan- to the Department’s Corporate Myriophyllum lapidicola and a full RP Hills Bushcare group volunteers; and prepared for Tetratheca paynterae subsp. Executive and to the Conservation • the collection and curation of 12 DRF paynterae ms.This latest plan is waiting Commission of . species and five priority species for the for final approval by the Director of Merredin District Threatened Flora Part of the summaries from these reports Nature Conservation. are reproduced below.Annual reports are Herbarium. placed in the Department’s Wildlife The Tetratheca paynterae subsp. paynterae Sciences Library at Woodvale or can be ms RP has been developed by Portman requested by emailing Iron Ore Ltd in liaison with CALM, [email protected] or the authors consultants and the Goldfields Region’s direct. Threatened Flora Recovery Team,as part of a Ministerial condition for the Note: Koolyanobbing Expansion Project. (CR) = Critically Endangered Recovery actions in line with the IRP (EN) = Endangered (covering a survey, population demographics, genetic studies, seed (VU) = Vulnerable collection, trial translocation and propagation trials) were ongoing in 2005. Fitzgerald eremophila (Eremophila denticulata Recovery actions were undertaken for subsp. trisulcata). Photo – Andrew Brown FLORA AND Myriophyllum lapidicola in 2005 although By Emma Adams for the no new populations were identified and COMMUNITIES Esperance District Threatened the known Goldfields Region By Gina Broun for the populations were not relocated. Flora Recovery Team Moora District Threatened Throughout the year, efforts were focused Flora and Communities on several Critically Endangered species, Recovery Team including subsp. echinata, Daviesia microcarpa and Eremophila lactea. A total of 77 species of DRF exist in the Moora District, of which 28 are One major discovery was a new population of Lambertia echinata subsp. considered Critically Endangered, 21 echinata, which has more than doubled Vulnerable and 28 Endangered (IUCN the number of known plants in wild red list categories). populations. Surveys were also conducted A further 305 Priority Flora species and for Myoporum turbinatum, Anigozanthos seven TECs, of which six are ranked as bicolor subsp. minor and Eremophila Endangered and one as Vulnerable, are denticulata subsp. trisulcata ms. Because of Phalanx grevillea (Grevillea dryandroides a severe fire season, limited budget and a also in the area. subsp dryandroides). Photo – Anne Cochrane staff changeover, surveys and monitoring In 2005, a suite of recovery actions were were not conducted as frequently as they By Joel Collins for the implemented.Actions included carrying usually would have been. out surveys for unrecorded populations Merredin District Threatened Flora and Communities Major recovery actions implemented of threatened flora and occurrences of involved monitoring populations, TECs, monitoring known natural and Recovery Team surveying new areas, monitoring translocated populations of threatened The Merredin District Threatened Flora translocation sites, conducting flora, establishing new flora and Communities Recovery Team held disturbance trials, mapping critical translocations, maintaining and two meetings in 2005. habitat and reviewing IRPs.Two IRPs expanding existing translocated flora were drafted for Marianthus sp. Bremer populations, collecting seed and Rare flora management program (R. Butler) and (E. propagule, carrying out genetic research, projects funded by the Avon Catchment Adams) with the final versions to be promoting community education, Council (ACC) were completed by June completed during 2006.Two IRPs are liaising with land managers, procuring 2005.Actions included: due for review; Eremophila lactea and external funds for on-ground works, • the successful translocation of Daviesia Lambertia echinata subsp. echinata.While consulting with industry and developing euphorbioides at Hindmarsh Nature funds have been made available for an IRPs. Reserve and a recruitment burn at updated IRP for E. lactea, no funds are Dowerin with 25 seedlings surviving. currently available for updating (Partial funding was contributed by the L. echinata subsp. echinata. Commonwealth DEH bridging funds); • 11 new DRF populations and six new populations of priority taxa surveyed;

8 watsnu • The Narrogin District, BGPA and a UWA Ecosystem Research Group PhD student are continuing to conduct scientific investigations on Rhizanthella gardneri (CR) and its habitat requirements. Grevillea scapigera. Photo – Andrew Brown • The translocation of Symonanthus Boscabel conostylis (Conostylis setigera bancroftii (CR) into secure sites subsp. dasys). Photo – Stephen Hopper By Marie Strelein for the continued in partnership with the By Bethea Loudon for the Narrogin District Threatened Bruce Rock Land Conservation Katanning District Threatened Flora Recovery Team District Committee and BGPA with assistance from Master Gardeners and Flora and Communities CALM’s Narrogin District manages 10 local community volunteers. Recovery Team Critically Endangered, 10 Endangered and 16 Vulnerable flora taxa, all of which Seed was collected and stored at the are declared as Rare Flora under the Department’s Threatened Flora Seed Centre Wildlife Conservation Act 1950. (TFSC) for Acacia lanuginophylla (VU), Allocasuarina tortiramula (VU), Gastrolobium In addition, 218 flora taxa are listed for lehmannii (VU), Goodenia integerrima the Narrogin District on CALM’s (EN), Muehlenbeckia horrida subsp. abdita Priority Flora List. Many of these require and Conostylis setigera subsp. dasys (CR). additional monitoring and survey to determine their threatened status. Seed was collected by the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority (Kings Highlights of the program for 2005 are Park) from Drakaea isolata (CR) for listed below. research and storage. • A new population of Caladenia Thin-margined leucopogon (Leucopogon One new population was found for marginatus). Photo – Alanna Chant graniticola (CR) was discovered in Eremophila subteretifolia (CR), two for Pingaring Nature Reserve by recovery By Catherine Page for the Austrostipa geoffreyi (P1), two for Acacia team members. mutabilis subsp. stipulifera (P1), one for Geraldton District Threatened • The Weam Nature Reserve Caladenia Acacia asepala (P2), two for Acacia williamsiae (CR) population was Flora and Communities drewiana subsp. minor (P2), one for Acacia extended with the discovery of a new Recovery Team mutabilis subsp. incurva (P2), two for plant on the eastern edge of the There are approximately 19 IRPs for Dryandra foliosissima (P2), two for reserve by volunteer Fred Hort. threatened flora species and four IRPs Gastrolobium rigidum (P2), one for Members of the WA Native Orchid for TECs that occur in the Geraldton halophila (P2), one for Baeckea Study and Conservation Group District. During 2005 IRPs were sp. Hyden (P3), one for Daviesia elongata assisted in conducting surveys in 2005. subsp. implexa (P3), three for Dryandra prepared for Gyrostemon reticulatus, fasciculata (P3), one for Dryandra meganotia • Further translocation for Darwinia Leucopogon marginatus, Beyeria lepidopetala (P3), three for (P3), one carnea (CR) occurred in 2005 with and Chorizema humile. assistance from Central South for brachyptera (P3), one for Naturalist Club Volunteers. Naturally Recovery actions undertaken in 2005 Eremophila serpens (P4) and one for occurring seedlings continue to appear included extensive survey for new Rinzia affinis (P4). at the translocated Shire Reserve populations and monitoring of known Rare flora markers were erected for population and a new seedling was populations, the successful translocation Priority and DRF populations that had recently discovered at Penny Block. of a DRF species, a habitat species not been previously marked.A number • The translocation program for planted in an area where two DRF of markers were repositioned to Grevillea scapigera (CR) continued. populations occur, genetic research into incorporate extensions of populations. the of four species, seed • Research posters were produced for The Roycea pycnophylloides IRP was collection of five DRF and priority two of Narrogin District’s Critically updated and draft IRPs prepared for species, weed and feral control, Endangered Flora, Grevillea scapigera Acacia lanuginophylla and Grevillea community education and awareness, and Rhizanthella gardneri.The posters involucrata by the Species and consultation with industry and liaison were presented at the ‘Advances in Communities Branch. with land managers.These actions Plant Conservation Biology’ resulted in the discovery of two new A poster was produced by the Lake Symposium held in Perth October flora species that are yet to be named, as Bryde Recovery Catchment staff 2005. The Grevillea scapigera poster was well as the location of 11 new (CALM Katanning) for Muehlenbeckia produced collaboratively with CALM horrida subsp. abdita. and Botanic Gardens and Parks populations of DRF and priority species, Authority (BGPA) and funded by the and an increased knowledge of species’ A booklet on the District’s DRF, Federal government through the Avon distribution, habitat and taxonomy. developed by the Flora Conservation Catchments Council (ACC).The Increased community awareness and Officer has now been published. It Rhizanthella gardneri poster was education has been achieved through provides a description of 40 species and produced by CALM, BGPA and the community involvement in planting days information on their habitat for CALM University of WA (UWA). and other recovery actions and through staff, community members, volunteers media releases. and other agencies.

watsnu 9 By Kim Williams for the Trials to control Euphorbia terracina were Leeuwin Root Mats Recovery undertaken in Port Kennedy Regional Team Park by CALM’s Urban Nature group. This project was made possible with In spite of a return to average annual funding assistance from the Natural rainfall in winter 2005, water levels in all Heritage Trust, received through the four occurrences of the root mat Dumping in sedgelands at Bakewell Drive, Swan Catchment Council. community remained very low or non- Port Kennedy. Photo – Mia Morley existent for the fourth consecutive year. By Jill Pryde for the By Val English for the Lake Clifton Thrombolite The impact of this sustained reduction Sedgelands in Holocene Community Recovery Team in water levels on the persistence of the Dune Swales Recovery Team community is not known. Members of the recovery team Team members dealt with a series of issues continued to contribute to recovery Changing land use and development in 2005 including negotiations and advice actions in providing advice on a number issues in the Augusta-Margaret River about areas that contained the sedgeland of issues and continued studies affecting area were brought to the fore with a community and were the subject to the Lake Clifton microbial community. proposal to establish a blue gum reservation or development proposals. After a recommendation from the plantation to the north-east of the The group worked in liaison with Jewel/Easter Cave system. Potential recovery team, the City of Mandurah interested local groups, CALM’s Regional undertook a land use survey of impacts on the groundwater resources Parks Unit and Swan Coastal District, which may support the ecological residential properties in the Lake Clifton and the Department of Environment in Catchment area in 2005.This community were raised by team undertaking these negotiations. culminated with a Community Open members. Members of the recovery team provided day held on 26 June 2005 at the Lake Rewriting and updating the IRP began advice and made recommendations Clifton-Herron Community Centre. in late 2005.A major focus was to about the management of two wetlands Approximately 60 people attended.The improve the understanding and in Port Kennedy – managed by the City City of Mandurah has now produced a monitoring effort of local hydrological of Rockingham – containing the report Lake Clifton Land Use Survey. sedgeland community.This advice regimes supporting the karst A literature review has been compiled included the need for weed control, communities and geographic variation for Yalgorup National Park. in community composition. rubbish removal, improved fencing to help exclude wind-blown rubbish, and Interim Recovery Plan No. 153 Progress with implementation of the the provision of information to Thrombolite (Stromatolite-like Microbialite) recovery plan continued and included: landholders living adjacent to the Community of a Coastal Brackish Lake wetlands.A pamphlet was then produced (Lake Clifton) 2004-2009 by Robyn • annual monitoring of water levels in about the sedgelands, and distributed to Luu, David Mitchell and John Blyth was the four caves; local landholders. endorsed by the Director of Nature • team member, Stefan Eberhard, Team members were involved with Conservation. releasing his PhD thesis Ecology and negotiations about minimising impacts hydrology of a water dependent ecosystem: A monitoring protocol has now been to the wetlands because of land The Jewell Karst Cave system in Western prepared and implementation is planned development adjacent to the sedgeland Australia; and for 2006. community at Secret Harbour, and at • maps and hydrological notations the new Lark Hill Regional Sporting produced over many years by cavers in and Recreation Complex. FAUNA the Leeuwin Naturaliste began to be Agreement was reached between digitised. By Kim Williams for the Landcorp and members of the recovery The summary of results from the trial team about erecting a fence to help Western Ringtail Possum burn and water monitoring program at protect a Bush Forever additional site that Recovery Team Jewel-Easter Cave was completed. contains the sedgeland community on Continuing land use change and Results showed that under low fire Bakewell Drive, Port Kennedy.The fence development issues on the lower Swan intensity, there is limited benefit from will help prevent damage by four wheel Coastal Plain, particularly in the carrying out fuel reduction burning to drives, illegal rubbish dumping, and arson, Bunbury to Dunsborough area, increase water infiltration into the cave and its installation will be coordinated continued to occupy the team and many system. The recovery team made the by CALM’s Regional Parks Unit. of its members. decision not to repeat the trial in other The unit and the recovery team locations. These issues generated considerable provided advice about the likely impacts impact assessment and liaison work with of a proposed substation in Lake both State and Federal agencies. Walyungup and Lake Cooloongup Significant time was spent assisting regional parks.These sites were then Commonwealth DEH staff gain a more excluded from the areas being complete understanding of these issues considered by Western Power.The and possible solutions through workshops, recovery team provided advice to field trips and meetings leading to the CALM’s Swan Coastal District about a development of a DEH policy paper, residential development in Golden Bay. which has yet to be released.

10 watsnu Western ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus occidentalis). Photo – Babs and Bert Wells/DEC The recovery plan is being rewritten and updated and should be completed by late June.A contractor finalised the first draft and the team developed its intent and By Jacqui Maguire, Lyndon Mutter, direction.A focus will be an improved Gerald Kuchling, Andrew Burbidge, understanding and monitoring of Glyn Gaikhorst and Rod Martyn for geographically representative populations using new methods and strategies which the Western Swamp Tortoise will minimise the impact of broadscale Recovery Team threats such as fire, habitat loss, disease, Implementing Western Swamp Tortoise predation and interspecies competition. Recovery Plan actions continues to be Translocation of displaced possums from on schedule. urban development in the Bunbury to Dunsborough area continued during 2005 This year’s highlights are listed below. to Leschenault Peninsula Conservation • Fifty four captive-bred tortoises were Top Juvenile western swamp tortoise. Park and Yalgorup National Park. Further released into reserves in 2005 – 32 Photo – Courtesy of DEC Swan Coastal District insight into possible causes of the previous juveniles into Mogumber Nature Above Ellen Brook Nature Reserve. population collapse on Leschenault was Reserve, nine into Twin Swamps provided by confirmation of the role of Photo – Val English Nature Reserve and 13 hatchlings at predation by pythons. Ellen Brook Nature Reserve. Relationships with other agencies and Nature Reserves, educational • Captive-bred tortoises have been organisations contributing to western activities, development of ringtail possum conservation were released at Mogumber Nature interpretational signage and materials, enhanced during the year through Reserve since 2000 to establish a third and promotion of the Recovery partnerships with Natural Resource wild population.A 2002 fire had a Program.The group has a Management groups, Geocatch and significant impact on population but representative on the recovery team. tortoises have continued to be released Leschenault Catchment councils • Negotiations with the Westralian Airports through national hotspot projects, at the reserve each year. Because of the short time span of the release Corporation continued about community workshops and faunal investigating the suitability of wetland corridor rehabilitation projects. A joint program it is not known how well the areas within a zone designated for CALM-Murdoch University project tortoises are established. conservation in the northern part of using local wildlife carer groups was also • Midland Brick is transferring 5.97 a highlight for the year. Perth Airport's land.This is considered hectares of its land containing existing suitable for the translocation of tortoises Team members provided information western swamp tortoise habitat into after an inspection by the recovery team's about the conservation requirements of the Ellen Brook Nature Reserve. Chief Investigator.The investigation western ringtail possum sites in the This is one of its commitments for the followed hydrological monitoring carried Capes parks,Tuart Forest National Park environmental management of a clay out in winter 2005 to assess the and Lane Poole Reserve management mining project (not located near the suitability for translocation of tortoises planning processes.There was also a western swamp tortoise nature and to establish whether artificial regular operational input into the reserves).The transfer will be hydrological maintenance was required. preparation of a regional prescribed completed in mid-2006 and the area burn program to minimise the impact will be fenced with a fox proof fence • A second captive breeding facility was on the western ringtail possums and about the same time. established at Adelaide Zoo. Once provide high quality habitat. • Perth Zoo now has 196 tortoises - 21 facilities are deemed suitable, two pairs A significant improvement into the breeding males, 23 breeding females of breeding age tortoises will be teams’ understanding of western ringtail and 151 other tortoises including transferred from Perth Zoo to Adelaide. possum ecology and conservation hatchlings, juveniles, sub-adults and • Rainfall in 2005 was above average. requirements in the jarrah and eastern non-breeding adults. Seventy-one Compared with 2004 the swamps forest zones was gained by the retained water for longer. completion of a PhD by Adrian Wayne. hatchlings were obtained in 2005 from eggs laid in 2004. Late in 2005 the Minister for the • In 2005 the possible translocation site Environment announced that CALM • The Friends of the Western Swamp at Moore River Nature Reserve was would head a multi agency investigation Tortoise undertook a range of investigated and monitored to into the adequacy of and management initiatives including the installation of ascertain its suitability as a of the western ringtail possum habitat in artificial aestivating tunnels at translocation site.Also considered was the Busselton to Dunsborough area. Mogumber Nature Reserve, habitat the feasibility (and environmental This project has begun and will be rehabilitation and revegetation works acceptability) of undertaking any reported on in the next annual report. at Twin Swamps and Ellen Brook habitat modification.

watsnu 11 Captive breeding was continued, with the maintenance of at least 50 adult individuals. Captive breeding at Perth Zoo drew to a close in March 2004 and most of the captive stock were released onto Favorite Island, except for a small number kept at the zoo for public display. Lancelin Island ( lancelini). Other actions that are ongoing include Above Spearwood Creek frog (Geocrinia Photo – Magnus Petersen visitor and fire management on Lancelin vitellina). Island, and liaison with the local Below left Geocrina alba (male). By David Pearson for the community and shire about the Photos – G.Wardell-Johnson Lancelin Island skink management of Lancelin Island. Recovery Team with individual landholders who had The Lancelin Island Skink Recovery frogs on their properties to update them Plan (Pearson and Jones 2000) identified on the recovery progress and determine nine actions to improve the conservation any development intentions.A major status of the species. focus in the plan will be to improve our The main action was monitoring, which understanding and monitoring effort of has been carried out during the last two local hydrological regimes supporting frog years. populations and the trialling of ‘genetic augmentation’ techniques to inject some The original population on Lancelin Island hybrid vigour into the smaller sized and the translocated population on Favorite populations that are in decline. Island at Jurien Bay were monitored. By Kim Williams for the A further translocation of G. vitellina to Eight grids of traps were established on Geocrinia Recovery Team the Adelaide Creek area was undertaken Lancelin Island in similar areas to those following the success of the previous used by a previous researcher. CALM staff Changing land use and development year’s trial translocation. Despite some and others conducted this trapping.A issues in the Margaret River area are success the number of G. alba populations total of 26 Ctenotus lancelini were captured beginning to threaten the survival of continues to decline each year.A further over a five day trapping period. It was the some G. alba populations. three monitoring sites were confirmed second most abundantly captured During the course of 2005 three G. alba as extinct in 2005, giving a total of 22 (Morethia obscura 46 captures, Ctenotus populations were threatened by extinctions since 1994. fallens 19, Egernia multiscutata bos 9), and viticulture proposals and associated water was captured on all the grids.This trip storage (dams), drainage and chemical was assisted using funds from the use issues.These generate considerable Bankwest Landscope Visa Card. impact assessment and liaison work with The examination of the genetic and both State and Commonwealth conservation status of Ctenotus taxa environmental agencies. Advice and closely related to C. lancelini has not been input was also provided to the WA Water pursued further. Earlier work by Dr Mark Corporation and the DOE regarding Adams of the South Australian Museum potential impacts of the proposed indicated that C. lancelini warranted southern extension of the Yarragadee distinct species status and was not a form bore project situated not far from the or subspecies of the widespread Blackwood River and G. vitellina sites. C. labillardieri.A sister taxon to C. lancelini Resolution of outcomes for all these was found in the Meelup and Pinjarra developments is still in progress. area but there have been no recent efforts The recovery plan is being rewritten to survey this area for further specimens. and updated and should be completed by late June 2006. Meetings were held

From far left Volunteer collecting seed of the Critically Endangered Lambertia fairallii on the edge of a dieback front in the Stirling Range. Photo – Sarah Barrett; Fitzgerald eremophila (Eremophila denticulata subsp. trisulcata); Grevillea scapigera. Photos – Andrew Brown; Boscabel conostylis (Conostylis setigera subsp. dasys). Photo – Stephen Hopper.

Editors: Jill Pryde, Mia Morley DEC Species and Communites Branch Department of Environment and Conservation The Department of Conservation and Land Management merged Western Australia with the Department of Environment, forming the new Department PO Box 51 Wanneroo WA 6946 of Environment and Conservation (DEC) on 1 July 2006. Email: [email protected] or [email protected] 2006192-07-1PDF

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