Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation
Actions
Lepidorrhachis mooreana (Little Mountain Palm)
You are invited to provide your views about:
1)
the eligibility of Lepidorrhachis mooreana (Little Mountain Palm) for inclusion on the EPBC
Act threatened species list; and
2)
the necessary conservation actions for the above species.
The views of experts, stakeholders and the general public are welcome. Responses can be
provided by any interested person.
Anyone may nominate a native species, ecological community or threatening process for listing
under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) or for a
transfer of an item already on the list to a new listing category. The Threatened Species
Scientific Committee (the Committee) undertakes the assessment of species to determine
eligibility for inclusion in the list of threatened species and provides its recommendation to the
Australian Government Minister for the Environment.
Draft information for your consideration of the eligibility of this species for listing as critically
endangered starts at page 3 and information associated with potential conservation actions for
this species starts at page 6. To assist with the Committee’s assessment, the Committee has
identified a series of specific questions on which it seeks your guidance at pages 7-8.
Responses to are to be provided in writing either by email to:
species.consultation@environment.gov.au
or by mail to:
The Director
Marine and Freshwater Species Conservation Section
Wildlife, Heritage and Marine Division
Department of the Environment
PO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
Responses are required to be submitted by 16 January 2015.
Contents of this information package
General background information about listing threatened species
Information about this consultation process
Draft information about the little mountain palm and its eligibility for listing
Conservation actions for the species
References cited
Collective list of questions – your views
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General background information about listing threatened species
The Australian Government helps protect species at risk of extinction by listing them as
threatened under Part 13 of the EPBC Act. Once listed under the EPBC Act, the species
becomes a Matter of National Environmental Significance (MNES) and must be protected from
significant impacts through the assessment and approval provisions of the EPBC Act. More
information about threatened species is available on the department’s website at:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/index.html.
Public nominations to list threatened species under the EPBC Act are received annually by the
department. In order to determine if a species is eligible for listing as threatened under the
EPBC Act, the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) undertakes a rigorous
scientific assessment of its status to determine if the species is eligible for listing against a set of
criteria. These criteria are available on the Department’s website at:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/pubs/guidelines-species.pdf.
As part of the assessment process, the Committee consults with the public and stakeholders to
obtain specific details about the species, as well as advice on what conservation actions might
be appropriate. Information provided through the consultation process is considered by the
Committee in its assessment. The Committee provides its advice on the assessment (together
with comments received) to the Minister regarding the eligibility of the species for listing under a
particular category and what conservation actions might be appropriate. The Minister decides to
add, or not to add, the species to the list of threatened species under the EPBC Act. More
detailed information about the listing process is at:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/nominations.html.
To promote the recovery of listed threatened species and ecological communities, conservation
advices and where required, recovery plans are made or adopted in accordance with Part 13 of
the EPBC Act. Conservation advices provide guidance at the time of listing on known threats
and priority recovery actions that can be undertaken at a local and regional level. Recovery
plans describe key threats and identify specific recovery actions that can be undertaken to
enable recovery activities to occur within a planned and logical national framework. Information
about recovery plans is available on the department’s website at:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery.html.
Information about this consultation process
Responses to this consultation can be provided electronically or in hard copy to the contact
addresses provided on Page 1. All responses received will be provided in full to the Committee
and then to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment.
In providing comments, please provide references to published data where possible. Should the
Committee use the information you provide in formulating its advice, the information will be
attributed to you and referenced as a ‘personal communication’ unless you provide references
or otherwise attribute this information (please specify if your organisation requires that this
information is attributed to your organisation instead of yourself). The final advice by the
Committee will be published on the department’s website following the listing decision by the
Minister.
Information provided through consultation may be subject to freedom of information legislation
and court processes. It is also important to note that under the EPBC Act, the deliberations and
recommendations of the Committee are confidential until the Minister has made a final decision
on the nomination, unless otherwise determined by the Minister.
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Lepidorrhachis mooreana
Little mountain palm
Taxonomy
Conventionally accepted as Lepidorrhachis mooreana (F. Muell.) O.F. Cook
Description
Small palm to 3 m. As is typical for Arecoideae, individuals are monoecious, but are unusual
within the subfamily in that inflorescences contain flowers of one sex only, rather than both
sexes, with both male and female inflorescences occurring on a single plant (Baker & Hutton,
2006).
Distribution
Known only from a single population on the Mt Gower summit of Lord Howe Island. Reported
from Mt Lidgbird, but not seen in recent survey. Both extent of occurrence and area of
occupancy are estimated at <4 km2 using a 2 x 2 km grid (as per IUCN guidelines).
Relevant Biology/Ecology
Plants with approximately 20 leaf scars flower and set seed. Auld et al. (2010) estimate that
trunked plants produce 2–3 leaf scars per year, so a plant would have a trunk for 6–10 years
before being mature. The time to trunk formation is unknown but likely to be decades in the cool
cloud forest habitat. A plausible estimate is sexual maturity in 30–60 years, with life expectancy
>100 years. Generation time is likely to be greater than 40 years.
Flowers are produced between August and December on densely-branched inflorescences.
Numerous marble sized fruit are produced from the previous year’s flowering (Baker & Hutton,
2006). It is likely to be insect pollinated but pollinators are unknown. Fruits have been observed
to be dispersed by Lord Howe currawongs.
No vegetative reproduction occurs.
No long lived soil seed bank. It takes some 2 years for seed germination from fruits deposited on
the soil surface. The seedling and juvenile plants then form a juvenile bank that may take
advantage of small scale canopy disturbances such as tree fall/death.
Auld et al. (2010) estimated densities of plants in plots on Mt Gower summit. They estimate that
in favourable habitat (this palm occurs on the ridges of the summit but not in the gullies) there
were on average around 2485 mature plants per Ha. This would equate to some 33,500 mature
plants across the summit of 27 Ha, assuming half of the habitat is suitable.
Threats
Exotic animals (actual) Rattus rattus has been on the island for some 90 years. It is having an
impact on Lepidorrhachis (Baker & Hutton, 2006, Auld et al., 2010). All recruitment is currently
eliminated in the presence of rats (Auld et al., 2010). Some 7% of the summit plateau of Mt
Gower is baited to reduce rat impacts and there is a plan to try and eradicate rats for the whole
island.
Weed invasion (actual) A small number of minor weeds have been recorded on the summit.
Most are disturbance lovers and take advantage of edges or areas of tree fall, lightning strike,
tree death. These may compete with native vegetation for recruitment in canopy gaps and cliff
edges. Ongoing issue, especially if more aggressive weeds invade. Weeds identified so far are:
Agrostis avenaceus, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Avena barbata, Bromus carthartius, Lolium perenne,
Ehrharta erecta, Luzlula longiflora, Paspalum sp., Poa annua, Polycarpon tetraphyllum,
Potentilla indica, Pseudognaphalium luteo-album, Rumex sp., Solanum nigrum, Sonchus
oleraceus, Sporobolus africanus, Stellaria media,, Vulpia bromoides
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Climate change impacts (potential) Species confined to mountain summits. There is no
bioclimatic zone for species to move to. Climate change may also affect cloud formation and
frequency and hence precipitation and species survival in forest. Other natives from lower
elevations may also find conditions more suitable in the near future and invade this community.
Assessment of available information in relation to the EPBC Act Criteria and Regulations
Criterion 1: Reduction in numbers (based on any of A1 – A4)
A1. An observed, estimated, inferred or suspected population very severe 90%, severe 70%
substantial 50% size reduction over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is
the longer, where the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND
ceased, based on (and specifying) any of the following:
(a) direct observation
(b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon
(c) a decline in area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitat
(d) actual or potential levels of exploitation
(e) the effects of introduced taxa, hybridization, pathogens, pollutants, competitors or
parasites.
A2. An observed, estimated, inferred or suspected population very severe 80%, severe 50%
substantial 30%size reduction over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the
longer, where the reduction or its causes may not have ceased OR may not be understood
OR may not be reversible, based on (and specifying) any of (a) to (e) under A1.
A3. A population size reduction very severe 80%, severe 50% substantial 30%, projected or
suspected to be met within the next 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer
(up to a maximum of 100 years), based on (and specifying) any of (b) to (e) under A1.
A4. An observed, estimated, inferred, projected or suspected population size reduction very
severe 80%, severe 50% substantial 30%over any 10 year or three generation period,
whichever is longer (up to a maximum of 100 years in the future), where the time period
must include both the past and the future, and where the reduction or its causes may not
have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible, based on (and
specifying) any of (a) to (e) under A1.
Evidence
There are insufficient data available to assess Lepidorrhachis mooreana against this
criterion.
However, the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better
understand the species status. This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative
at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process.
Criterion 2:
Geographic distribution (based on either of B1 or B2)
B1. Extent of occurrence estimated to be very restricted <100 km2, restricted <5000 km2 or
limited < 20 000 km2
B2. Area of occupancy estimated to be very restricted <10 km2, restricted <500 km2 or
limited <2000 km2
AND
Geographic distribution is precarious for the survival of the species,
(based on at least two of a–c)
a. Severely fragmented or known to exist at a limited location.
b. Continuing decline, observed, inferred or projected, in any of the following:
(i)
extent of occurrence
(ii) area of occupancy
(iii) area, extent and/or quality of habitat
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(iv) number of locations or subpopulations
(v) number of mature individuals.
c. Extreme fluctuations in any of the following:
(i)
extent of occurrence
(ii) area of occupancy
(iii) number of locations or subpopulations
(iv) number of mature individuals
Evidence
Both extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are estimated at <4 km2 using a 2 x 2 km
grid (as per IUCN guidelines) and thus is very restricted.
The species exists at a single location and a continuing decline may be inferred based on the
failure of recruitment of adults into the population due to predation by rats on fruit.
The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as
critically endangered under this criterion. However, the purpose of this consultation
document is to elicit additional information to better understand the species status. This
conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage, as it may be changed
as a result of responses to this consultation process.
Criterion 3: The estimated total number of mature individuals is very low <250, low <2500 or
limited<10 000; and either of (A) or (B) is true
(A)
evidence suggests that the number will continue to decline at a very high (25% in 3 years
or 1 generation (up to 100 years), whichever is longer), high (20% in 5 years or 2
generations(up to 100 years), whichever is longer) or substantial (10% in 10 years or 3
generations years), whichever is longer(up to 100) rate; or
(B)
the number is likely to continue to decline and its geographic distribution is precarious for
its survival (based on at least two of a – c):
a. Severely fragmented or known to exist at a limited location.
b. Continuing decline, observed, inferred or projected, in any of the following:
(i) extent of occurrence
(ii) area of occupancy
(iii) area, extent and/or quality of habitat
(iv) number of locations or subpopulations
(v) number of mature individuals.
c.
Extreme fluctuations in any of the following:
(i) extent of occurrence
(ii) area of occupancy
(iii) number of locations or subpopulations
(iv) number of mature individuals
Evidence
There are estimated to be up to 33,500 mature plants of this species, which is not limited, low
or very low.
The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is ineligible for listing
under this criterion. However, the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional
information to better understand the species status. This conclusion should therefore be
considered to be tentative at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of responses to this
consultation process.
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Criterion 4: Estimated total number of mature individuals:
(a) Extremely low < 50
(b) Very low < 250
(c) Low < 1000
Evidence
There are estimated to be up to 33,500 mature plants of this species, which is not limited, low
or very low.
The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is ineligible for listing
under this criterion. However, the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional
information to better understand the species status. This conclusion should therefore be
considered to be tentative at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of responses to this
consultation process.
Criterion 5: Probability of extinction in the wild based on quantitative analysis is at least:
(a) 50% in the immediate future, 10 years or three generations (whichever is longer); or
(b) 20% in the near future, 20 year or five generations (whichever is longer); or
(c) 10% in the medium-term future, within 100 years.
Evidence
There are insufficient data to assess the species against this criterion.
The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is ineligible for listing
under this criterion. However, the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional
information to better understand the species status. This conclusion should therefore be
considered to be tentative at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of responses to this
consultation process.
Recovery Plan
A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been
determined. The purpose of this consultation draft is to elicit additional information to help inform
this decision.
Recovery and Impact avoidance guidance
Primary Conservation Objectives
Maintain a stable population.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Maintain the number and size of wild populations.
Control rats on Lord Howe Island to enable recruitment of the species.
Prevent the invasion or encroachment of weeds into the species’ habitat.
Understand and ameliorate the effects of climate change on the species.
Important populations
The only known current population.
Important habitat for the survival of the species
All habitat where the species currently occurs.
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Information required, research and monitoring priorities
1. Design and implement a monitoring program or, if appropriate, support and enhance existing
programs
2. More precisely assess population size, distribution, ecological requirements and the relative
impacts of threatening processes
3. Undertake survey work in suitable habitat and potential habitat (e.g. Mt Lidgbird) to locate
any additional populations/occurrences/remnants.
Management actions required
1. Manage sites to reduce the number of feral rats
2. Manage sites to identify, control and reduce the spread of invasive species
3. Monitor the progress of recovery, including the effectiveness of management actions and the
need to adapt them if necessary.
Collective list of questions – your views
Population size
1. Has the survey effort for this species been adequate to determine its national adult
population size? If not, please provide justification for your response.
2. Do you consider the way the population size has been derived to be appropriate? Are there
any assumptions and unquantified biases in the estimates? Did the estimates measure
relative or absolute abundance? Do you accept the estimate of the total population size of
the species? If not, please provide justification for your response.
Current Distribution/range/extent of occurrence, area of occupancy
3. Does the information consider the entire geographic extent and national extent of the
species?
4. Has the survey effort for this species been adequate to determine its national distribution? If
not, please provide justification for your response.
5. What are your views on whether the species is eligible for inclusion in the endangered
category of the threatened species list?
6. Can you provide additional data or information relevant to this assessment?
7. Have you been involved in developing this nomination?
8. Do you agree that the threats listed are correct and that their effect on the species is
significant?
9. To what degree are the identified threats likely to impact on the species in the future?
10. What planning, management and recovery actions are currently in place supporting
protection and recovery of the species? To what extent have they been effective?
11. Can you recommend any additional or alternative specific threat abatement or conservation
actions that would aid the protection and recovery of the species?
12. What individuals or organisations are currently, or potentially could be, involved in
management and recovery of the species?
References cited in the advice
Auld, T. D., Hutton, I., Ooi, M. K. J. & Denham, A. J. (2010). Disruption of recruitment in two
endemic palms on Lord Howe Island by invasive rats. Biological Invasions 12, 3351–
3361.
Baker, W. J. & Hutton, I. (2006). Lepidorrhachis. Palms 50, 33–38.
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