1
ANNEX 1
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
COLLABORATIVE SEED COLLECTION / RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP
Project Partners
Department of Infrastructure, Planning & Environment
Northern Territory Government
Australia
And
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Millennium Seed Bank Project
Wakehurst Place
Ardingly, West Sussex
United Kingdom
PROJECT MANAGER:
PROJECT SUPERVISION:
MSBP INTERNATIONAL CO-ORDINATOR:
2
David Albrecht & John Nightingale
Tony Bowland
Michiel Van Slageren
1.
PROJECT SYNOPSIS
The Project synopsis provides background information related to the development of
an international plant conservation partnership between the Department of
Infrastructure, Planning & Environment (“NT Government”), and the Royal Botanic
Gardens Kew Millennium Seed Bank Project (“MSBP”). It outlines the Project
purpose and outputs, summarises the major activities, and highlights the specific
benefit-sharing and capacity building components. The Project synopsis also defines
the context of the Project in relation to global, national and state legislation/strategies,
and considers collection priorities to pursue these mandates. Finally it summarises the
roles and responsibilities of the Partners and describes the required inputs needed for
the effective implementation and delivery of the Project.
The Project synopsis forms Annex 1 of the Access and Benefit-Sharing Agreement
between the Northern Territory Government of Australia (represented by the Minister
for Parks and Wildlife) and the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew,
United Kingdom (“RBG, Kew”).
1.1
BACKGROUND
Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment (NT Government) is a
Northern Territory Government Department with primary responsibility for the
conservation of the Northern Territory’s wildlife. NT Government is presently
involved in a number of specific conservation projects that align directly with the
aims of the MSBP, making it the logical partner for the MSBP. Current NT
Government projects include:





On-going collection and housing of Northern Territory plant specimens in the
Northern Territory Herbarium located at the Alice Springs Desert Park (ASDP)
and in Palmerston near Darwin.
Data entry and maintenance of the Herbarium database. Stored information relates
to specimen location, habitat, abundance, habit, and reproductive state. The
process of identifying target species for conservation work is facilitated by access
to the specimen data;
Development and maintenance of a vascular plant checklist for the Northern
Territory that provides up-to-date information on species localities and their
taxonomic and conservation status;
Operation of ASDP which displays a range of broad arid Northern Territory
habitat types and the George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens (GBDBG) which
displays significant habitat types of the Top End and is developing the
International Cycad Garden. Staff at these institutions have been involved in
various research projects (including student honours programmes), some of which
have involved seed longevity and germination work. Seed collection, storage and
administration is integral to the running of both parks and as such, staff are well
versed in general seed storage procedure;
Establishment of a species fire response database as part of the broader
Commonwealth and Territory funded Desert Knowledge Australia programme
(http://www.desertknowledge.com.au/);
3







Establishment of a species’ ecological traits database that includes information
relating to plant growth form, life history, dispersal mode, phenology, and stress
responses. Information relating to seed biology gained from the proposed project
would feed directly into this database;
Development of an interactive taxonomic key for the MacDonnell Ranges
Bioregion representing the first stage of a revision of the entire arid Northern
Territory flora. Herbarium specimens and live material from the ASDP nursery
and plantings are used for the purposes of recording plant attributes for the key;
Development of the Flora of the Darwin Region which is an identification guide to
the Flora of the NW Top End. Herbarium specimens and live material from the
GBDBG plantings are used for the purposes of recording plant attributes for the
flora;
Development of Bioregional Conservation Strategies that aim to ensure that the
species, ecosystems and ecological processes in the Northern Territory areas are
adequately conserved;
Development of new Northern Territory-wide conservation master plan that seeks
to take account of on- and off- park conservation priorities including those
identified by indigenous people of being of cultural/economic importance;
Single-species studies on various rare or threatened plants; and
Development of National recovery plans and Northern Territory wide
management plans for threatened plant species.
The Millennium Seed Bank Project is a 10-year global plant conservation initiative
managed by the Seed Conservation Department at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew,
in the United Kingdom. Bilateral research, training, and capacity building
relationships are supported at an international level in order to advance the
conservation of wild plant species. The MSBP aims to collect and undertake longterm seed storage from 10% of the world’s seed bearing flora (primarily in arid and
semi-arid regions) by 2010.
In Australia there are already MSBP partnerships successfully operating within
Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. Discussions
on similar partnerships are in progress between Kew and plant conservation
groups/agencies in Victoria and Tasmania. It therefore seems timely to develop this
Partnership between Kew and the NT Government addressing plant conservation
through an expanded seed collecting program and developing improved long-term
seed management and storage protocols for the Northern Territory’s threatened and
priority plant species.
A six-year collaborative program to strengthen and expand the existing ex situ seed
conservation and research program in the Northern Territory has been developed (the
“Project”). The Project will have a duration of six (6) years commencing from the
date of signing of the Access and Benefit-Sharing Agreement. The project will be
based in Alice Springs at the State Herbarium (“NT”)/ASDP precinct for the
following reasons: basic facilities and equipment are available; staff has a strong
interest in seed biology research, seed curation and storage, and ease of access to the
NT arid and semi-arid flora. Field work in the Top-end will operate out of the State
Herbarium in Darwin (“DNA”) and make use of the facilities offered there.
4
1.2
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
1.2.1. Project Goal
The Goal of the Project is the development of an effective ex situ conservation
program for plant biodiversity in the Northern Territory co-ordinated by the
Department of Infrastructure, Planning & Environment (“NT Government”).
1.2.2 Project purpose
To support plant conservation in the Northern Territory with complementing in situ
plant conservation activities by establishing a program of increased seed collection for
targeted species, and undertaking research to understand the germination and longterm storage requirements for seed of collected species.
1.2.3. Project outputs
The Project purpose will be addressed through the delivery of three Project
outputs:
1. The establishment of a verified and well-documented collection of seed of wild
native species from the Northern Territory based at the ASDP Seed Bank and, in
parallel, at the Kew Seed Bank. These collections will include taxa with a
threatened status, data deficient taxa, taxa of least concern both reserved and nonreserved and will include endemic, common species under threat, and
economically important plant species to safe guard them against extinction if
species disappear in the wild.
2
The development of a research programme that will further our understanding of
aspects of the seed biology of various Northern Territory plant species. The lack
of detailed species-level biological research currently poses one of the greatest
impediments to the proper management of the Northern Territory flora. Research
efforts should focus on aspects of seed dormancy, longevity, dispersal,
germination, emergence and establishment. Further research is also required into
seed storage behaviour. The Project will provide opportunities to establish
stronger research collaboration links and partnerships with other Australian
institutions, such as Kings Park Botanic Gardens, Perth and a variety of
international seed research institutions.
3
The creation of opportunities for staff training and development to strengthen the
capacity of NT Government to carry out the Project goal. The Project will
provide NT Government with opportunities for training in seed biology
techniques. Capacity building will also include the acquisition of new equipment
where required.
1.2.4. Project activities
These Project outputs will be delivered through the implementation of activities
including:
5
a.
b.
c.
Recruitment of a seed curator/biologist by the NT Government;
Procurement of relevant equipment for cleaning, testing and storing seed;
Collection of vouchered seed accessions based on the tentative species
prioritisation outlined in this document. Seeds of priority plant species will
be collected in an ecologically sustainable way, consistent with Action 1.9.3
of the National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological
Diversity;
d. Allocation of collected seed and herbarium vouchers to RBG Kew and
ASDP seed bank/herbarium;
e. Conducting pre-storage seed germination tests on collected accessions to
determine viability and facilitate long-term storage;
f. Conducting research experiments to determine whether and the type of
dormancy mechanisms present in seeds; develop methods to overcome
dormancy issues in species identified as being difficult to germinate; develop
methods to optimise maintenance of viability after storage; and to assess the
effect of seed treatments on germination and seedling vigour in laboratory
(and field conditions where practical);
g. The implementation of an efficient monitoring program to determine the
effect of storage conditions on long-term conservation collections;
h. Engage two post graduate students to undertake specific seed biology
projects;
i. sharing seed viability, germination and verification results carried out on
material at both NT Government and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew;
j. The establishment of a network of regional volunteers in the Northern
Territory to assist in monitoring fruiting phenology and seed collection;
k. Conducting seed techniques training workshops for regional staff and
volunteers;
l. Continued training of NT Government technical staff in seed conservation
techniques through formal courses and research attachments at the
Millennium Seed Bank in the United Kingdom;
m. Dissemination of data generated during the Project, by attending
conferences, by publication of articles in peer reviewed journals and by
electronic means.
1.3
BENEFIT-SHARING
NT Government and Kew have agreed on the following benefit-sharing activities:
1.3.1 Personnel
While the NT Government employs staff with expertise in a range of plant taxonomic
and ecological fields, the organisation does not currently employ a qualified seed
curator/biologist. It is for this reason that the NT Government is proposing the
establishment of a new professional level position (“P”) to be funded by MSBP for a
period of six years. The NT Government is currently exploring options to engage a
traditional ecologist to address the documentation of traditional knowledge about
native plant species, including information relevant to the MSB project. An
Aboriginal apprentice would be associated with the seed curator/biologist and
traditional ecologist positions.
6
It is envisaged that staff training would constitute a considerable aspect of the seed
curator/biologist’s work brief. The NT Government staff (mainly associated with
ASDP and the Northern Territory State Herbarium) would provide technical support
for this position. Time will be spent in the Herbarium in Darwin to facilitate access to
Top End flora and local expertise.
Academic training will be undertaken jointly by Universities and the NT Government
where Postgraduate research opportunities are to be made available through the
appropriate faculty.
The Department’s Regional Manager, Dr Tony Bowland would undertake project
supervision.
1.3.2. Equipment
The NT Government is quite well equipped in terms of basic seed research facilities,
all of which would be made available for the joint NT Government/Kew project.
Facilities include:
 glass houses;
 incubation cabinets;
 ovens;
 seed processing equipment;
 field equipment, including a 4WD vehicle;
 a 'Dry Room' will be constructed during the second year of the project.
For its part, the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew will finance the purchase of relevant
equipment for the Project:
 One non-destructive equilibrium relative humidity meter;
 Two -18C freezers;
 One zig-zag aspirator seed blower;
 Two small incubators.
This equipment will remain the property of the NT Government at the conclusion of
the Project.
1.3.3. Research funding
In addition to the funding sought to employ a seed curator/biologist, the NT
Government also requests that funds be made available for the acquisition of
collecting and laboratory materials and for field allowances.
Funding would be required for Postgraduate training. Students registered with
Universities will be based at the Herbarium/ASDP precinct.
1.3.4. Collaborative seed science research
The activities undertaken as part of the proposed research partnership between Kew
Gardens and NT Government would align directly with the two stated themes of the
7
MSBP seed science programme: Seed quality and the environment; and Preservation
of seed biodiversity. The overall goal of this proposed research is to progress our
understanding of the seed biology of the NT flora such that progress is made towards
the removal of barriers to seed use and the maximization of seed storage potential. It
is envisaged that this progress will in turn increase the success of plant restoration and
recovery programmes in the NT. The work would also have direct implications for the
development of vegetation management strategies in the NT, especially in relation to
fire use and the amelioration of threatening processes such as weed invasion.
Theme 1: Seed quality and the environment
Eight different avenues of research would be carried out under the Seed quality and
the environment theme. Together these different facets seek to address the main
aspects of seed biology in relation to environmental constraints and processes in the
NT context.
1.1
Development of effective methods for overcoming seed dormancy (Research
Leader: Seed Curator/Biologist)
Given that the ultimate goal of seed banking is to provide seeds for plant recruitment
in conservation and other plant production pursuits, it is imperative that effective
methods for overcoming dormancy in banked and soil-stored seed be developed.
Research carried out would seek to develop solutions to germination and dormancy
problems in the NT flora. This would involve the use of a factorially designed
experimental approach to determine the role of individual germination cues and their
interactions. The approach taken would follow standard Kew Gardens’ procedure
involving the initial application of dormancy breaking factors that would most likely
resemble the environmental conditions that trigger germination in a species’ natural
setting. For example, species from fire-prone environments would be subjected to
various combinations of heat shock, smoke and scarification treatments by way of
mimicking the effects of natural fire events. Alternating diurnal temperature regimes
of 25/100C and 35/200C for temperate and tropical species respectively (as per Kew
Gardens’ standard procedure) would be applied as part of the initial screening process.
Through this process, seeds possessing complicated dormancy (thereby preventing
their efficient use) would be isolated, and where appropriate (e.g. threatened species,
NT endemics, key representative species etc), would be subjected to a greater range of
potential germination cues. Germination success for a representative selection of the
NT flora would be also be tested under a variety of diurnal temperature regimes and
light and humidity conditions in an effort to ascertain optimum conditions for
dormancy breaking. This information will have particular relevance to the
consideration of future plant distributions in relation to
threatening processes such as weed invasion, inappropriate levels of firing, and
climatic change.
1.2
Dormancy type classification of Northern Territory seeds (Research Leader:
Seed Curator/Biologist)
Baskin and Baskin (2003) identify seed dormancy (in particular physiological
dormancy) as a major problem for plant restoration ecology. An understanding of the
types of dormancy present across the range of focal species is therefore regarded as an
essential component of this proposed seed biology research. Accordingly, results from
the germination research undertaken as part of this programme (see section 1.1) would
8
be used in development of a classification of the NT flora on the basis of dormancy
type using the existing schemes of Nikolaeva (1969, 1977) and Baskin and Baskin
(1998). This would involve the initial division of the NT flora according to whether
seeds exhibit exogenous or endogenous dormancy. These groups would then be
further divided on the basis of dormancy subtypes (e.g. physiological, morphological,
physical etc) and levels within these subtypes. Further dormancy work would enable
the identification of species with primary dormancy (dormancy acquired during seed
development and maturation) or secondary dormancy capacity (where seeds re-enter
dormancy when conditions are unfavourable for germination or survival success), as
well as of those exhibiting conditional dormancy (where germination only occurs over
a limited range of conditions).
1.3
Viability testing (Research Leader: Seed Curator/Biologist)
The development of the most effective methodology for breaking seed dormancy also
has direct ramifications for viability testing in that low germination success due to the
application of inappropriate cues can lead to an underestimate of the viability of a
batch and its subsequent inefficient use. In line with Kew Gardens’s procedure,
viability tests using the most effective dormancy breaking mechanisms in concert with
standard Tetrazolium tests would be carried out at the ASDP at the start of the storage
process and every ten years thereafter by way of monitoring the efficacy of storage
procedures.
1.4
Soil seed bank studies (Research Leaders: Albrecht, Nano, and University
researchers – extension of ongoing research)
While it is assumed that many of the NT’s plant species would have some form of a
persistent soil seed bank, very little is currently known regarding the nature and
dynamics of these in situ seed stores. Such information (especially as it relates to
variation in seed bank longevity) is considered of vital importance for the
management of fire sensitive species and of species confined to habitats worst
affected by highly suppressive environmental weeds such as Cenchrus ciliaris. While
it is possible to extrapolate to some degree from studies of the longevity of ex situ
stores (see section 1.3), research should also focus on the behaviour of seeds in their
natural setting given the potential for variable survival rates under differing
conditions. It is proposed therefore, that research involving seed bank half-life
experiments be undertaken to address these issues.
1.5
Classification of species according to their principal dispersal agent (PDA)
(Research Leaders: Albrecht, Seed Curator/Biologist – ongoing project to
enhance database)
The fate of sown seeds used in conservation programmes is determined not only by
environmental constraints on germination and establishment, but also by their mode
of dispersal. Relationships between plants and animals are often most complex given
that while at times seed removal may provide a reproductive advantage through
dispersal and/or dormancy breaking, it may otherwise merely constitute seed theft.
Likewise, the influence of wind and water on seed fate must also be taken into
account in seed sowing programmes to ensure effective population establishment. It is
intended therefore that this research would also focus on this aspect of seed biology in
an effort to further facilitate the success of future seed use projects. Information
relating to seed dispersal will be collated according to i) the mechanism that accounts
for the majority of seed dispersal (the principal dispersal agent or PDA) and ii)
9
morphological features of the seed or diaspore that facilitate dispersal. The five
categories used in the Seed Information Database (SID), would be adopted for the
construction of the PDA database, these being:
Animal (zoochory)
Wind (anemochory)
Water (hydrochory)
Methods originating from the parent plant or diaspore (autochory)
Unassisted (Barochory)
Dispersal prevented (atelochory, antitelochory).
The classification of dispersal-related morphological attributes used in the NT plant
attribute database will be used in this research programme. These attribute classes are:
Lacking features
Wings/papery pods
Awns/bristles/spines
Boyancy
Fleshy
Elaiosomes/arils
Adhesive
All dispersal data compiled in this research programme will also be submitted to Kew
for inclusion in SID.
1.6
Documentation of morphological seed features for a range of species
(Research Leaders: Albrecht, Seed Curator/Biologist – ongoing project to
enhance database)
Existing gaps in the documentation of morphological seed features would be
addressed by this research programme through the development of a seed image
library and descriptive accounts. This data-set would then be merged with existing
databases associated with the MSBP and made readily available for further seed
research. The information would also be incorporated into taxonomic keys and plant
descriptions which are currently being developed by the NT herbarium.
1.7
Documentation of Indigenous knowledge of seed biology and uses (Research
Leaders: Nano, Traditional Ecologist, Park Anthropologist- ongoing)
The NT Government is currently working towards the full-time employment of a
traditional ecologist by way of ensuring that indigenous knowledge is properly
incorporated into the MSBP research programme. Information relating to phenology,
threatening processes, and medicinal and nutritional plant use will be captured in database form, and through proper channels of negotiation, would be made accessible to
indigenous communities and the wider public.
1.8
Determination of plant functional groups (Research Leaders: Nano, Albrecht,
and Kings Park – ongoing)
Research effort would also be directed towards an investigation of plant attribute
relationships with the ultimate aim of producing a functional group classification of
10
the NT flora. This is widely considered the best means of dealing with the seed
response patterns of a large and diverse flora. While in the main, species would be
scored against the characters used in the newly developed NT flora Ecological
Attribute database, effort would also be made to ensure that the data are compatible
with those provided in SID (e.g. species would be classified according to the
Raunkiaer life form scheme). Ultimately this exercise would seek to relate seed
biology characters such as dormancy type, seed size, and germination cues to life
form, root/shoot allocations, regeneration strategy, habitat type, and to external
environmental conditions and disturbance factors. Particular emphasis would be
placed on the elucidation of patterns in relation to latitudinal gradients in the NT and
climatic clines in arid Australia (the latter in collaboration with interstate colleagues).
Suggested student projects:
A.
Seed dormancy, germination requirements and seed bank dynamics in a group
of threatened central Australian acacias.
Species involved
This research programme covers a group of four threatened acacias, each with small,
disjunct populations in arid Australia. The species are: Acacia latzii, Acacia peuce,
Acacia pickardii and Acacia undoolyana (Leguminosae-Mimosoideae). All species
are endemic to Australia and have a global and national conservation status of
Vulnerable under the EPBC Act 1999.
Threats
The occurrence of a species as a series of small, disjunct populations presents a
number of inherent threats to its long-term persistence because of the increased
likelihood of extinction through stochastic disturbance events, inbreeding and
minimal seed output. Additional threats in the case of these species relate to
inappropriate fire regimes, weed invasion of critical habitat and pressure from
introduced herbivores.
Project justification and outline
Detailed ecological research is a prerequisite for the proper management of each of
these vulnerable species. This research project is designed to assist the formulation of
species management strategies especially in relation to fire use and the amelioration
of threatening processes such as weed invasion. Two avenues of research are
proposed:
1. Seed dormancy and germination requirements. Given that populations of each of
the species currently require some form of active management, it is imperative that
dormancy-breaking requirements of soil-stored seed, especially in relation to fire,
critical climatic factors, and resource availability be properly understood. So that this
goal may be achieved, research carried out as part of this project should seek to
identify cues and thresholds for seed dormancy and germination in each of these
threatened species.
2. Soil seed bank studies. While it is assumed that each of these five threatened
species would have some form of a persistent soil seed bank, very little is currently
known regarding the nature and dynamics of these in situ seed stores. Such
information (especially as it relates to variation in seed bank longevity) is considered
of vital importance for the management of fire sensitive species and of species
occurring in habitats affected by the highly suppressive environmental weed Cenchrus
ciliaris.
11
B.
Seed biology of species in Buffel Grass-threatened communities
Project justification
The introduced perennial grass Cenchrus ciliaris (Buffel Grass) is having a profound
ecological impact on a range of plant communities in central Australia. Those
communities at greatest risk occur along drainage corridors and on floodplains, and on
rises, hills and ranges with high pH and/or fertile soils. In suitable habitat Buffel
Grass can dominate the understorey, significantly impacting on native species
diversity through:
1. competition for resources
2. rendering vegetation more flammable and at greater risk of local species extinctions
due to hotter, more frequent fires, and
3. (possibly) allelopathy
Small scale control of Buffel Grass at various locations near Alice Springs has shown
that to varying degrees a viable soil-stored seed bank of native species still exists
under dense Buffel Grass infestations. Gaining a better understanding of the relative
persistence of seed banks, germination cues and heat thresholds for a range of species
occurring in Buffel Grass threatened communities will assist in formulating
management regimes for maximising native species persistence.
Project outline
Several avenues of research are proposed:
1. Soil seed bank studies. Investigate the abundance and distribution of viable and
non-viable soil stored propagules in areas with differing Buffel Grass density. Identify
those species that lack a soil-stored seed bank or have low levels of viable soil-stored
seed that may require re-colonisation from adjacent Buffel-free areas.
2. Seed longevity studies. Using a seed burial methodology, investigate seed longevity
for a range of species occurring in Buffel Grass-threatened communities.
3. Germination cues. Investigate germination cues for a range of species occurring in
Buffel Grass-threatened communities. A dense Buffel Grass may be producing a
shading effect; light will also be tested as a treatment.
4. Heat thresholds. As Buffel Grass fires are hotter than fires occurring in areas
dominated by short-lived native grasses, the seed of some native species may not be
able to tolerate temperatures generated in Buffel Grass fires. The issue of heat
thresholds will be investigated by heating seeds in an oven at various temperatures
and durations. Treated seed will be sown to determine mortality rates.
5. Allelopathy. Investigate effect of Buffel Grass leaf and root extracts on the
germination of a range of species occurring in Buffel Grass-threatened communities.
6. Seedling emergence and early seedling survival. In the field, study the emergence
and survival of seedlings from a range of species in areas with differing Buffel Grass
density. Amount and timing of rainfall are factors that will be taken into account in
the design of this aspect of research.
Theme 2: The ex situ preservation of NT seed biodiversity
The goal of the project is the development of an effective ex situ conservation
program for plant biodiversity in the NT. This goal would be met through the
establishment at the ASDP Seed Bank and, in parallel, at the Kew Seed Bank at RBG
Kew of a verified and well-documented seed collection of wild native species from
the Northern Territory. The proper management of both these collections such that
they both remain effective, requires that research into seed storage behaviour i.e. seed
longevity and viability loss, be undertaken.
12
Standard collecting and processing methods would be applied to both collections.
There is the requirement therefore, that testing be carried out to assess seed storage
behaviour under the differing conditions. For the duplicate Kew collection, an
assessment of seed desiccation tolerance to 15% relative humidity and ability to
withstand freezing to -20 0C (requirements for banking as part of the MSBP) would
need to be conducted. This research would provide the basis for the classification of
seeds as Orthodox, Recalcitrant or Intermediate as per the scheme used by Kew
Gardens and would thereby isolate those species that cannot be stored using
conventional seed banking techniques Other related research might also be carried out
to assist the development of the most effective short term storage methodology for the
ASDP collection. The development of an efficient viability monitoring methodology
would be useful for the management of the ASDP collection.
More detailed storage experimentation might additionally be undertaken as part of this
research programme. These could involve drying seeds down to different moisture
contents, storing them at various temperatures and monitoring viability and longevity.
In addition to being of direct relevance to the management of the banked seeds, this
information, through its inclusion in SID, would also serve to direct further seed
science studies.
Seedlings of threatened species produced during standard germination tests and
research projects could be planted out at the ASDP and GBDBG as part of their exsitu conservation program.
1.3.5. Seed collection costs
Kew will finance field costs associated with NT Government technical staff in
accordance with the budget set out below (Table 2).
1.4
PROJECT CONTEXT AND RATIONALE
The 2002 delegates at the Sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) agreed to a Global Strategy for Plant
Conservation (GSPC). The strategy is binding for all signatories to the CBD,
including Australia. The GSPC comprises sixteen targets to be achieved by 2010,
with each target specifically designed to guide and measure the conservation of
threatened plant species and ecosystems. The Project is directly consistent with
Target 8 of the GSPC:
“60 per cent of threatened plant species in accessible ex situ collections,
preferably in the country of origin, and 10 per cent of them included in recovery and
restoration programs”.
Storage of seed (or seed banking) is arguably the most efficient and effective means
of ex situ plant conservation, and as such, seed banking is recognised as a vital
component of the integrated conservation strategies designed to counter the loss of
plant genetic diversity within Australia (Touchell et al., 1997). The Partnership
provides the NT Government with an opportunity to enhance its capacity to
effectively conserve the Northern Territory’s threatened and priority plant species, as
13
well as being at the forefront of activities within Australia to contribute to the ex situ
conservation targets set by the GSPC.
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 was ratified
to enhance Australia’s capacity to conserve its biodiversity. The Project will
contribute directly to the requirements of the Act as described in Section 3,
Subsection 2e:
“Protecting native species and in particular prevent the extinction, and
promote the recovery of threatened species…”
and
“…promotion of off-reserve conservation measures”.
The Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2000 supports this at a jurisdiction
level, with specific reference to Sections 28, 29, 30 that classify the Northern
Territory’s endangered, vulnerable and rare plant species.
The Project has also been closely aligned with one of the primary goals in the
National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological Diversity. That
is:
“There is a pressing need to strengthen the current activities and improve
policies, practices and attitudes to achieve conservation and sustainable use of
biological diversity.”
More specifically the Project outputs and activities directly address the actions
described in Objective 1.9 (ex situ conservation) of the National Strategy for the
Conservation of Australia’s Biological Diversity:
“To complement in situ measures, establish and maintain facilities for ex situ
research into and conservation of plants, animals and micro-organisms, particularly
those identified by action taken in accordance with Objective 1.1”.
Furthermore, to facilitate Objective 1.2 (bioregional planning and management) of
the National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological Diversity:
“Manage biological diversity on a regional basis, using natural boundaries to
facilitate the integration of conservation and production-oriented management”,
Finally, as a signatory to the CBD, Australia recognises its responsibility to develop
frameworks for access to and utilisation of genetic resources. In response to this, the
Nationally Consistent Approach for Access to and the Utilisation of Australia’s
Native Genetic and Biochemical Resources was developed and endorsed in 2002.
The Nationally Consistent Approach reiterates Australia’s commitment to work with
stakeholders to provide ecologically sustainable access to biota. The Project has been
developed to be consistent with the following Objectives of the Nationally Consistent
Approach:
14
“facilitate continued access for non-commercial scientific research,
particularly taxonomic research”,
and
“ensure that the collection of native biological material is undertaken in an
ecologically sustainable and ethical way”.
1.5
TARGETS AND COLLECTION CRITERIA
The landscape of the NT encompasses a great range of habitat types. Rainfall
seasonality within the region is related to latitude, with areas north of Alice Springs
receiving summer rainfall and areas south of Alice Springs receiving both winter and
summer rainfall. The occurrence of winter and summer rainfall within the arid region
has allowed the development of a flora that includes arid-temperate and arid-tropical
elements. The climate of the Top End is Monsoonal with all rainfall occurring
between October and May.
The NT flora contains some 4200 taxa, 635 of which are endemic. Included are
representatives of as many as 198 indigenous plant families, reflecting the wide range
of habitat types and climatic diversity throughout the region. Families with the
greatest representation include Poaceae (628 spp.), Cyperaceae (307 spp.),
Leguminosae (including subfamilies Caesalpinioideae 71 spp., Papilionoideae 444
spp., and Mimosoideae 273 spp.), Myrtaceae (248 spp.) and Asteraceae (248 spp.).
The NT flora is noteworthy in that it is largely intact with no known extinctions
having taken place in recent times. This is in large part due to the fact that unlike
many other regions throughout Australia (e.g. the West Australian wheat belt), the NT
has not experienced large-scale habitat loss through land clearing. The situation
therefore, offers somewhat of a unique opportunity to sample an intact flora prior to
any significant loss of genetic variability.
While the flora of the NT is currently intact, various threatening processes are in
operation, which in the long term, may result in plant extinctions. Pressures on the
flora arise through habitat degradation as a result of grazing, weed infestation and
inappropriate fire regimes. Some horticultural development has also recently been
established – the consequences of which are currently unknown. Given this likelihood
of future degradation of the NT’s flora, we regard that this is an extremely opportune
time for seed research and conservation.
1.5.1 Targets
The flora of the Northern Territories is comprised of approximately 4200 vascular
taxa. Presently, 73 taxa are listed as threatened (critically endangered, endangered or
vulnerable) under Commonwealth and / or Territory Legislation (Table 1), 694 are
poorly known, with a further 404 considered to be rare or at risk in the wild if no
actions are taken to secure their future.
Each year it is proposed to undertake collections from at least 92 species, totalling a
minimum of 550 species new to the collections at the Kew Seed Bank by the end of
the Project. During the early stages of the Project an annotated target species
collection list will be compiled.
15
1.5.2. Collection criteria
Northern Territory plant species have been tentatively prioritized for seed collection
and research according to the following six criteria
1. Endemic species
Six hundred and thirty-five species are endemic to the NT. Approximately 87% of the
NT endemics occur in the northern half of the Territory. As these species are unique
to the NT they are an obvious focus for this project.
2. Threatened, near threatened and data deficient species
The flora of the NT is characterised by a large number (476) of threatened (critically
endangered, endangered, and vulnerable) and rare plant species (near threatened).
Management of this group of species is particularly difficult, not least because most
occur as small disjunct populations, but also because so little is known with regard to
their habitat and life history requirements. It is expected that information relating to
the seed biology of many of these threatened species will therefore greatly enhance
appropriate management practice.
Seventy-three NT species are listed as threatened according to IUCN criteria mainly
in recognition of their vulnerability as small, isolated populations with restricted
ranges (Table 1). Many of these species (43%) are endemic to the NT and as such
they require the focus of local conservation bodies such as NT Government. Species
recovery plans are currently being developed for some of the NT’s threatened flora
and information generated from the joint NT Government/MSB project will
contribute to the implementation of recovery actions.
As many as 680 NT species are classified as ‘data deficient’, reflecting the lack of
records and knowledge with regard to their distribution, biology and conservation
status. It is expected that substantial amounts of information will be obtained for
populations of many of these species as a ‘spin off’ from seed collecting trips as part
of the joint NT Government/MSB project.
3. Species restricted to habitats where the threat of weed invasion and other forms of
land degradation are greatest.
Certain species, though not presently regarded as threatened, are currently subject to
pressures, which will ultimately lessen their chances of persistence in the wild. Of
greatest concern are those species that are restricted to habitats (e.g. alluvial flood
plains) that are currently worst affected by the invasion of the highly competitive
perennial grass species Cenchrus ciliaris. Evidence suggests that this exotic species
successfully suppresses the emergence of less competitive native species. Species
with short-lived seed banks (many of which would exhibit physiological dormancy)
will require the greatest research focus.
4. Representative range of functional traits
Research work should take account of the range of functional traits present in the NT
flora. The selection of study species should therefore reflect the range of seed sizes,
taxonomic groups, growth-forms, life histories and dispersal modes. Information
obtained from this research will be fed into an existing ecological traits database
16
developed by the NT Herbarium staff. Data generated will ultimately allow for the
creation of a functional group classification of the NT’s flora. This classification will
in turn facilitate predictions for distributional shifts on local and regional scales in
relation to threatening processes such as inappropriate fire and grazing regimes, weed
invasion, and climate change. The determination of group-level factors such as
germination cues and seed longevity will also be of value in mine site rehabilitation
work and horticultural pursuits.
5. Poorly reserved species
The widely acknowledged bias towards the inclusion of unproductive mountainous
country in the Northern Territory parks estate means that many of the NT’s plant
species are currently unreserved. This is of particular concern given the lack of proper
fire and weed management in many areas outside of the reserve system. The proposed
NT Government/MSB project would therefore provide an ideal opportunity for the ex
situ conservation of many species in this category.
6. Species of economic / cultural importance to indigenous Australians
Plants of economic and cultural value to Aboriginal people are well documented and a
strong plant use knowledge base still exists within the indigenous communities
situated throughout the NT. This provides for a good opportunity to identify and
conserve species that are of importance to Aboriginal people that do not otherwise
meet any of the priority criteria outlined above. Because of their economic value,
certain species such as Quandong (Santalum acuminatum) are subject to considerable
harvest pressure and as such may warrant particular research and conservation
attention.
1.6
PROJECT ADMINISTRATION
The Project shall be co-ordinated in the Northern Territory by the NT Government
Regional Manager and by one of the International Program Co-ordinators for
Australia at the Seed Conservation Department, Kew.
Funds will be disbursed annually to NT Government via electronic transfer in
Australian dollars to a designated account on the basis of annual plans and reports
drawn up between the Partners. Formal reporting will be on an annual basis.
1.7
PROJECT RESOURCES
To undertake the proposed activities, the Partners have agreed a detailed budget, set in
Table 2.
NT Government will provide appropriate administrative and managerial support to
successfully implement the project.
Kew will provide appropriate administrative support for the co-ordination of seed
duplication, project reporting, financial disbursement and the logistics of visits by NT
Government staff to Kew in the United Kingdom.
17
1.8
ACCESS TO NORTHERN
RESOURCES - PIC
TERRITORY
PLANT
GENETIC
The Northern Territory Government of Australia represented by the Minister for Parks
and Wildlife, and the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew have
entered into an Access and Benefit-Sharing Agreement. Through this agreement, the
Northern Territory Government of Australia, inter alia, gives its Prior Informed
Consent (PIC) and approval to the Probect in accordance with Article 15 of the CBD.
1.9
REFERENCES
Baskin, C.C. and Baskin, J.M. (1998). Seeds: Ecology, Biogeography, and Evolution
of Dormancy and Germination. Academic Press. 666 pp.
Baskin, C.C. and Baskin, J.M. (2003). Classification, Biogeography, and Phylogenetic
Relationships of Seed Dormancy. In: Smith, R.D. et al. (eds.) Seed Conservation
– turning science into practice. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Pp. 517-544.
Nikolaeva, M. (1969). Physiology of deep dormancy in seeds. Translated from the
Russian by Z. Shapiro. Published for the USA National science Foundation by
the Israel Program of Scientific Translations. Jerusalem, Israel, iv + 220 pp.
Nikolaeva, M. (1977). Factors controlling the seed dormancy pattern. In: Khan, A.A.
(ed.) The physiology and biochemistry of seed dormancy and germination. North
Holland, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Pp. 51-74.
Touchell, D.H., Richardson, M. and Dixon, K.W. (1997). Germplasm Conservation
Guidelines for Australia. Australian Network for Plant Conservation, Canberra.
Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992.
Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth).
Global Strategy for Plant Conservation, 2002.
Nationally Consistent Approach for Access to and the Utilisation of Australia’s
Native Genetic and Biochemical Resources, 2002.
Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2000.
National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological Diversity.
Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories, 1996.
18
Table 1. The threatened Northern Territory Flora including endemic and recalcitrant seed species (CR
= critically endangered; V = vulnerable; EN = endangered). Bolded taxa are non-flowering species.
Classification Endemic Recalcitrant
Taxon
ELAEOCARPACEAE Elaeocarpus miegei Weibe
CR
Endangered
ANNONACEAE Xylopia D30127 Melville Island
EN
ARACEAE Typhonium jonesii A.Hay
EN
ARACEAE Typhonium mirabile (A.Hay) A.Hay
EN
ARACEAE Typhonium taylori A.Hay
EN
ARECACEAE Ptychosperma macarthurii (H.Wendl. ex Veitch) H.Wendl. ex EN
Hook.f.
BURMANNIACEAE Burmannia D61177 Bathurst Island
EN
CLUSIACEAE Garcinia warrenii F.Muell.
EN
CYPERACEAE Baumea arthrophylla (Nees) Boeck.
EN
CYPERACEAE Bolboschoenus caldwellii (V.Cook.) Sojak
EN
ELAEOCARPACEAE Dubouzetia australiensis Coode
EN
HYMENOPHYLLACEAE Cephalomanes obscurum (Blume) K.Iwats.
EN
LAURACEAE Cryptocarya hypospodia F.Muell.
EN
LENTIBULARIACEAE Utricularia dunstaniae F.E.Lloyd
EN
LENTIBULARIACEAE Utricularia subulata L.
EN
MIMOSACEAE (Leguminosae – Mimosoideae) Acacia peuce F.Muell.
EN
ORCHIDACEAE Habenaria rumphii Lindl.
EN
ORCHIDACEAE Nervilia plicata (Andrews) Schltr.
EN
RUBIACEAE Tarennoidea wallichii (Hook.f.) Tirveng. & Sastre
EN
SAPINDACEAE Toechima D55598 East Alligator
EN
STERCULIACEAE Helicteres D2164 Glenluckie Ck
EN
Vulnerable
ADIANTACEAE Adiantum capillus-veneris L.
V
ANNONACEAE Mitrella D24710 Melville Is.
V
APIACEAE Actinotus schwarzii F.Muell.
V
APIACEAE Platysace saxatilis Keighery
V
ARECACEAE Livistona mariae F.Muell. subsp. mariae
V
ASCLEPIADACEAE Hoya australis R.Br. ex J.Traill subsp. oramicola V
P.I.Forst. & Liddle
ASTERACEAE Minuria tridens (D.A.Cooke) Lander
V
ASTERACEAE Olearia macdonnellensis D.A.Cooke
V
CONVOLVULACEAE Ipomoea A83192 Stirling
V
CUCURBITACEAE Mukia A90788 Tobermorey Station
V
CYCADACEAE Cycas armstrongii Miq.
V
CYPERACEAE Eleocharis papillosa Latz
V
CYPERACEAE Mapania macrocephala (Gaudich) K.Schum. in Warb.
V
DICHAPETALACEAE Dichapetalum timoriense (DC.) Boerl.
V
EUPHORBIACEAE Ricinocarpos gloria-medii J.H.Willis
V
FABACEAE Indigofera schultziana F.Muell.
V
GLEICHENIACEAE Gleichenia microphylla R.Br.
V
GLEICHENIACEAE Sticherus flabellatus (R.Br.) St.John var. compactus V
(C.T.White & Goy) D.A.Sm.
HERNANDIACEAE Hernandia nymphaeifolia (C.Presl.) Kubitzki
V
LAMIACEAE Wrixonia schultzii (F.Muell. ex Tate) Carrick
V
LAURACEAE Endiandra limnophila B.Hyland
V
LENTIBULARIACEAE Utricularia singeriana F.Muell.
V
19
Y
Y?
Y
Y
Y
Y
?
?
?
Y
Y
Y
Y
?
Y
Y?
Y
Y
Y
Y?
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Table 1 (continued). The threatened Northern Territory Flora including endemic and recalcitrant seed
species (CR = critically endangered; V = vulnerable; EN = endangered). Bolded taxa are non-flowering
species.
Taxon
MALVACEAE Alyogyne cravenii Fryxell
MALVACEAE Hibiscus brennanii Craven
MARATTIACEAE Angiopteris evecta (G.Forst.) Hoffm.
MELASTOMATACEAE Pternandra coerulescens Jack
MIMOSACEAE (Leguminosae – Mimosoideae) Acacia latzii Maslin
MIMOSACEAE (Leguminosae – Mimosoideae) Acacia pickardii Tindale
MIMOSACEAE (Leguminosae – Mimosoideae) Acacia praetermissa Tindale
MIMOSACEAE (Leguminosae – Mimosoideae) Acacia undoolyana G.J.Leach
MYOPORACEAE Eremophila A48866 Rainbow Valley
MYRTACEAE Lithomyrtus linariifolia N.Snow & Guymer
MYRTACEAE Thryptomene hexandra C.T.White
ORCHIDACEAE Calochilus caeruleus L.O.Williams
ORCHIDACEAE Luisia teretifolia Gaudich.
ORCHIDACEAE Malaxis latifolia Sm.
ORCHIDACEAE Malaxis marsupichila Upton
ORCHIDACEAE Thrixspermum congestum (Baill.) Dockrill
ORCHIDACEAE Zeuxine oblonga R.S.Rogers & C.T.White
PANDANACEAE Freycinetia excelsa F.Muell.
PANDANACEAE Freycinetia percostata Merr. & L.M.Perry
POACEAE Triodia D62418 Matt Wilson
POACEAE Triodia fitzgeraldii N.T.Burb.
PONTEDERIACEAE Monochoria hastata (L.) Solms
PROTEACEAE Grevillea longicuspis McGill.
PROTEACEAE Grevillea versicolor McGill.
RUTACEAE Boronia quadrilata Duretto
RUTACEAE Boronia tolerans Duretto
RUTACEAE Boronia viridiflora Duretto
SANTALACEAE Dendromyza reinwardtiana (Blume ex Kunth) Danser
TILIACEAE Schoutenia ovata Korth.
ZAMIACEAE Macrozamia macdonnellii (F.Muell. ex Miq.) A.DC.
20
Classification Endemic Recalcitrant
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
V
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
?
?
?
Y
Y
Table 2. Budget with Annex 1 of the ABSA between Northern Territories and RBG Kew
2004-05 to 2009-10 (MSB cost code SC2.27 - C10311)
I - Budget in Australian $$
Activity
1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
2004/05
2005/06
2006/07
2007/08
2008/09
2009/10
Total
in AUS $
66500
14500
7250
68000
14500
7250
70000
14500
7250
72500
16000
7250
75000
16000
7250
77000
16000
7250
429000
91500
43500
8000
8000
8000
8000
8000
8000
48000
96250
97750
99750
103750
106250
108250
612000
2500
2500
2500
2500
2500
2500
15000
Sub total
2500
2500
2500
2500
2500
2500
15000
Training / Research visits
UK - course
UK - individual (WTMB)
AUS interstate visits
Post-graduate fees (Project contribution)
3650
2500
5000
5000
2500
5500
3650
3650
2500
6000
5000
2500
6500
3650
3650
2500
7000
5000
2500
7500
7300
25950
15000
37500
Sub total
11150
13000
15800
14000
16800
15000
85750
10000
10000
1900
21900
10000
10000
1900
21900
2000
2000
5000
2000
2000
5000
18000
121900
125250
124950
122250
127550
130750
752650
Collection programme
Project staff DIPE
Field allowance
2 week collection mission for 2 DIPE
and 1 UK staff
Employment of Traditional Owners
Sub total
2
2.1
3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
4
4.1
Research and data management
Consumables, books, software, GIS
Equipment bought in Australia
DIPE (spread over 2-3 years)
Sub total
5
5.1
Administration
Consultant / Permit fees
Totals cost in NT
II - budget in UK ££
Total
in UK £
5
5.1
Equipment bought in UK
Zig-Zag aspirator (incl. shipment)
8000
6
6.1
6.2
SCD support (SC2.27 general)
T & S of SCD staff (MvS)
T & S of SCD staff (other)
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
6000
6000
10000
2000
2000
2000
2000
2000
20000
Subtotal - costs in UK
1.1
3.1
3.2
4.1
8000
NOTES
As per info from NT for a P2 level professional co-ordinator; includes 3% annual increase.
2 week MSB course @ £1,500 all-in.
WTMB visit 4 weeks @ £80 operating + £165 lodging/subsistence per week + ticket.
To be supplied mainly during first two years. Subject to advice from Keith Manger at MSB
Equipment list follows discussions in November 2003.
Expected to be bought in Australia: eRh Rotronic, 2 Freezers, 2 small incubators; total Aus $ 21,900
Expected to be bought in UK: zig-zag aspirator blower @ £8K
21
ANNEX 2
PRO FORMA
NOTIFICATION OF TRANSFER
The following Material is transferred between the Northern Territory of Australia
represented by The Department for Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, P.O.
Box 3146, Parliament House, Darwin NT 0801, Australia (hereafter “the NT
Government”), and The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew,
Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AE United Kingdom (hereafter "RBG Kew") in accordance
with the terms and conditions of the Access and Benefit-Sharing Agreement between
the NT Government and RBG Kew, dated …………………………………….. 2004.
By signing this Notification of Transfer, the NT Government hereby confirms that, to
the best of its knowledge, the Material has been collected and is being transferred to
RBG Kew in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations, permits, prior
informed consents and/or licenses.
DATE
COLLECTED
SEED
COLLECTION No.
FAMILY
GENUS or SPECIES
SIGNED BY:
No. OF HERBARIUM
DUPLICATES (IF ANY)
DATE:
For and on behalf of the Northern Territory of Australia
Name:
Title:
SIGNED BY:
DATE:
For and on behalf of The Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, United Kingdom
Name:
Title:
A copy of this document signed by the NT Government will be forwarded to RBG Kew with each seed
consignment. Upon receipt of the seed and any herbarium specimens, RGB Kew will countersign this copy and
return it to the NT Government as acknowledgement of receipt under the terms of the Access and Benefit-Sharing
Agreement.
22