2011 Nomination – Acizzia veski Section 1 - Legal Status, Distribution, Biological, Ecological Conservation Theme 1. The conservation themes for the This nomination is for a species that is co-dependent upon assessment period commencing another species for its existence in the Stirling Ranges of 1 October 2009 (for which . It does not appear to fall within either nominations close 26 March 2009) of the conservation themes. are ‘terrestrial, estuarine and near–shore environments of Australia’s coast’, and ‘rivers, wetlands and groundwater dependent species and ecosystems of inland Australia’.

How does this nomination relate to the conservation theme?

Taxonomy 2. What are the currently Scientific name: Acizzia veski Taylor & Moir, 2009 accepted scientific and common Family: name/s for the species (please Suborder: include Indigenous names, where Order: known)? Class: Insecta Note any other scientific names that Common name: Vesk’s -louse (Taylor & Moir 2009) have been used recently. Note the species authority and the Order and Family to which the species belongs (Family name alone is sufficient for , however, both Order and Family name are required for ). 3. Is this species conventionally Yes, based on a peer-reviewed research publication (Taylor accepted? If not, explain why. Is & Moir 2009) there any controversy about the ? 4. If the species is NOT NA conventionally accepted, please provide: (i) a taxonomic description of the species in a form suitable for publication in conventional scientific literature; OR (ii) evidence that a scientific institution has a specimen of the species and a written statement signed by a person who has relevant taxonomic expertise (has worked, or is a published author, on the class of species nominated), that the person thinks the species is a new species. 5. Is this species taxonomically Yes, based on a peer-reviewed research publication (Taylor distinct (Taxonomic distinctiveness & Moir 2009) – a measure of how unique a species is relative to other species)?

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Legal Status 6. What is the species’ current Unlisted conservation status under Australian and State/Territory Government legislation? 7. Does the species have specific No protection (e.g. listed on an annex or appendix) under other legislation or intergovernmental arrangements, e.g. Convention on International Trade in Endangered Fauna and Flora (CITES), Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).

Description 8. Give a brief description of the Acizzia veski is a small winged plant-louse (~3 mm) and, species’ appearance, including size as with all species of plant-lice, requires expert and/or weight, and sex and age taxonomists to distinguish it from other species. For a full variation if appropriate; social detailed description, see Taylor & Moir (2009). structure and dispersion (e.g. solitary/clumped/flocks). 9. Give a brief description of the This species is a herbivore. As for other plant-lice species, species’ ecological role (for Acizzia veski is a key recycler of nutrients by expelling example, is it a ‘keystone’ or manna after feeding on the sap of plants. Plant-lice also ‘foundation’ species, does it play a account for a large part of the diet of many insectivorous role in processes such as seed birds and predatory invertebrates (e.g., Stone, 1996). dispersal or pollination).

Australian Distribution 10. Describe the species’ current Acizzia veski is currently known only from one location (Mt and past distribution in Talyuberlup) within the Stirling Range National Park of Australia and, if available, attach a Western Australia (see Taylor & Moir 2009). Past map. distribution is unknown. 11. What is the extent of Acizzia veski is currently known only from one population occurrence (in km2) for the of its host plant, veronica in the Stirling Ranges. species (described in Attachment This population occurs within a 1km2 area. Further A); explain how it was calculated populations of plant-louse do not occur on any other known and datasets used. population of Acacia veronica (see Taylor & Moir 2009). Acizzia veski formed a part of a dataset from an ARC discovery funded project on the co-extinction of insects on threatened plant species. For this project, other Acacia and plant species within the area were sampled for the Acizzia without success. a. What is the current extent of Known from approximately 1km2 occurrence? b. What data are there to indicate No past data is available for Acizzia veski. However, its past declines in extent of host plant Acacia veronica is listed by the State occurrence (if available, include data that indicates the Government as a conservation ‘Priority’ species because of percentage decline over the its confined distribution (it is endemic to the Stirling past 10 years or 3 generations Ranges) and vulnerability to threatening processes (e.g., whichever is longer)? see http://florabase.calm.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/12675 ; Barrett et al. 2008).

Version 7 2 c. What data are there to indicate No data is available for Acizzia veski. However, its host future changes in extent of plant Acacia veronica is listed by the State Government for occurrence (if available, include ‘Priority 3’ conservation because of its restricted data that indicates the percentage decline over 10 distribution (see years or 3 generations http://florabase.calm.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/12675 ). whichever is longer (up to a Key threatening processes most likely include climate maximum of 100 years in the change (Barrett et al. 2008), inappropriate fire regime and future) where the time period is habitat clearing. Given that only a single population of a continuous period that may include a component of the Acizzia veski is currently known from only one population past)? of Acacia veronica (all other known populations of A. veronica were unsuccessfully searched for A. veski), it is extremely vulnerable to extinction if its host plant population was further threatened. (Most Psyllidae are highly host specific. It is highly unlikely that Acizzia veski occurs on hosts other than Acacia veronica). 12. What is the area of Approximately 1km2, as calculated from Taylor & Moir occupancy (in km2) for the species (2009). (described in Attachment A); explain how calculated and datasets that are used. a. What is the current area of Approximately 1km2 occupancy? b. What data are there to indicate No past data is available for Acizzia veski as it was only past declines in area of discovered in 2007 (see Taylor & Moir 2009). However, its occupancy (if available, include data that indicates the host plant Acacia veronica is listed as a ‘Priority’ species for percentage decline over the conservation because of its confined distribution and past 10 years or 3 generations vulnerability to threatening processes (e.g., whichever is longer)? http://florabase.calm.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/12675 ; Barrett et al. 2008). c. What data are there to indicate No data is available for Acizzia veski. However, its host future changes in area of plant Acacia veronica is vulnerable to the threatening occupancy (if available, include data that indicates the processes of climate change (Barrett et al. 2008), percentage decline over 10 inappropriate fire regime and habitat clearing (widening of years or 3 generations roads, management of picnic area where population whichever is longer (up to a occurs, etc). Given that only a single population of Acizzia maximum of 100 years in the veski is currently known, it is extremely vulnerable to future) where the time period is a continuous period that may extinction if its host plant population was further include a component of the threatened. past)? 13. How many natural locations Only one population of Acizzia veski is known at Mt do you consider the species occurs Talyuberlup in the Stirling Ranges (Taylor & Moir 2009). in and why? Where are these Further sampling did not uncover the plant-louse on any located? other population of its threatened host plant, Acacia The term 'location' defines a veronica (see also comment on host specificity, above). geographically or ecologically distinct area. 14. Give locations of other No other populations known. populations: captive/propagated populations; populations recently re-introduced to the wild; and sites for proposed population re- introductions. Note if these sites have been identified in recovery plans. 15. Is the species’ distribution This information for A. veski is unknown, although only one severely fragmented? What is the population of A. veski has been found on the host plant, cause of this fragmentation? Acacia veronica. All other known populations of Acacia Describe any biological, geographic, veronica have been sampled for A. veski without success human-induced or other barriers (see Taylor & Moir 2009). The other populations of Acacia causing this species’ populations to veronica occur some distance (>10 km) from the be fragmented. Version 7 3 Severely fragmented refers to the population harboring A. veski, therefore it is highly unlikely situation in which increased extinction that A. veski can travel between these isolated populations risk to the taxon results from most individuals being found in small and of its host plant. relatively isolated subpopulations (in certain circumstances this may be inferred from habitat information). These small subpopulations may go extinct, with a reduced probability of recolonisation.

Global Distribution 17. Describe the species’ global Acizzia veski is known only from Australia (Western distribution. Australia). 18. Give an overview of the global NA population’s size, trends, threats and security of the species outside Australia. 19. Explain the relationship between the Australian population and the global population, including: a. What percentage of the global 100% population occurs in Australia; b. Is the Australian population NA distinct, geographically separate or does part or all of the population move in/out of Australia’s jurisdiction (give an overview; details in Movements section); c. Do global threats affect the Climate change (see Barrett et al. 2008). Australian population?

Surveys and Monitoring 20. Has the species been In 2007 and 2008 I undertook fieldwork to sample plant reasonably well surveyed? species in the Stirling Range National Park and surrounding Provide an overview of surveys to date regions to identify possible co-threatened insects on and the likelihood of its current known threatened plant species. Acizzia veski was only found at distribution and/or population size being its actual distribution and/or population one site. I have unsuccessfully searched for this species in size. other entomological collections (e.g., Australian Museum, Australian National Collection, Western Australian Museum, Agriculture Western Australia). As all known populations of Acacia veronica were sampled for the psyllid, it is not possible that Acizzia veski occurs in another location on Acacia veronica. Also, eight other Acacia species and 95 other plant species were surveyed for the psyllid without success. 21. For species nominated as NA extinct or extinct in the wild, please provide details of the most recent known collection, or authenticated sighting of the species and whether additional populations are likely to exist. 22. Is there an ongoing No monitoring programme? If so, please describe the extent and length of the programme.

Life Cycle and Population 23. What is the species’ total Population size is difficult to quantify for most species of population size in terms of number Version 7 4 of mature individuals? How were invertebrates, especially insects which have a high annual population estimates derived and turnover. Compared to other insects, Acizzia veski was are they reliable? Are there other relatively common, although restricted to Acacia veronica, useful measures of population size at the time of sampling (October/November), with a total and what are they? In the absence of figures, terms such as of 101 individuals found (xxxx xxxx unpubl. data). common, abundant, scarce can be of value. 24. Does the species occur in a The only population known is at Mt Talyuberlup in the number of smaller populations? Stirling Range. This locality is currently listed as part of the How many? For each population Stirling Range National Park. give the locality, numbers and trends in numbers and tenure of land (include extinct populations). Can these be considered to be subpopulations and why? Subpopulations are defined as geographically or otherwise distinct groups in the population between which there is little demographic or genetic exchange. 25. Provide details on ages of the following: a. sexual maturity; Unknown b. life expectancy; Unknown, but likely to have one to three generations per year, as per other plant-lice species. c. natural mortality. Unknown 26. Reproduction For plants: When does the species NA flower and set fruit? What conditions are needed for this? What is the pollinating mechanism? If the species is capable of vegetative reproduction, a description of how this occurs, the conditions needed and when. Does the species require a disturbance regime (e.g. fire, cleared ground) in order to reproduce? For : provide overview of This species was discovered in October-November. breeding system and of breeding Nymphs were also collected at the time. As many success, including: when does it individuals were found, it suggests that breeding occurs breed; what conditions are needed during spring. Breeding conditions are unknown, although for breeding; are there any A. veski would need access to the host plant, A. veronica, breeding behaviours that may make it vulnerable to a threatening for egg-laying and the successful rearing of nymphs process? through to adulthood. 27. What is the population trend for the entire species? a. What data are there to indicate No past data is available for Acizzia veski. However, its past decline in size (if host plant Acacia veronica is listed statewide for ‘Priority 3’ available, include data on rate of decline over past 10 years or conservation because of its restricted distribution, and 3 generations whichever is vulnerability to key threatening processes including climate longer)? change (Barrett et al. 2008), inappropriate fire regime and habitat clearing. b. What data are there to indicate No data is available for Acizzia veski. However, its host future changes in size (if plant Acacia veronica is vulnerable to the threatening available, include data which processes of climate change (Barrett et al. 2008), will indicate the percentage of decline over 10 years or 3 inappropriate fire regime and habitat clearing. Given that generations whichever in longer only a single population of Acizzia veski is currently known, (up to a maximum of 100 years it is extremely vulnerable to extinction if its host plant in the future) where the time population was further threatened. period is a continuous period that may include a component of the past)? Version 7 5 28. Does the species undergo As with other species of plant-lice, A. veski would have extreme natural fluctuations in extreme natural fluctuations in population size throughout population numbers, extent of one year, and over many years, because of its short life- occurrence or area of occupancy? cycle and dependence on the quality and presence of its To what extent and why? host plant, A. veronica. Extreme fluctuations can be said to occur in a number of taxa when population size or distribution area varies widely, rapidly and frequently, typically with a variation greater than one order of magnitude (i.e. a tenfold increase or decrease). 29. What is the generation Generation length is unknown, but is likely to be less than length and how it is calculated? 12 months. Most other plant-lice species have three Generation length is the average age of discrete generations per year in temperate Australia, parents of the current cohort (i.e. newborn individuals in the population). Generation maturing in spring (September-October), summer length therefore reflects the turnover rate of (December-January) and late summer/autumn (March- breeding individuals in a population. Generation length is greater than the age at May), respectively. first breeding and less than the age of the oldest breeding individual, except in taxa that breed only once. Where generation length varies under threat, the more natural, i.e. pre-disturbance, generation length should be used. 30. Identify important The only, and therefore critical, population known is at Mt populations necessary for the Talyuberlup in the Stirling Range on the host plant Acacia species’ long-term survival and veronica. recovery? This may include: key breeding populations, those near the edge of the species’ range or those needed to maintain genetic diversity. 31. Describe any cross-breeding None known. with other species in the wild, indicating how frequently and where this occurs.

Populations In Reserve 33. Which populations are in The only known population occurs within the Stirling Range reserve systems? Which of these National Park. It is not actively managed for A. veski. are actively managed for this species? Give details.

Habitat 34. Describe the species’ habitat Acizzia veski relies on its host species, Acacia veronica, for (e.g. aspect, topography, substrate, its survival. Acacia veronica is a small, often spindly, tree climate, forest type, associated (1.5–7 m) restricted mainly to watercourses in the Stirling species, sympatric species). If the Ranges of Western Australia, with smaller individuals species uses different habitats for growing at higher altitudes, and is often associated with different activities (e.g. breeding, marri () woodlands. feeding, roosting, dispersing, basking), then describe each habitat. 35. Does the species use refuge Not known, but unlikely as it relies on the host plant (A. habitat, e.g. in times of fire, veronica) for survival. drought or flood? Describe this habitat. 36. Is the extent or quality of the As noted in Taylor & Moir (2009), I searched for known species’ habitat in decline? If the populations of A. veronica to collect insects, which resulted species uses different habitats, in five populations of the plant rediscovered, four specify which of these are in previously recorded populations found to be extinct, and a decline. newly discovered population located. However, of the six populations of A. veronica sampled, only one yielded A. veski, suggesting that although the host has a low ‘priority 3’ conservation status, the psyllid is critically endangered

Version 7 6 (Taylor & Moir 2009). 37. Is the species part of, or does Yes, A. veski relies upon its host plant for its survival, and it rely on, a listed threatened the plant, A. veronica, is listed by the State Government ecological community? Is it for ‘Priority 3’ conservation because of its restricted associated with any other listed distribution, and vulnerability to threatening processes threatened species? such as climate change (Barrett et al. 2008), inappropriate fire regime and habitat clearing.

Feeding 38. Summarize the species’ food Acizzia veski feed on the phloem of the host plant, Acacia items or sources and veronica. Most species of plant-lice have three discrete timing/seasonality. generations per year in temperate Australia. Adults are likely to occur in spring (September-October), summer (December-January) and late summer/autumn (March- May), respectively. Eggs and nymphs are likely to occur at most other times of the year. 39. Briefly describe the species’ Plant-lice feed from the phloem of their host plants (see feeding behaviours, including Moir & Brennan 2007). As A. veski appears to be host- those that may make the species specific to a threatened plant species, A. veronica, it is vulnerable to a threatening process. vulnerable to all threatening processes which affect the plant (see Taylor & Moir 2009).

Movement Patterns (fauna species only) 40. Describe any relevant daily Like most Psyllidae, eggs of A. veski would be attached to and seasonal pattern of the host plant, and nymphs would remain on its host movement for the species, or throughout development. Adults of A. veski may disperse other irregular patterns of short distances to adjacent host plants but are unlikely to movement, including relevant move far from the host plant patch at Mt Talyuberlup. arrival/departure dates if migratory. 41. Give details of the species’ The only population known is at Mt Talyuberlup in the home ranges/territories. Stirling Range on the host plant Acacia veronica.

Survey Guidelines 42. Give details of the Acizzia veski is easily detected by sampling A. veronica distinctiveness and detectability plants with typical entomological collecting techniques of the species. (such as vacuuming, beating, sweep nets, etc). Because of their small size, they would be difficult to detect on the plants for collection by hand. Also because of their size, only trained personnel would be able to distinguish A. veski from other Acizzia species by their colour pattern and wing markings. However, identification needs to be confirmed by trained taxonomists. 43. Describe methods for Collecting plant-lice, including A. veski, is easiest during detecting species including when calm, dry days. Individuals of A. veski have been collected to conduct surveys (e.g. season, during October-November, although it is not known if the time of day, weather conditions); species is more abundant during other months (further length, intensity and pattern of sampling is required to determine population dynamics). search effort; and limitations and When sampling for A. veski, the host plant A. veronica expert acceptance; recommended methods; survey-effort guide. should be targeted. Because the host plant is itself listed for conservation, I recommend not sampling by destructive methods. In October-November 2007, 30 individuals of A. veronica were sampled (15 by beating, 15 by vacuuming) and 101 Acizzia veski specimens were recovered (Taylor & Moir 2009; Moir unpublished data). Plant-lice could aggregate only on a couple of plants within the population, therefore it would be suggested sampling similar numbers of plants (i.e. 30) to determine whether or not A. veski is present. Version 7 7

Section 2 - Threats and Threat Abatement

Threats 44. Identify past, current and The main threat to A. veski is the loss of its host plant A. future threats, to the species veronica. Therefore, threats to A. veronica populations, indicating whether they are actual such as inappropriate fire regime, climate change and or potential. For each threat, habitat clearing (i.e. through widening of roads, trampling describe: by visitors) indirectly threaten A. veski. a. how and where it impacts on All impacts of threats are located at Mt Talyuberlup as this is the this species; only known population of A. veski. b. what its effect has been so far Unknown for all threats. (indicate whether it is known or suspected; present supporting information/research; does it only affect certain populations); c. what is its expected effect in The removal of above ground parts of the plant A. veronica at Mt the future (is there supporting Talyuberlup (e.g., through fire, habitat clearing or climate change) research/information; is the will most likely cause the extinction of A. veski. However, given how threat only suspected; does it recently this species was discovered, no documentation or research only affect certain populations); is present to support this. d. what is the relative Fire, habitat clearing and climate change are highly important importance or magnitude of because all could remove the above ground parts of the host plant the threat to the species. A. veronica at Mt Talyuberlup, which would most likely cause the extinction of A. veski. 45. If not included above, identify Any event which removes the population of the host plant, catastrophic threats, i.e. threats A. veronica, from Mt Talyuberlup will have dire with a low predictability that are consequences for the A. veski populations. These threats likely to severely affect the species. could include severe drought, invasion by weed species Identify the threat, explain its likely and translocation of plants for ex situ conservation. impact and indicate the likelihood of it occurring (e.g. a drought/cyclone in the area every 100 years). 46. Identify and explain any The high specificity to its host plant is the most important additional biological characteristic of A. veski which will determine its future characteristics particular to the extinction (see Moir et al. 2010 for a review of co- species that are threatening to its extinction). survival (e.g. low genetic diversity)? 47. Identify and explain any No population models currently exist for A. veski. quantitative measures or models that address the probability of the species’ extinction in the wild over a particular timeframe. 48. Is there other information The lack of biological information on the species (such as that relates to the survival of this its population dynamics) inhibits active management of A. species that you would like to veski, therefore I advocate further research on the species. address?

Threat Abatement and Recovery 49. Give an overview of how No management or recovery actions currently exist for A. broad-scale threats are being veski. However, the management of the threatened host abated/could be abated and other plant, A. veronica at Mt Talyuberlup by the Western recovery actions underway/ Australian Department of Environment and Conservation proposed. Identify who is will directly impact the survival of A. veski. undertaking these activities and how successful the activities have been to date. 50. For species nominated as NA extinct in the wild, provide details of the locations in which the species occurs in captivity and the level of human intervention Version 7 8 required to sustain the species.

Mitigation Approach 51. Describe any mitigation No management currently exists for A. veski. measures or approaches that have been developed specifically for the species at identified locations. Identify who is undertaking these activities and how successful the activities have been to date.

Major Studies 53. Identify major studies on the The project “co-extinction of insects” first discovered A. species that might relate to its veski in October 2007. This project funded the subsequent taxonomy or management. identification and taxonomic description of the species (i.e. Taylor & Moir 2009).

Management Documentation 54. Identify key management No management documentation exists. documentation available for the species, e.g. recovery plans, conservation plans, threat abatement plans. 55. Departmental use only:

Section 3 – References and Reviewers

Notes: • The opinion of appropriate scientific experts may be cited (with their approval) in support of a nomination. If this is done the names of the experts, their qualifications and full contact details must also be provided in the reference list below. • Please provide copies of key documentation/references used in the nomination

56. Reference list

• Barrett, S., Shearer, B.L., Crane, C.E. & Cochrane, A. (2008) An extinction-risk assessment tool for flora threatened by Phytophthora cinnamomi. Australian Journal of Botany, 56, 477–486. • Maslin, B.R. (1989) Acacia veronica Maslin (Leguminosae: ), a new species of Acacia endemic in the Stirling Range, Western Australia. Nuytsia, 7, 43–46. • Moir M.L. & Brennan K.E.C. (2007) Using bugs (Hemiptera) as ecological and environmental indicators in forest ecosystems. In Columbus, F. (ed.) New Developments in Forest Ecology, Nova Science Publishers, New York. • Moir M.L., Vesk P.A., Brennan K.E.C., Hughes L., Keith D.A., & McCarthy M.A. (2010) Current constraints and future directions in estimating co-extinction. Conservation Biology, online early. • Stone, C. (1996) The role of psyllid (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and bell miners (Manorina melanophrys) in canopy dieback of Sydney blue gum (Eucalyptus saligna Sm). Australian Journal of Ecology, 21, 450-458. • Taylor G.S. & Moir M.L. (2009) In threat of co-extinction: two new species of Acizzia Heslop-Harrison (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) from vulnerable species of Acacia and Pultenaea. Zootaxa, 2249, 20-32.

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57. Has this document been reviewed and/or have relevant experts been consulted? If so, indicate by whom (including current professional position).

Dr Gary Taylor Research Associate Earth & Environmental Sciences The University of Adelaide Ph : +61 8 8303 8347 e-mail: [email protected]

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