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ASSESSMENTOF THREE GAZETTED RARE PLANTS
Daviesiamicrocarpa
Lepidium catapJcnon
Htyrodia scabra
ARCHIVAL Preparedby: E.M. Mattiske and Associates s82. 5 Prepared for: Departmentof Conservationand Land Management ( 941) EMM April 1994
cLM001/083/94 t TABLE OF CONTENTS t Page I 1. SUMMARY 1. 2. INTRODUCTION 3. t 2.I Objectives 3. t 3, GENERAL METHODS 3. 4. RESULTS
I 4.1 Daviesiamicrocarpa 4.1.1 Background 4.1.2 AreasSurveyed for Daviesiamicrocarpa I 4.1.3 Summaryof Findingson Daviesiamicrocarpa 4.1.4 Recommendationsfor Daviesiamicrocarpa
T 4.2 Lepidiumcatapycnon 4.2.1 Background 4.2.2 AreasSurveyed for Lepidiumcatapycnon I 4.2.3 Summaryof Findingson Lepidiumcatapycnon I 4.2.4 Recommendationsfor Lepidiumcatapycnon A 7 Pirtrnrlin rrnhrn 4.3.1 Background I 4.3.2 AreasSurveyed for Pityrodia scabra 4.3.3 Summaryof Findingson Pityrodiascabra I 4.3.4 Recommendationsfor Pityrodiascabra 5. LIST OF PARTICIPANTS
I 6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .7, t REFERENCES I APPENDICES A: Summaryof Terns Usedin the Departmentof Conservationand Land Management I "DeclaredRare and Priority Fiora List" for WesternAustralia (1992) T B: PhotographicRecords of DeclaredRare Species I I t TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE
1: Summary of Soil SampleResults for the ScreeAreas (A) along the Catwalk and the kss Disturbed Areas (B) north of the Catwalk
FIGIJRES
1: Comparisonof Heights andPlant Numbersfor l,epidium catapycnon,November 1.992 and March 1993
2: Comparisonof Number of Plantsof I-epidiumcatapycnon flowering and seeding, NovemberL992 and March 1993 1.
1. STJMMARY
ln 1992, E M Mattiske and Associateswere commissionedto searchfor three critically endangeredflora speciesin Western Australia, namely - Daviesia microcarpa,Lepidium catarycnon and Pityrodia scabra.
In the study all three specieswere relocatedand additionalplants located, although still in very iow numbersas indicatedbelow:
DaviesiamicrocarPa
Daviesiamicrocarpa (manuscript name) - this specieswas only known from one site nearNorseman. In 1985,the onepopulation was removed following site destruction duringroadworks. It wasnot includedin the list of presumedextinct species pending a final effort to regenerateextinct species from soil storedseed.
in November1992, a newpopulation of eighteenplants of Ddviesiamicrocarpa was Iocatedby E.M. Mattiskeand Associates.Sixteen of the eighteenplants were alive and fruiting at the time of the surveyin November,1992
Photographicevidence and a voucherspecimen were taken in the field andthe species identificationwas confirmedagainst the specimensin the StateHerbarium by E.M. Mattiskeand by M.D. Crispin Canberra(Daviesia specialist)' The speciesappears to be a disturbanceopportunistic species.
r-epidiumcatapycnon
Lepidium catapycnon- this speciesis a short-lived speciesthat grows in the Himersley Range. The speciesregenerated after gradingof the track and edgesof the track near the previouslyrecorded population.
In November 1992 and March 1993, the known populationwas relocated' In November,a totai of 56 plantswere recorded,53 of thesewere healthy, 2 were stressedand t had recentlydied. Of the 56, 11 were settingseed at the time of the survey in November 1992. In March 1993a total of 14 plants was relocated,of which most were matureplants (i.e. the seedlingshad eithergrown or died) and 1 of thesewas flowering and 5 were seeding.
Despiteextensive searching in the aleano newpopulations wele found. No specimen wastaken at the time, asthe populationis socritical, howeverphotographic evidence was taken of some of the plants. The speciesappears to be a disturbance opportunistic,although several plants were locatedin the undisturbedHummock Grasslandson the slopesabove the track. Pityrodia scabra
Pityrodia scabra - this speciesis in declineand was known from only one plant in the wild. An Interim ManagementGuideiine is being preparedfor this species.
In November1"992, the one known plant was relocatedand an additionalnew plant of Pityrodia scabra was locatedon RailwayReserve in closeproximity to someof the individualsof the specieswhich had died in recentyears. Thereforetwo plants are known to occur. The new plant is younger and appearedto be quite healthy at the time of the survey. No specimenwas taken at the time, as the population is so critical, however photographicevidence was taken of both plants. The species appearsto be a disturbanceoppoftunistic. i.
INTRODUCTION
Endangeredflora are protectedunder amendments to the Wildlife ConservationAct (1980)and includeplants deemed to be rare, in dangerof extinction,or otherwisein needof specialprotection. The legislationapplies on all landsand to all personsin the State.
In view of the rarity of three of thesedeclared flora species,E M Mattiske and Associateswas commissionedin i992 by the Departmentof Conservationand Land Managementto searchfor thesespecies. Two of the specieswere known only from singleremaining populations; Pityrodia scabra and Leptdium catarycnon. The other species,Davlesia microcarpa, had not beenlocated in the wiid since 1985.
2.r Objectives
The specificobjectives of theproject were:
. to attempt to locate new populationsof Daviesia microcarpa, Lepidium catapycnonand Piryrodia scabra,
. to researchthe habitatrequirements for eachspecies,
. to liaise with the Departmentof Conservationand Land Managementand researchfiles from the Departrnentto determineprevious survey efforts,
. undertakefield surveysfor eachspecies in areasof likely habitat,and other areasof bushlandin the vicinity of knownpopulations, and
. to preparea reportdetailing the above information, and showing suruey routes and bushlandareas surveved.
3. GENERALMETHODS
The habitatof known populationsof the rare flora was examinedand was used in conjunctionwith any availabledocumentary evidence to determinesite characteristics likely to be associatedwith new populations.Obviousiy in the case of Daviesia microcarpawhere there were no knownpopulations in the wild, this was not possible and the searchwas basedonly on historicaldocumentary evidence of the habitatof the species.This includedthe belief that the species was a "disturbanceopportunistic" (M.D. Crisp, pers. comm.) which was later supportedby the findings of E M Mattiskeand Associates. /
4, RESIJLTS
4.1 Daviesiamicrocarpa
4.1.1 Background
E.M.Mattiske and Associateswere contractedin 1992 by the Department of Conservationand Land Managementto searchfor lhe DeclaredRare Flora (DRF) species- Daviesiamicrocarpa and to providea report on the findings.
Daviesiamicrocarpa had notbeenlocated since 1985, when the lastknown population was believed to have been destroyed.At the time it was thought that the plant propagatedfollowing disfurbance(M.D. Crisp pers comm.) (i.e. the plant rs a "disturbanceopportunistic").
The only known populationof Daviesiamicrocarpa was located4.2km north-eastof the Norsemanrailway crossing on the northern side of the Eyre Highway by D.Whibley in 1974.The plantswere situated in a roadsideditch, demarkedby DRF flagslocated aI4.2km and 4.5km north-east of theNorseman railway crossing. Since this time, three othercollections have been made from the samepopulation by M.D. Crisp(February and September 1979) and M.I.H.Brooker (August 1979).
After an unsuccessfulinvestigation in May 1984by Ian Cookeof the Departmentof Fisheriesand Wildlife (now the Departmentof Conservationand Land Management) to locateindividuals of the speciesDaviesia microcarpa, the specieswas thoughtto be extinct.His surveyencompassed ihe northernverge of the Eyre Highway,between 4 and 15 km north-eastof Norseman.The originalpopulation was thoughtto have beendestroyed due to extensivegrading of the road reserveof this area.
In March 1985, P. Collins from the Departmentof Fisheriesand Wildlife reported thirteenplants growing closeto the Eyre Highway.Plants were found on both sides of the highway,4.2 km north-eastof the railwaycrossing at Norseman. The plants inhabited red clay ioams with calcretenodules in associationwith Eucalyptus, Eremophilaand Atiplex species.The reportedplants were not positively identified. 5.
4.L.2 Areas Surveyed for Daviesiamicrocarpa
Three personsinspected the following areasfor the DeclaredRare Flora species, Daviesiamicrocarpa during November,1992.
Particularattention was given to areasclose to the reportedpopulation of Daviesia microcarpaespecially sites disnrrbed by gradingor fire. Emphasiswas also placed on iocalitiesexhibiting similar soil typesand vegetation to thosepreviously reported as occurringwith the species.The site numbersin the following text relateto those on Map 1.
1. Eyre Highway
Three personssearched road vergeson the Eyre Highway on foot from 2.1 to 7.9km north-eastof the Norsemanrail crossing(crossing being located 340 metreseast of the NorsemanCoolgardie Road - Eyre Highway intersection). Both the northernand southernsides of the roadwere inspectedto a width of 10m. Within this areacertain sites were studiedin greaterdetail, as follows:
1,a. Inspectionbetween DRF flags.
Both the northern and southernsides of the Eyre Highway were thoroughly examinedfrom 4.2km to 4.5km nofth-eastof the rail crossingat Norseman.The northernverge was inspectedto a width of 60 metresand the southernverge to a width of 20 metres. The area had been disturbedby digging, grading and by emplacementof undergroundTelecom lines.
Eucalyptus,Eremophila and, Atriplex species inhabit the red clay loams of soils this area.
no populationsof Daviesiamicrocarpa were locatedduring the search.
lb. The Eyre HighwayRoad verge from 5.0 to 5.05 km north-eastof the Norsemanrailway crossing.
A populationof eighteenplants of Daviesiamicrocarpa was located within the areasearched (refer resuits section). 6.
2. Inspectionof recentlyburnt/regenerating area
Both north and south of the Eyre Highway, 4.65km north-eastof the Norsemanrailway crossingwas surveyedon foot to a distanceof 200 metres from the road. This areasupports Allocasuarina sp. over mixed shrubsand Srlpa specieson red brown clay loam with occasionalcalcrete nodules. This areawas investigatedin responseto the suggestionby Dr M.D. Crisp that fire may stimulatethe germinationof Daviesiaspecies (M.D. Crisp pers.comm.)
- no populationsof Daviesiamicrocarpa were locatedwithin the area during the search.
3. Drive by inspectionof JimberlanaHill area
South of the Eyre Highway, 3.2km to 5.2km north-eastof the Norseman railwaycrossing.
Numeroustracks on the southernside of Eyre Highway in the JimberlanaHill area (seeattached map) were investigatedby drive by searches The area was surveyedto a distanceof 0.8kmparallel to the Eyre Highway. The area supportedAllocasuarina, Mallee Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Triodia and Stipa specieson red brown clay loamswith occasionalcalcrete nodules. Much of the areawas disturbed.
- no populationsof Daviesiamicrocarpa were locatedwithin the area during the search.
4. Inspectionof calcretepits in the JimberlanaHill area.
4a. 4.25km to 4.4km north-eastof the Norsemanrailway crossing, 350 metresto 500 metreseast of the Eyre Highway.
4b. 3.65kmto 3.77km north-eastof the Norsemanrailway crossing, 400 to 500m eastof the Eyre Highway.
The two pits were surveyedon foot. The areassupported sparse malleeshrubs over Atriplex speciesand grasseson calcrete.
- no populationsof Daviesiamicrocarpa were located within the areasdurins the search. 7.
5. Inspectionof calcretepit
North of the Eyre Highway, 7.6 to 7.75km north-eastof the Norseman railwaycrossing.
The pit was examinedon foot. This disturbedarea supportedvery sparse Mallee over sparseChenopodiaceae and Atriplex specieson calcrete.
- no popuiationsof Daviesiamicrocarpa were locatedwithin the area during the search.
6. Inspectionof unnamedtwo wheeldrive road
South of the Eyre Highway, 7.9km north-eastof the Norsemanrailway crossing.
Both the eastand westsides of the roadwere inspectedon foot to a width of 10m. This areasupports an undisturbedshrubland of Allocasuarina,Acacia, Melaleuca, and Eucalyptusspecies over mid denselrlodia specieson red brownclay loamswith occasionalcalcrete nodules.
- no populationsof Daviesiamicrocarpa were locatedwithin the area during the search.
4.1.3 Sumrnary of Findings on Daviesiamicrocarpa
A new populationof 18 plantswas locatedin November1992 by E M Mattiskeand Associates,see Appendix B. Identificationhas been confirmed by M.D. Crisp' Two individualsin the populationwere dead, however the restappeared relatively healthy. The plants were found growing in dry red clay ioams with calcretenodules in associationwilh Eucalyptusoleosa var. oleosa,Melaleuca pungens, Allocasuanna helmsii,Acacia hemiteles, Westringia dampiei' Aristida contortaand Tiodla sp. This population inhabits the disturbedsoils of the undergroundTelecom line and the gradedsoils between the line andthe road.The piantsoccur within twentymetres of the northern side of Eyre Highway and are protectedin generalfrom damageby vehiclesby virnre of the fact that the adjoiningroad reserveis approximatelythree metresbelow the level of the Eyre Highway. 6.
The populationwas iocatedat a singlesite, spanningan areaof approximately100 by 50 metres.The piants occur some500 metresfrom the last reportedsighting of the species.The site is believedto havebeen graded or scrapedaround 4 or 5 years ago, with no plantsbeing locatedin the surroundingundisnrrbed shrubland, thereby "disturbance lending supportto the hypothesisthat the speciesis a oppomrnistic" (lt4.D. Crisp pers comm.). The populationoccurs within 50 metres of the Eyre Highway, and noneof the plantsare locatedwithin the presentDRF roadsideflags or within a Departrnentof Conservationand l:nd Managementreserve area. All the mature plants were in healy seed at the time of sighting which may provide oppomrnityfor experimentationwith propagation,possibly by manipulationof the surrounding habitat.
4.1.4 Recommendationsfor Daviesiamicrocarpa
The locatedplants of the speciesDaviesia nicrocarpa are under immediatethreat from destructiondue to clearing,as all theplants occur within an areawhich appears to be occasionallygraded and frequently mowed. At the time of the surveyA. Napier from the Main RoadsDepartment was notifiedof this population. There is still an urgent need to fence the site or use other meansof protecting the site such as emplacementof DRF flags andproviding information regarding the needto manage the site to the local Shire, Main Roads Department,Telecom (an underground Telecomline runs very closeif not underneaththe site),and any other party deemed likely to disturb the site.
Recommendation1:
That all relevantpersomel be informedof the approximatelocation of the newly locatedpopulation of Daviesiamicrocarpa and of the needto avoid disturbingthe site. In addition,physical barriers including DRF flags andior fencing shouldbe erectedat the site.
The level of seedingof the mature plants at the site offers opportunitiesfor experimentationwith propagation.This could includedisturbing then protectingthe surroundingarea to encouragegermination of the species,given that the species appearsto be a "disturbanceoppornrnistic''. In particular,seed could be scatteredin an area in close proximity to the recentlydiscovered plants (either before or after disturbance),and the site graded, scraped,dug over and/or fired. Following disturbancethe site should be left to allow time for propagation.In addition, a Departmentwith experiencein plant propagation,such as the King's Park Board could experimentwith the seed. 9.
Recommendation2:
That persons with relevant skills be consultedwith regard to possible experimentationwith propagationof the availableseed and possibletopsoii trials. Further trials could be conductedat Kings Park where personnelhave developedparticular skills in propagationof endangeredspecies.
In view of the lack of otherpopulations this plant shouldbe monitoredtwice a year by botanists from the Departrnent of Conservation and Land Management or Consultantbotanists working in the area.
Recommendation3:
The populationof Daviesiamicrocarpa shouid be monitoredtwice a year and a brief report preparedfor Departmentalrecords, with a summaryof action neededas requiredto protectthis population. 10.
4.2 Lepidium catapycnon
4.2.1 Background
E.M.Mattiske and Associateswere confacted in 1992 by the Deparftnentof Conservationand Land Managementto searchfor the DeclaredRare Flora (DRF) species- Lepidiumcatapycnon and to providea report on the findings.
Lepidium catapycnonwas first collectedby McGuire in 1972 at Wittenoom. The genusLepidium and more specifically- Lepidium catarycnonfrom the specimen collectedby McGuirewas described by Hewson(1981) in Brunonia(Volume 4, pages 2I7 -308).Lepidium catapycnon was then re-discoveredabove Wittenoom Gorge in the Pilbara Region on the catwalkas a small populationin 1985 (2 plants)and re- surveyedin 1986. T. Startin 1986relocated the population in September1986. The specieswas added to the scheduleof declaredrare flora under the Wildlife ConservationAct in 1987. In 1988,in responseto a requestfor a further searchfor the previouslyknown 2 plants,none were relocated in August1988. At this time this specieswas recognisedas a disturbanceopportunistic species (D. Coates,1989). In September1991, S. van keuwen recorded77 seedlingsalong the catwalkedges. In November 1991,L. Sweedman,a seedcollector from Kings Park, advisedthe Departmentof Conservationand Land Managementthat he had made a small collectionof Lepidiumcatapycnon seed from the known site at Wittenoom. It should be noted that at this time 7'7 seedlings(2cm in height) and 2 semi-matureplants (20cm in height) were presentin the area where the 2 known plants had been destroyedby earthworksduring upgradingof the track.
4.2.2 Lreas Surveyed for Lepidium cataplcnon
The surveywas undertakenon two trips (November1.4-16, 1992 and March 26-29, 1993). Ten personsassisted in the searchfor the DeclaredRare Flora species, Lepidiumcatapycnon. In fact a total of 33 persondays were spentsearching on two trips in November1992 and March 1993. The first of thesetrips includedLibby Mattiske,Nick Casson,Denise True andTrevor Mattiske.The secondof thesetrips includedthe botanistsMaicolm Trudgenand Libby Mattiskeas well as geologists, local environmentaiofficers and mining engineers who volunteeredtheir weekendto assistin the search. It shouldbe notedthat someof the geologistshave worked in the areafor over ten yearsand are very familiar with many of the native species.
It should be noted that four of thesepersorx have undertakenextensive botanical studiesin the Pilbaraduring the last two decades,namely Libby Mattiske,Malcolm Trudgen, Nick Cassonand DeniseTrue. In theseyears of survey which would accumulate to many months of foot tmverses tlroughout the Pilbara no other populationshave been located. In particular,Malcolm Trudgenwho has collected extensiveiyin the PiibaraRegion confirmed that he had not previousiysighted this soeciesin his studies. Theseobservations rehforce the raritv of this soecies. tl.
Ali areaswere surveyedby foot and road traverseswith at times groups walking parallelon the slopesand in the gulliesto allow maximumcoverage of the areas. Particularattention in the searchwas siven to:
1. areas close to the reportedpopulation of Lepidium catapycnonalong the catwalkabove Wittenoom: - the catwalkand adjacent slopes (where accessible by foot) werewalked by two personsfrom the WiftenoomGorge end to the gate at the top of the hill to the west of the main population;
- the catwalkwas driven severaltimes and searchinson the sidesand slopeswas alsoundertaken.
2. the adjacentgullies and gorgesnear the catwalk(with a considerationto seed movementby wind and water):
- GardnerGorge was traversed by threepersons walking alongthe floor and along the slopes. All upper areasof the Gorge were searched systematicallyby the team,including climbing severalsteep areas to accessthe upper gullies.
WittenoomGorge was traversedby foot and vehicle up to the old explorationcamp and near the old miningarea.
Bee Gorge was inspectedfrom the vehicle with opportunisticfoot traversesin severallocations alnno rhe pnroe
3. the lessdisturbed slopes near Wittenoom Gorge:
- this includedextensive walking on mostmajor hills andvalley systems near the main populationof Lepidium catapycnonand the adjacent hills.
A the areasdisturbed by recentexploration drilling activitiesin the valley and hill systems:
- this includedextensive walking on the areaswest of the Wittenoom Gorgeand GardnerGorge.
The areassurveyed are summarizedon Map 2 attached. However it shouldbe re- stressedthat the four botanistsmentioned above have spent many monthstraversing the Pilbara Region for both recreationaland professionalreasons and no other populationshave been sighted. t2.
4.2.3 Summary of Findings on Lepi.diumcataplcnon
In November1992, the known populationwas relocated,see Appendix B. A total of 56 plants were recorded,53 of thesewere healthy,2 were stressedand t had recentlydied. Of the 56, 11 weresetting seed at the time of the suwey in November 1,992. In March 1993a further irupectionwas undertaken and only 14 of these56 plantsremained, although most of thesewere matureand a higher proportionwere settingseed at this time.
Despiteextensive searching in the areano newpopulations were found. No specimen wastaken at the time, as the populationis socritical, howeverphotographic evidence was taken of some of the plants. The speciesappears to be a disturbance opportunistic, although two plants were located in the undisturbedHummock Grasslandson the slopesabove the track. Bothof theseplants were large (20cmand 35cm in height at the time of the March inspection).
The lessdisturbed areas near the catwalksupport a HummockGrassland of Triodia with emergent.,4 cacia andEucalyptus species. Common species in the areainclude Triodia wiseana,Eucalyptus gamophylla, Eucalyptus leucophloia, Acacia hilliana, Acacia adoxa, Acacia bivenosa,Acacia stowardii and Acacia spondyLophylla.It should be noted that there are extensivepopulations of the introducedRumex vesicariusin Garden Gorge which may influenceany chance of rhe Lepidium establishingin the gorgedownslope from the main populationon the catwalk.
The resultsin Figures1 and2 summarizethe findingson the heightsof the plantsand the numberof plantswhich were floweringand seedingat the respectiveinspection times. Although in March 1993,there was a decreasein the total numberof plants, a higherproportion of theseplants were mature and a higherproportion were setting seed. Thereforethere shouldbe a higherprobability of seedsremaining in the local environment. GI ql t\ N 'l a: c.l :, t|r O\ (,)9 o .9f Fl O) U) Y! F /i6 .2Fi tr arr ri.i L !A -YF v-z orno|,norno ca N cl Fi \-l oo o\ 14. 7 v) q z 3 o! () -aa r.v at\ ! =.' cq v) -r l' t-. e) /r ,i1(- '-: '=ar_/ Fr qE - t-r c'r !'v a oo l-. A - !-l v= Lcr : .'! ;'1 i( -r v 7 (\ ti 15. In addition, the locationof the plantswas discussedwith local geologistsand soil sampleswere takenfrom the screematerial and the lessdisturbed adjacent soils. The resuitsare summarizedin Table 1. Althoughthe samplingregime was restrictedto two soil samples,the resultsindicate that someof the differencesin Manganeseand Calcium and Conductivitymay be worth pursingfurther in relation to geological formationswithin the wider PilbaraRegion. During the survey,similar geological areaseast and north of the areawere insoectedbut without success. Table 1: Summary of Soil Sample Results for the Scree Areas (A) along the Catwalk and the Less Disturbed Areas G) north of the Catwalk. Parameters A B Method pH 7.05 6.40 1:5 Soil WaterExtract Conductivity@ 25"C ( mhoicm) 430 35 1:5 Soil WaterExtract AvailablePhosphorus (Bic P) (mg/kg) 0.75 1.8 1:5 Soil WaterExtract AvailablePotassium (Bic K) (mg/kg) 45 85 1:5 Soil WaterExtract Total Nitrogen N tmg/kg) 180 260 Kjeldahl Nitrogen TotalPhosphorus P (mgikg) 240 355 Digest/FusionICP Total Potassium K (mg/kg) 1040 1280 Digest/FusionICP Total Iron Fe (mg/kg) 29-0 Digest/FusionICP Total Manganese Mn (mg/kg) 5680 32t0 Digest/FusionICP TotalCopper Cu (mg/kg) 30 25 DigestiFusionICP Total Zinc Zn (mgikg) 45 35 Digest/FusionICP Total Calcium Ca (mg/kg) 5200 680 Digest/FusionICP Total Aluminium Al (% wlw) 2.50 1.85 Digest/FusionICP Total Boron B (mg/kg) 1) <10 Digest/FusionICP Total Molybdenum Mo (mg/kg) <10 <10 DigestiFusionICP Total Sulphur S (mg/kg) 0.035 0.020 LECO InductionFurnace 16. 4.2.4 Recommendationsfor Lepidium catapycnon The locatedplants of the speciesLepidium catapycnon are under continual threat from destructiondue to earthworksalong the catwalk,as most of the plantsoccur within the edgesof thetrack which is occasionallygraded. Although the mainpopulation has beenpegged there is a needto maintainthe peggingand the sign.posts. Due to the remote nature of this populationthe area shouldbe visited twice a year by local Departmentalstaff or botanists. Someof this work could be undertakenat minimal costs by botanists who regularly visit the Pilbara area; thereby minimizing mobilizationcosts to site. Recommendation1: Peggingand sign postsshould be maintainedat the site and all exploration persomelwho may useor maintainthe track shouldbe informedof the legal implicationsassociated with rare flora. The level of seeding of the mature plants at the site offers oppornrnitiesfor experimentationwith propagation.This could includedisturbing then protectingthe surroundingarea to encouragegermination of the species,given that the species "disturbance appearsto be mainly a oppom:nistic".In particular,seed could be scatteredin an areain closeproximity to the recentlydiscovered plants (either before or afterdisturbance). In addition,a Departmentwith experiencein plantpropagation, suchas the King's Park Boardcould experimentwith the seed. Recommendation2: That persons with relevant skills be consultedwith regard to possible experimentationwith propagationof the availableseed and possibletopsoil trials. In view of the lack of otherpopulations this plant shouldbe monitoredtwice a year by botanistsfrom the Departmentof Conservationand Land Managementor other experiencedConsultant botanists working in the area. Recommendation3: The populationof Lepidiumcatarycnon should be monitoredtwice a year and a brief report preparedfor Departmentalrecords, with a summaryof action neededas requiredto protectthis population. t7. 4.3 Pityrodia scabra 4.3,1 Background As at June 1992, the last known plant of the speciesPityrodia scabra occvrredon privateland in the WyalkatchemShire. Several other individuals of the specieswhich occurredin closeproximity to thatplant had died in recentyears due to herbicideuse andpossibly weed invasion or senescence. The ownerof the land immediatelyadjacent to the (previously)only knownPityrodia "disturbance scabraplatt, Kevin Jonesbelieves that the plant is a opportunistic",as he identified some individualsof the speciessome lime after deep disturbanceof contourbanks locatedon his land (theseplants were not relocatedduring a recent searchby E.M. Mattiske and Associates).In addition, the area on which the previously iast known individual of the speciesis found underwent a heavy earthworksprogramme some 20 yearsago, prior to the plant being identifiedon the site (Kevin Jones,pers. comm.). The fact that the rail reservein the vicinity of a recentlydiscovered plant of the speciesappears to havebeen graded shortly before the observationalso lends supportto the theory that the speciesis a disturbance opporfunistic.This may influencedecisions regarding management to enhancethe probabilityof successfullypropagating the species, Following the locationof one more individualof the speciesby E.M. Mattiskeand Associatesin November1992 (refer results section), the sitecharacteristics associated with the two known Pityrodia scabra plaris were examinedin detail to allow identificationof sites where other populationsof the plant are likely to occur. The sites were characterisedby brown loamy sandto a depthof 40cm and by caramel sandyclay loam to 20cm. The sandcomponent of the former soil type was very high. Speciesfound in associationwith Pityrodiascabra inchtde Acacia acuminata,Acacia resinomarginea,Eucalyptus leptopoda, Acacia ?stignata, Acacia hemiteles, Grevillea ?candellabroidesard Baeckea?elderiana. Description of the vegetationusing Muir's ' classificationwas not appropriateas both siteswere very disturbed. Effort was madeto concentratethe searchfor new populationsof the plant at sites which were similar in soil type and vegetationto that found with the known individualsof the species.Other communities were alsosearched, however, as there is a possibilitythat the speciesmay occuril associationwith other vegetationtypes if it is in fact a disturbanceoDDortunistic. 18. 4.3.2 Areas Surveyedfor Pityrodia scabra The following areashave been searched in an attemptto locatenew populationsof the DeclaredRare Flora (DRF) speciesPityrodia scabra. The areassurveyed are summarizedin the attachedMaps 3 to 8. 1. Three persons searchedin parallel on foot south along the Koorda- WyalkatchemRoad and along the rail reserve. between Clifford Road (northernDRF flag indicatinglocation of Pityrodia)to a point located2.0 km north of WallambinRoad. - 1 plant was locatedon the easternside of the rail reserve,140 metres north of the DI{F flag located2.7 km north of Wallambinroad. The plant was within 4 metresof the rails at a site gradedfrequently (the plant is within the DRF flags locatedon the Koorda-Wyalkatchem Road, but no flagsindicate the plants' location within the rail reserve) (seephotograph in AppendixBt. - 1 plant occurson privateland (ownerMsrs O'dea) some250 metres southof the northernDRF flag at the junction of Clifford Road and the Koorda-WyalkatchemRoad. The locationof this plant was known to staff of the Departmentof Conservationand Land Management(see photographin AppendixB). - no other living plants of the specieswere locatedwithin this area during the searchcarried out on 30 Novemberand 1 December1992, however, all the deadplants that had been locatedduring a search conductedby staff of the Departmentof Conservationand Land Managementin 1992were relocated. 2. Tfueepersons searched in parallelon foot from Cowcowingsiding 300 metres southand 500 metresnorth alongthe JermingsRoad verge and the adjacent rail reserve. no populationsof Pityrodia scabra were located within this area durins the searchcarried out on 30 November1992. 3. Three personswalked the central-southernportion of CowcowingReserve, (Crown Grant 283) to 200 metreseast of the Koorda-WyalkatchemRoad and to 150 metresnorth of the southernboundary of the reserve. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the searchcarried out on 30 November1992. 19. 4. A drive by searchof the road vergeson Clifford Road from the Koorda- WyalkatchemRoad 3.5km east to LackmanRoad was conductedon 30 November1992. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 5. A drive by searchof the road vergesalong the 14.5km iength of Lachlan Road to determineareas deemed suitable for more thorough searcheswas carried out on 1 December1992. The following areaswere then searchedon foot: a) from 3.6 to 4.1 km southof CliffordRoad. b) from 4.5 to 4.9 km southof CliffordRoad. c) from 8.4 to 8.8 km southof CliffordRoad. - no populationsof Piryrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 6. A drive by searchof roadverges on WyalkatchemNorth Roadwas conducted on 1 December1992, 9.8 km southfrom CowcowingWest Road to Martin Road. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. '7 . A drive by searchof the Martin Roadverges was conductedon 1 December 1992, 4.6krn east from the corner of WyalkatchemRoad North to the Koorda-WyalkatchemRoad. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 8. With the kind permissionof the propertyowner (Kevin Jones)the following areasof private land were searchedon foot on 1 December,1992: a) from the junction of the Koorda-WyalkatchemRoad and Clifford Road, 1 lan eastalong the narrow strip of remlant vegetationon the southernside of Clifford Road. b) an area300m southof, and 50 metreseast-west from a point located some500 metres east of thejunction of theKoorda-Wyalkatchem Road and Ciifford Road. 20. c) contourbanks within 500msouth-east of the known individual of the speciesPityrodia scabra- - no populationsof Pityrodia scabra were locatedwithin theseareas during the search. g. A drive by searchfrom HoldsworthRoad some 10.5km south along the Koorda-WyalkatchemRoad to the Wyalkatchemtownsite was conductedon . 1 December1992. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 10. A drive by searchof the road verges14.6km along Williamson Road from the junction of the Koorda-WyalkatchemRoad to Water Reserve16913 was conductedon 2 December,1992. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 11. The followingareas within Water Reserve 16913 were examined on foot on 2 December.1992: a) four transectscovering an areato some300m north from the southern boundaryof the reserve. b) one transectin an east-westdirection at 600m north of thejunction of NembuddingRoad and Williamson Road. c) two gravel pits at the northernend and anotherin the south-eastern corner of the reserve. - no populationsof Pityrodia scabra were locatedwithin theseareas during the search. 12. A drive by searchof the road vergesalong Holdsworth Road from Lachman Road 5.5km west to the Koorda-WyalkatchemRoad was conductedon December2 1992. - no popuiationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 21. 13. With the kind permissionof the properry owner - Tom Hutchinson,the following areaswere searchedon foot on December2 7992: a) the north-easternportion of Crown Grant 17130 (east of Lachman Road)to within approximately500m of the southemboundary of the land parceladjacent to Reserve15868 was examinedthrough a series of east-westtransects for the width of the remnant(width varied from 250m in the northernend to 750m in the southernend). Transects were iocated25 to 50 metresapart, depending on the similadty of the vegetationwith that found with the known individualsof Pityrodia scabra.The southernportion of the site was consideredtoo dissimilar in vegetationcommunity type to that foundwith known populationsof Pityrodia scabraand was not surveyed. "disturbed b) a remnant", which had been cleared some 20 years previously,from the junction of Turner Road and Lachlan Roadsto 750 metreseast and 300 metressouth was examinedon 2 December, 1992through a seriesof north-southtransects located 50 metresapart. - no populationsof Piryrodiascabra were locatedwithin these areas during the search. 74. A drive by searchof theroad verges on CowcowingWest Road from Jennings Road to 4.95 km west fo WyalkatchemNorth Road was conductedon December2 1992. no populationsof Piryrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. t)_ A drive by survey of the road vergessouth along Chilman Road from the junction of CowcowingRoad West 5.35 km to the "T" junction at the southernend was conductedon 2 December1992. The few remnantspecies in part of this areawere indicativeof vegetationvery sirnilar to that which occurredwith the remainingplants of Pityrodia scabra. A more thorough searchwas therefore conducted on foot alongthe roadverge from thejunction of CowcowingWest Roadand Chilman Road to a point some300m southof this point. no popuiationsof Pityrodiascabra werc located within the areaduring the search. 16. A drive by surveyof the road vergeson WallambinRoad 2.0km eastfrom ChilmanRoad to the rail line was conductedon December1 1992. no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 11 The road verge 200m north along Chilman Road fiom n. iun.rion lf CowcowingWest Road was examined on foot asthe vegetationwas extremely similar to that which occurredwith the remainingindividuals of Pityrodia scabra.The remainderof the ChilmanRoad verge to 600mnorth of this point to the "T" Junctionat the northernend of the roadwas examinedby drive by survey. - no populationsof Pityrodia scabra were locatedwithin theseareas during the search. 18. A drive by searchof the roadverge on WilliamsonRoad from Water Reserve 16913,to the ConservationReserve (Crown Grant ? 13473) located 5.15km east of this reservewas conductedon December2, 1992. In addition, 6 north-southtransects to the width of the reserveand a currently excavated gravel pit on the southernboundary of the ConservationReserve were surveyedon foot. The vegetationand soil types found in the reservewere dissimilarto that found with the remainingindividuals of Pityrodia scabra. Therefore,a more thoroughsurvey was not deemednecessary. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 19. Reserve9570 on thewestern side of the "T" junctionat the northemend of ChilmanRoad was examinedon foot as the vegetationat the site very closely resembledthat found with the remaining individualsof Piryrodiascabra. In addition,an old gravelpit existedat this northernend and it was thoughtthat this disturbancemay increasethe possibilityof rhe Pityrodia propagatingat the site. Five east-westtransects 25 metres apart were surveyedon foot throughthe area. This reservemay prove suitablefor reintroductionof Pityrodia scabra. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. Permissionto enter farms in the immediatevicinity of the known Pityrodia scabra popuiationswas kindly grantedon 25 Januaryby Msrs O'dea,B. Jonesand K. Jones. 20. Reserve9570 (area 35ha) on the north-westcorner of thejunction of Chilman and Cowcowing West Roads was surveyedon foot through a series of east-westtransects ranging between 25m and 50m apart on 25 January1993. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. LJ. 21.. A drive by searchof the road verge on WyalkatchemNorth Road, from Chilman Road 4.2km north-eastto the railwav line was conductedon 25 January1992. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areadurhg the search. 22. A drive by searchof the westernside of the rail line from Wyalkatchem North Road some 4km north to Dukin West Road was conductedon 25 Jantary 1992. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 23. A drive by searchof the roadverges on Dukin West Road5.3km north-west . from the rail line to RemnantRoad was conductedon 25 January 1992. Reserve16867 on Dukin West Roadconsisted of salt lakesand salt affected land and was no! consideredsuitable for further studv. - no populationsof Piryrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 24. A drive by surveyof the roadverge on RemnantRoad 2.3km north-westfrom Dukin West Road to InmanRoad was conducted on 25 January1992. - nopopulalrons of Piryrodiascabra were located within the area during the search. 25. The remnant measuringapproximately 300m x 50m located immediately south-westof thejunction of Remnantand Inman Roads, consisting of Gravel Reservei9430 anda very smallnortherly portion of Crown Grant21658 was surveyedby three personson foot on 25 January1992. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search 26. A drive by searchof the roadverges on InmanRoad 1km north from Remnant Road to Reserve12754 was conductedon 25 lanuary 7992. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 27. A drive by searchof the roadverges on InmanRoad lkm north from Reserve 72154to Dowerin-KoordaRoad was conducted on 25 lanuary 1992. - no popuiationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 24. 28. A drive by searchof the road vergeson Inman Road 2.5km west from RemnantRoad was conductedon 25 January1,992 - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 29. A drive by searchof the road vergeson Dukin West Road5.7km west from Remlant Roadwas conductedon 25 January1992. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 30. A drive by searchof the easternside of the raii line 3 .8km southfrom Boyne Road was conductedon 25 lanuary1992. no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 31. A drive by searchof the road vergeson BoyneRoad 3km eastfrom the rail crossingto the Koorda-WyalkatchemRoad was conductedon 25 January 1992. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 32. Six north-southtransects across the unnamed water supply reserve (area 7031 squaremetres) on the south-eastemside of the junction of the railway and Boyne Roadswere surveyedon foot on 25 January1992. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 33. Six north-southtmnsects across the north-easternportion of Soil Conservation Reserve22983 on the north-westemside of thejunction of BoyneRoad and Koorda-WyaikatchemRoad were surveyedon foot on January1993. Parts of the reservecontained similar vegetation to that which occurredwith the known populationsof Pityrodia scabra and may prove suitable for reintroductionof thespecies. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were iocated within the areaduring the search. z). 3+. Six transectswere searchedon foot 50msouth of CowcowingWest Road and lkm westof JenningsRoad on CrownGrant 62 over an areaof approximately 100m(N-S)x 400m (E-W) on 25 January1993. The sitehad been deep ripped and replantedrelatively recently. no populationsof Piryrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 35. Six eas!-westtransects were searchedin Reserve 12154 (Reserve for Conservationof Flora and Fauna,located on Inman Road) on foot on 25 January1993. The south-westcorner measuring approximately 200m x200m containedvegetation very similar to that which occurred with the known populationsof Pityrodiascabra and was more thoroughlysurveyed. The site may offer suitablesites for reintroductionof the species.In addition the contourbanks immediately west of Reserve12154 on Crown Grant 12394 were surveyedon foot. no populationsof Piryrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 36. Six east-westtransects were searchedon foot on 26 January 1993 in the remnant on the south-westcorner of the junction of Boyne Road and the rail line. The siteis probablythe undevelopedDukin Townsiteand coversan area of approximately300m (N-S) x 400m (E-W). no populationsof Piryrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 37. Four east-westtransects were surveyedon foot on 26 January1993 in the rernnant located on private land on the eastern side of the Koorda- Wyalkatchem Road approximately400m south of the recently located Pityrodiascabra plant. The remnantmeasured approximately 200m (NE-SW) x 600m(SE-NW). no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 38. One transectwas surveyedon foot on 26 Janttary1993 1.2km west from a point locatedapproximately 3.2km north of WallambinRoad on the Koorda- WyalkatchemRoad. The remrantwas probabiy located between Crown Grant numbers62 and47 . Onetransect was surveyed east-west on foot in the small remnantmeasuring approximately 200m x 250mat a point 200m southof the westerlyend of this transect, no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. LO- 39. A seriesof transectsapproximately 50m apartwere surveyedon foot in an east-westdirection in the easternportion of Cowcowing Reserveon 26 January1993. The reserveconsists of CrownGmnts 3OI, 283 and284 andan areaof approximately700m x 700mwas searched.Vegetation and soilswere found to be very similar to those found with the known populationsof Pityrodia scabra andmay offer suitablesites for reintroduction. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 40. Five north-southtransects were surveyedon foot on 26 Jantary 1993 in Crown Grant 62 in an arealocated 1.45km west of JenningsRoad and 100m south of Cowcowing West Road. The transects covered an area of approximately100m x 150mwhich had beendeep ripped and plantedwith Tagasasterelatively recently. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 41. Six transectswere surveyedon foot in an east-westdirection in the northern half of Crown Grant 27| (land parcel located immediately north of Cowcowingsiding) on 26 January1993. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 42. A drive by searchof the roadverges on CookeEast Road 500m east from the junction of the Koorda-WyalkatchemRoad to a fence acrossthe road was conductedon 26 Januarv1993. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 43. A drive by searchof the vergeson LodgeRoad 4.9km eastfrom the Koorda- WyalkatchemRoad was conductedon 26 January1993. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 44. A drive by searchof the vergeson GreenRoad 500m north from l,odge Road was conductedon 26 Januarv1993. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. zt. 45. A drive by searchof the roadverges on GreenRoad 350m southfrom Lodge Road was conductedon 26 January1993. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 46. A drive by searchof the road vergeson Maher Road 1 km east from the Koorda-WyalkatchemRoad to GravelReserve 20874 was conductedon 26 January1993. - no populationsof Piryrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 47. A drive by searchthrough Gravel Reserve20874 was conductedon 26 January1993. The reservecovers an areaof approximately2 hectares. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 48. A driveby searchof theroad verges on MaherRoad 2.lkm eastfrom Gravel Reserve20874 to Crown Grants184 and 185 was conductedon 26 Januarv 1993. - no populationsof Piryrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 49. Six north-southtransects were conducted on foot immediatelysouti of Maher Road in the northernportion of Crown Grants184 and 185 which contained communitiesvery similar to that found with the known populationsof Pityrodia scabra. The communities examined covered an area of approximately500m (E-W) x 400m (N-S). - no populationsof. Pityrodia scabra were located within the areaduring the search. 50. A drive by searchof the road vergeson Maher Road 4.0km eastto Green Road from Crown Grants184 and 185was conductedon 26 Jamary 7993. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were iocated within the areaduring the search. 51. A drive by searchof the road vergeson GreenRoad lkm southfrom Maher Road was conductedon 26 January1993. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra werc located within the areaduring the search. 28. 52. A drive by searchof the roadverges on Maher Road400m eastfrom Green Road was conductedon 26 Januarv1993. - no populationsof Piryrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 53. A drive by searchof the roadverges on GreenRoad 2.2km north from Maher Road was conductedon 26 January1993. - no populationsof Plryrodia scabrawere locatedwithin the areaduring the search. 54. A drive by searchof the road vergeson CoopersRoad 4.2km west to BowmanRoad was conductedon 26 January1993 - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 55. A drive by searchof the road vergeson BowmanRoad 2.2km south from Coopersto Maher Road. - no populationsof Piryrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 56. A drive by searchof the road verge on Coopers Road 3km west from Bowman Road to the Koorda-WyalkatchemRoad was conductedon 26 January1993. - no populationsof Pityrodiascabra were located within the areaduring the search. 57. A drive by searchof the roadverges on theKoorda-Wyalkatchem Road south some20km from the Koordatown siteto Clifford Roadwas conducted on 27 January1993. - no populationsof Pityrodia scabra were locatedwithin the areaduring the search. )a 4.3.3 Summary of Findings on Pityrodia scabra One more plant of the speciesPityrodia scabra was locatedby E.M. Mattiske and Associatesin November1992, ona rail reservein closeproximity to someof the individualsof the specieswhich haddied in recentyears, see Appendix B. The plant wasprobably quite young andin a goodstate of health(see photograph in Appendix B). The site appearedto havebeen graded relatively recently, and wasonly 5 metres from an area along the rail line which was completelycleared oniy monthsearlier. The individual is located within the span of the DRF flags alongside the Koorda-WyalkatchemRoad, however,no flags occur on the rail reserve.The plant had just flowered and may provide some oppomrnity for experimentationwith propagationin the nearfuture, includingpossible manipulation of the sitesurrounding the area. Identificationof the plant hasbeen confirmed from photographsas this is the onJypossible method at this stage. 4.3.4 Recommendationsfor Pityrodiascabra The newly discoveredpiant is not protectedfrom possibledisturbance from grading, grazingor generalmaintenance operations. As the plant is locatedon the Westrail reserve,Westrail and any otherDepartments or individualslikely to disturbthe site, and the Local Shire Council should be informed of the need to avoid further disturbancein the area.The approximateposition of the plant shouldbe indicatedby emplacementof furtherDRF flagsalong the rail reserue.It may be necessaryto fence the plant from stock as the site is utilised by local farmers for stock movemeffs (K.Jones,pers comm). Recommendation1: That the newly discoveredplant be protectedby providing informationwith regardits approximatelocation and of the needto avoid disturbingthe site to al1reievant personnel. The plantshould also be providedphysical protection, by emplacementof further DRF flags and/orby fencing. The seedpresent on both the oiderand the newly discoveredplant offer opportunities for experimentingwith propagation.Given that the plant appearsto respondto disturbance,treatments could includegrading, scraping, digging or firing an areain close proximity to the existing plants and distributing seed, either prior to or following the disturbance,then ieavingtlre areaundisturbed for a period of time. In addition,piant propagationtrials and seedgermination trials shouldbe undertaken by scientistsfrom the Kings Park Board. 30. Areas which may prove suitablefor reintroductiondue to similarity of site and vegetationto those found with remainingindividuals of Pityrodia scabra are as follows: 1. Reserve9570 on the westernside of the "T"junction at the northern end of ChilmanRoad. 2. Reserve22983 on the north-westernside of the iunction of Bovne Roadand the Koorda-WyalkatchemRoad. 3. Reserve12154 on InmanRoad. Recomrnendation2: That personnelwith relevantexpertise be consultedwith regard to possible experimentationwith propagationof the availableseed. Suitableareas for reintroductionmay includeReserves 9570,22983 and 12154. In view of the lack of other populationsthis plant shouldbe monitoredtwice a year by botanistsfrom the Departmentof Conservationand Land Managementor other experienceConsultant botanists working in the area. Recommendation3: The populationof Pityrodiascabra shottldbe monitoredtwice a year and a brief report preparedfor Departmentalrecords, with a summaryof action neededas requiredto protectthis population. J -t. 5. LIST OF PARTICIPANTS PrincipalPlant Ecologist& Coordinator- Dr E M Mattiske SeniorBotanist - Mr M E Trudgen Mrs B Newby Mrs B L Koch Mr N E Casson Botanists/Biolosists- Mrs V J English MsAMGO'Connor Ms N J Keals Ms D E True 6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authorswould like to thankthe followingorganizations and individualsfor their assistancein this project. Departmentof Conservationand Land Managementfor the opportunityof assisting in this project and in particular: Dr K J Atkins Mr M Fitzgerald Mr K Wallace Officers of the ScientificLicence Branch StateHerbarium Staff Local Farmersand Residents for their cooperationduring field surveysin the Koorda- Wyalkatchemdistrict. Dr M Crisp - Division of Botanyand Zoology,School of Life Sciences,Faculty of Science,Australian National University, Canberra for his cooperation and taxonomicassistance in the work on Daviesiamicrocarpa. The geologists,mining personneland environmentalofficers in the Pilbara Region who gave up their time on weekendsto volunteer to assist in the search for populationsof L epidiumcatapycnon, namely - Tirn Andrews,Dave Shoebridge, Dave Williams, Neil Beckingham,Aian Vaseyand Trevor Mattiske -r" )L. 7. REFER.ENCES Departrnentof Consewation and Land Management(1992) "DeclaredRare and Priority Flora List". PublishedList by the Department of Conservationand Land lflanagement,Perth, WesternAustralia. Hewson,H.J. (1981) "The Genuslepidium L. (Brassicaceae)in Australia". Brunonia4: 217-3O8. Hopper,S.D., van Ireuwen, S., Brown,A.P. andPatrick, S.J. (1990) "Western Australia's EndangeredFlora and Other Plants under Consideration for Declaration". Publishedby the Deparnnentof Conservationand Land Management,W.A. Wildiife ResearchCentre, Wanneroo, Western Australia. A1. APPENDX A: Summary of Terms used in the Department of Conservationand Land Management "Declared Rare and Priority Flora List" for Western Australia (1992) Key Descriptions R: Declared Rare Flora - Extant Taxa Taxa which have been adequatelysearched for and are deemedto be in the wild either rare, in danger of extinction, or otherwise in need of special protection, and havebeen gazetted as such. X: Declared Rare Flora - PresumedExtinct Taxa which have not beencollected, or otherwiseverified, over the past 50 years despite extensive searching, or of which all known wild populationshave been destroyedmore recently, and havebeen gazetted as such. 1: Priority One - Poorly Known Taxa Taxa which are known from one or a few (generally <5) populations which are under threat, either due to small populationsize, or being on landsunder immediatethreat,e.g. road verges, urban areas, farmland, active mineralleases, etc., or the plantsare under threat, e.g. from disease,grazing by feral animals, etc. May include taxa with threatenedpopulations on protectedlands. Such taxa are underconsideration for declarationas 'rare flora', but are in urgentneed of further survey. ,. Priority Two - Poorly Known Taxa Taxa which are known from one or a few (generally (5) populations, at least someof which are not believedto be under immediatethreat (i.e. not currently endangered).Such taxa are under considerationfor declarationas 'rare flora', but are in urgentneed of further survey. hiority Three - Poorly Known Taxa Taxa which are known from severalpopulations, at least some of which are not believed to be under immediate threat (i.e. not currently endangered).Such taxa are under consideration for declarationas 'rare flora' but are in need of further survey. 4: Priority Four - Rare Taxa Taxa which are consideredto have been adequatelysurveyed and which whilst being rare (in Australia), are not currently threatened by any identifiable factors. Thesetaxa require monitoring every 5-10 years. APPENDD( B: Photographic Record of Declared Rare Species Location of Daviesia microcarpa, Norseman, November 1992 Photograph 2: Location of Daviesiamicrocarpa, Norseman, November 1992 82. APPENDIX B: PhotographicRecord of DeclaredRare Species ;--|l-:i Healthy Daviesiamicrocarpa, Norseman, November 1992 (in fruit) Closeup of fruit on Daviesiamicrocarpa, Norseman, Noyember t992 DJ. APPENDIX B: PhotographicRecord of DeclaredRare Species \\ ti:) Photograph5: of Daviesia microcarpa, Norseman, .ffiffi Photograph6: Recentdeath in one of the Daviesiamicrocarpa plants, Norseman 84. APPENDIX B: PhotographicRecord of DeclaredRare Species Catwalk near Wittenoom near of Lepidium catapycnon,November 1992 Stakeson northern fringes of track to protect Z epidiumcataplcnon I I 85. APPENDIX B: PhotographicRecord of DeclaredRare Species t I t I , *-' -T r.,l I I Lepidium catapJcnonbeing photographedby D True on southern T side of track in moundedsoil from earthworkson track I I I I I I I t -:' I Photograph10: Lepidium catapjcnon on edge of track on northern side I I I 86. APPENDIX B: PhotographicRecord of DeclaredRare Species I T I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I APPENDD( B: PhotographicRecord of DeclaredRare Species Mature Pityrodia scabra near Koorda, November 1992 Mature plant of Wrodia scabra near Koorda, Novernber 1992 Photograph15: Young plant of Pityrodiascabra near Koorda, November1992 PhotographicRecord of DeclaredRare Species Young plant of Pityroilia scabra near Koorda, November 1992