2007 NOMINATION – Cycas rumphii
Section 1 – Conservation Assessment
Information in this form is required for assessing species nominated as threatened under the EPBC Act.
Answer all parts, in the table cell below the question, indicating when there is no information available.
Taxonomy
1. What are the currently accepted scientific and common name/s for the species?
Note any other scientific names that have been recently used.
Cycas rumphii Miq.
2. Is this species conventionally accepted? If not, explain why. Is there any controversy on the
taxonomy?
Yes
3. Describe any cross-breeding with other species in the wild, indicating how frequently and where this
occurs
NA
Legal status
4. What is the species’ current conservation status under Australian and State/Territory Government
legislation?
It is not currently listed as threatened under any relevant territory and state, or federal legislation.
This species is not found in any other Australian state or territory.
Description
5. Give a brief description of the species’: appearance, including size and/or weight, and sex and age
variation if appropriate; social structure and dispersion (e.g. solitary/clumped/flocks)
Cycas rumphii Miq. is a small evergreen tree up to 6 m tall that exists in six very small isolated subpopulations in closed forest, semi-deciduous forest, and deciduous scrub on Christmas Island. The
entire population consists of twenty-four mature individuals, five juveniles, and nine seedlings. Male
and female organs appear on separate plants in this species (dioecious). It is not common (globally)
and very slow-growing (Du Puy 1987). C. rumphii largely occurs as isolated solitary individuals
separated by large distances. Only ten individuals have been sexed and the ratio is 1:1.
6. Identify major studies on the species
Du Puy D.J. (1987). The Distribution of Cycas rumphii Miq. On Christmas Is., Indian Ocean, and the
particular importance of North-West Point in this Population. Correspondence to Government
Conservator, ANPWS, Christmas Island.
Du Puy D.J. (1988). Mapping of Christmas Island Native and Endemic Plants with Limited
Distributions. Report for the Director of National Parks and Wildlife, Commonwealth of Australia.
Du Puy D.J. (1993). Cycadaceae in George A.S., Orchard A.E., and Hewson H.J (Eds), Flora of
Australia, Volume 50, Oceanic Islands 2, pp 529-530, Australian Government Publishing Service,
Canberra.
Hill K.D. (2004) The Cycad Pages – Cycas rumphii. Royal Botanic gardens Sydney. Retrieved from:
http://plantnet.rbgsyd.gov.au/cgi-bin/cycadpg?taxname=Cycas+rumphii on 20 February
2006.
International background (for species that are distributed both inside and outside Australia’s
jurisdiction)
7. Describe the species’ global distribution
This species was thought to be distributed throughout Malesia, the Philippines, and the Pacific islands
as far as Fiji (Du Puy 1993). It is now understood that C. rumphii distribution is more restricted and
centred on the Moluccan island group extending east into Indonesian Papua and a short way along the
north coast of Papua New Guinea, and north to Sulawesi. In the west, it appears to extend to southern
Borneo and north-eastern Java (Hill 2004). The Philippines have been removed from its occurrence
distribution in Hill (2004). This species is relatively common in cultivation in Fiji and, to a lesser
extent, Vanuatu. In both cases, female plants only are known, all of which have been vegetatively
propagated from stem offsets. The cultivated plants in both of these countries show distinctively yellow
new growth that is not typical of the species, which suggests that they are all from the one clone (Hill
2004).
8. Give an overview of the global population’s size, trends, threats and security of the species outside
Australia
The exact global population size is unknown. No data available. Vegetation clearing is the major
threat to this species. Especially in those countries where human population density is high and
vegetation clearing control is poor.
9. Explain the relationship between the Australian population and the global population, including:
a. What percentage of the global population occurs in Australia;
b. Is the Australian population distinct, geographically separate or does part or all of the
population move in/out of Australia’s jurisdiction (give an overview; details in Movements
section);
c. Do global threats affect the Australian population?
a. Unknown
b. The Australian population is a distinct, or geographically separate population from all other
populations in the region. Christmas Island is a remote oceanic island approximately 350 km
from the next nearest population of C. rumphii in SE Asia. Almost all of the individuals on
Christmas Island are at least 100 m above sea level, indicating their ancestors arrived on the
island a very long time ago when sea levels where much different. There is only one individual
currently near sea level (~20 m asl). This altitudinal distribution on island indicates that most
individuals on the island have been geographically isolated for a very long time.
c. Yes. There is continued pressure from the mining industry to clear more vegetation and mine
phosphate ore bodies on Christmas Island.
National context
Distribution
10. Describe the species’ distribution in Australia and, if available, attach a map
This species occurs only on Christmas Island and no other Australian state or territory.
11. What is the extent of occurrence (in km2) for the species (described in Attachment A); explain how
it was calculated and datasets used
a. What is the current extent of occurrence?
b. What data is there to indicate past declines in extent of occurrence (if available, include data
that indicates the percentage decline over the past 10 years or 3 generations whichever is
longer)?
c. What data is there to indicate future changes in extent of occurrence (if available, include data
that indicates the percentage decline over 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (up to
a maximum of 100 years in the future) where the time period is a continuous period that may
include a component of the past)?
a. Its extent of occurrence is approximately 108 km2 (10,800 ha).
b. NA
c. NA
12. What is the area of occupancy (in km2) for the species (described in Attachment A; explain how
calculated and datasets that are used)
a. What is the current area of occupancy?
b. What data is there to indicate past declines in area of occupancy (if available, include data that
indicates the percentage decline over the past 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer)?
c. What data is there to indicate future changes in area of occupancy (if available, include data
that indicates the percentage decline over 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer (up to
a maximum of 100 years in the future) where the time period is a continuous period that may
include a component of the past)?
a. Its area of occupancy is approximately 11.6 x 10- 5 km2 (116 m2).
b. There has been a very small decline (4 m2) in area of occupancy over the last 20 years due to
the loss of one individual in the NE Point sub-population.
c. NA
13. Is the species’ distribution severely fragmented? Why?
Severely fragmented refers to the situation in which increased extinction risk to the taxon results
from most individuals being found in small and relatively isolated subpopulations (in certain
circumstances this may be inferred from habitat information). These small subpopulations may go
extinct, with a reduced probability of recolonization.
Yes. The entire population consists of twenty-four mature individuals, five juveniles, and nine
seedlings. The population is currently severely fragmented into six sub-populations, spread far apart
in isolated areas of the island (Figure 1 – located in a separate jpeg file). As well, almost all
individuals within each sub-population on the island are spread far apart. The current distribution
appears to be from an immigration event long ago when sea levels were much higher. This species
occupies a very narrow altitudinal zone, around 200 m asl, and usually only occurs on the upper
terrace lip, or plateau edge on the island. This zone C. rumphii currently occupies was probably the
shoreline long ago when sea levels were much higher. It was during this period that its seeds, or
broken trunks washed ashore and became established. There appears to have been very little
dispersion on the island since this establishment event.
14. How many locations do you consider the species occurs in and why?
The term 'location' defines a geographically or ecologically distinct area in which a single threatening
event can rapidly affect all individuals of the species present. The size of the location depends on the
area covered by the threatening event and may include part of one or many subpopulations. Where a
species is affected by more than one threatening event, location should be defined by considering the
most serious plausible threat.
The population is currently severely fragmented into six sub-populations, spread far apart in isolated
areas of the island (Figure 1 – located in a separate jpeg file). There is between 2.8 and 17 km
distance between each of the designated sub-populations. These sub-populations are:
1. Egeria Point sub-population: composed of 5 adults (sex is undetermined) and occupying 20 m2.
2. North-West Point sub-population: composed of 9 adults (two females, one male, and the rest
sex is undetermined), 5 juveniles, 9 seedlings, and occupying 56 m 2.
3. North-East Point sub-population: composed of 5 adults (3 males and 1 female, the sex is
undetermined for the remainder) and occupying 20 m2.
4. Lily Beach sub-population: composed of 1 adult (male) and occupying 4 m 2.
5. Margaret Knoll sub-population: composed of 3 adults (2 females, and the sex is undetermined
for the remainder) and occupying 12 m2.
6. South Point sub-population: composed of 1 adult (sex is undetermined) and occupying 4 m 2.
Habitat
15. Give a brief description of the species’ habitat/s (Details entered in Section 2)
Closed forest, semi-deciduous forest, deciduous scrub, and rocky exposed outcrops on Christmas
Island.
Populations
16. What is the species’ total population size in terms of number of mature individuals? Are there
other useful measures of population size and what are they?
The term ‘population’ refers to populations within a species or total populations numbers for a
species. In the absence of figures, terms such as common, abundant, scarce can be of value.
The entire population consists of twenty-four mature individuals, five juveniles, and nine seedlings.
17. Does the species occur in a number of smaller populations? How many? If available, for each
population give the locality, numbers and trends in numbers and tenure of land (if available) (include
extinct populations). Can these be considered to be subpopulations and why?
Subpopulations are defined as geographically or otherwise distinct groups in the population between
which there is little demographic or genetic exchange (typically one successful migrant individual or
gamete per year or less).
The population is currently severely fragmented into six sub-populations, spread far apart in isolated
areas of the island (Figure 1 – located in a separate jpeg file). These sub-populations are:
1. Egeria Point sub-population (National Park): composed of 5 adults (sex is undetermined) and
occupying 20 m2.
2. North-West Point sub-population (National Park): composed of 9 adults (two females, one male,
and for the rest, sex is undetermined), 5 juveniles, 9 seedlings, and occupying 56 m2.
3. North-East Point sub-population: composed of 5 adults (3 males and 1 female, the sex is
undetermined for the remainder) and occupying 20 m2. Three adults are in the National Park,
and two are on Vacant Crown Land.
4. Lily Beach sub-population (Vacant Crown Land): composed of 1 adult (male) occupying 4 m2.
5. Margaret Knoll sub-population (Vacant Crown Land): composed of 3 adults (2 females, and sex
is undetermined for the remainder) and occupying 12 m2.
6. South Point sub-population (Vacant Crown Land): composed of 1 adult (sex is undetermined)
and occupying 4 m2.
18. What is the population trend for the entire species?
a. What data is there to indicate past decline in size (if available, include data on rate of decline
over past 10 years or 3 generations whichever is longer)?
b. What data is there to indicate future changes in size (if available, include data which will
indicate the percentage of decline over 10 years or 3 generations whichever in longer (up to a
maximum of 100 years in the future) where the time period is a continuous period that may
include a component of the past)?
a. NA
b. NA
19. Does the species undergo extreme natural fluctuations in population numbers, extent of occurrence
or area of occupancy? To what extent and why?
Extreme fluctuations can be said to occur in a number of taxa when population size or distribution
area varies widely, rapidly and frequently, typically with a variation greater than one order of
magnitude (i.e. a tenfold increase or decrease).
No
20. What is the generation length and how it is calculated?
Generation length is the average age of parents of the current cohort (i.e. newborn individuals in the
population). Generation length therefore reflects the turnover rate of breeding individuals in a
population. Generation length is greater than the age at first breeding and less than the age of the
oldest breeding individual, except in taxa that breed only once. Where generation length varies under
threat, the more natural, i.e. pre-disturbance, generation length should be used.
It has been stated that this species can live for a thousand years (Du Puy 1987), however that figure
may be an overestimate. It would probably have a generation length of several hundred years.
Survey effort
21. Has the species been reasonably well surveyed? Provide an overview of surveys to date and the
likelihood of its current known distribution and/or population size being its actual distribution and/or
population size
Yes. C. rumphii was first recorded on Christmas Island by Andrews in 1897, and recorded as C.
circinalis var. javana. He stated that it, “grows all round the island; most plentiful on the upper terrace
(350 feet) at west end of south coast” (Andrews 1900). This statement about being “plentiful” has not
been reflected in any other survey, even the one completed five years later (1904), and is probably
inaccurate. C. rumphii was next recorded (again as C. circinalis var. javana) by Ridley in 1904, who
stated that he, “found it comparatively scarce, and the plants all isolated” (Ridley 1905). He found five
individuals in total, and only one individual at each site. Ridley saw no young plants and stated that,
“it does not appear to be spreading”. C. rumphii was collected again in the 1960s and 70s by Powell at
two locations. No population data were recorded. In 1984, Mitchell recorded this species (as C.
circinalis var. javana) in his vegetation survey and described it as, “rare, potentially endangered”
(Mitchell 1985).
In 1987, Du Puy recorded twelve mature individuals and three seedlings scattered over six locations
(Du Puy 1987). In his 1988 report he confirmed at least ten individuals at six sites (Du Puy 1988). He
described this species as “infrequent” and “rare” in his 1988 report. In the Flora Du Puy records C.
rumphii as “uncommon, occurring as isolated, mature trees” and that “most specimens reproduce only
vegetatively” (Du Puy 1993). In 2002, Parks Australia North contracted an environmental consultancy
company, Glenn Holmes and Associates, to conduct a rare plant survey on Christmas Island. They
spent 36 field days extensively surveying the island for rare plant species, including C. rumphii. Their
report indicated that this taxon is “rare”, in decline, and included this species in their list of “nationally
threatened plants” (Holmes & Holmes 2002). Holmes and Holmes (2002) recorded five mature
individuals in two sub-populations (Holmes & Holmes 2002). Almost all mature individuals on
Christmas Island occur as isolated individuals with multiply crowns. The five individuals recorded by
Holmes & Holmes (2002) were actually only two individuals that had multiple crowns. From a distance
these multicrowned individuals can easily appear to be small clusters of individuals.
From 2000-2006, various DEH colleagues, associates, and myself have collectively recorded the
locations of twenty-four mature individuals, five juveniles, and nine seedlings, spread among six subpopulations during various surveys of the island. I am a qualified botanist and ecologist and have been
working for DEH on Christmas Island for the last six years. During that time, my colleagues and I have
traversed much of the island several times looking for this species as part of the rare plant
management program, and on other biological surveys. The data presented in this nomination will be
very close to the actual distribution and population size as C. rumphii has a distinctive habit making it
easy to spot among the other vegetation. This last survey has been the most comprehensive to date
and although more adults were found than earlier surveys, it is due to search effort rather than an
increase in population size. The lack of viable seed, seedlings, and juveniles in five of the six subpopulations indicates that C. rumphii’s overall reproductive rate is poor and the survival of most subpopulations is precarious.
Threats
22. Identify past, current and future threats, to the species indicating whether they are actual or
potential. For each threat, describe:
a. how and where it impacts on this species
b. what its effect has been so far (indicate whether it is known or suspected; present supporting
information/research; does it only affect certain populations)
c. what is its expected effect in the future (is there supporting research/information; is the threat
only suspected; does it only affect certain populations)
Past, current, and future actual threat - Tropical storms:
a. This species occupies the top lip of the terrace in most sites, often in very exposed locations. Strong
gale force winds can easily uproot mature individuals, or cause neighbouring trees to topple on top of
the cycads.
b. Several mature individuals have already been knocked over and their trunks are lying partially on
the ground.
c. If tropical storms increase in severity and frequency, as expected due to global warming, more
damage will occur.
Past, current, and future actual threat – Mining Expansion:
a. This species occurs in areas that contains ore bodies of interest to the local mining industry. Loss of
individuals may occur if mining goes ahead in these areas. In the past, the mining company has been
asked not to destroy, or disturb this species at NW Point on Christmas Island (Du Puy 1987).
b. To date there has been no documented loss of individuals due to mining. The sub-population
currently at most risk to mining expansion is the North-East Point sub-population.
c. Depends on whether mining expansions are approved by the Australian Government. If expansions
are allowed into new areas where cycads exist, losses of individuals and potential colonization habitat
will occur.
23. If not included above, identify catastrophic threats, i.e. threats with a low predictability that are
likely to severely affect the species - Identify the threat, explain its likely impact and indicate the
likelihood of it occurring (e.g. a drought/cyclone in the area every 100 years)
NA
24. Identify and explain any additional biological characteristics particular to the species that are
threatening to its survival (e.g. low genetic diversity)? Identify and explain any models addressing
survival of the species.
The dioecious nature, solitary distribution, and slow growth rate of this species culminate in a very low
reproductive rate.
Threat abatement and recovery
25. Identify key management documentation available for the species, e.g. recovery plans,
conservation plans, threat abatement plans.
NA
26. Give an overview of how threats are being abated/could be abated and other recovery actions
underway/proposed. Identify who is undertaking these activities and how successful the activities have
been to date
NA
27. Which populations are in reserve systems? Which of these are actively managed for this species?
Give details
Sub-population 1., 2., and half of 3. No reserve system where this species occurs is actively managed
specifically for this species.
Section 2 – Recovery, Conservation, Protection
Additional information on legal status
1. Does the species have specific protection (e.g. listed on an annex or appendix) under other
legislation or intergovernmental arrangements, e.g. Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Fauna and Flora (CITES), Convention on Migratory Species (CMS)
No
Additional information on distribution
2. Give locations of: captive/propagated populations; populations recently re-introduced to the wild;
and sites for proposed population re-introductions. Note if these sites have been identified in recovery
plans
NA
Additional information on habitat
3. Describe the species’ non-biological habitat (e.g. aspect, topography, substrate, climate) and
biological habitat (e.g. forest type, associated species, sympatric species). If the species uses different
habitats for different activities (e.g. breeding, feeding, roosting, dispersing, basking), then describe
each habitat
This species occupies coastal terraces, cliff edges and bottoms on Christmas Island. It grows in deep
soil pockets and limestone rubble. It occurs in a moist tropical climate. C. rumphii is found in a range
of vegetation types on Christmas Island, including closed forest, semi-deciduous forest, and deciduous
scrub.
4. Does the species use refuge habitat, e.g. in times of fire, drought or flood? Describe this habitat
No
5. Is the species part of, or does it rely on, a listed threatened ecological community? Is it associated
with any other listed threatened species?
No
Additional information on population
6. Provide details on ages of sexual maturity, life expectancy and natural mortality
Not a lot is known on these topics. Age of sexual maturity is unknown. Life expectancy has been
suggested to be one thousand years (Du Puy 1987), but is probably less than this figure.
7. Identify important populations necessary for the species’ long-term survival and recovery? This may
include: key breeding populations, those near the edge of the species’ range or those needed to
maintain genetic diversity
NA
Survey methods
8. Describe methods for detecting species including when to conduct surveys (e.g. season, time of day,
weather conditions); length, intensity and pattern of search effort; and limitations and expert
acceptance; recommended methods; survey-effort guide
All surveys were carried out on foot. Trained botanists and National Park field staff and colleagues
were involved in the surveys. As it is a distinct taxon that is not easily mistaken for something else,
surveyors with little botanical experience can easily spot individuals of this species on the island. The
island is not large and approximately 1000 person hours have been spent surveying the distribution of
this species. Survey points no more than 400 m apart across the entire island were checked as well as
all known locations and surrounding areas of this species that have been recorded over the last 110
years.
9. Give details of the distinctiveness and detectability of the species
This species is a very distinctive and detectable on Christmas Island. It is the only cycad species on
the island and can not be easily mistaken for any other taxon, such as the Christmas Island Palm
(Arenga listeri), and Screw Palms (Pandanus christmatensis and Pandanus elatus), which are the two
most similar taxa on the island.
Reproduction
10 For plants: When does the species flower and set fruit? What conditions are needed for this? What
is the pollinating mechanism? If the species is capable of vegetative reproduction, a description of how
this occurs, the conditions needed and when. Does the species require a disturbance regime (e.g. fire,
cleared ground) in order to reproduce?
For animals: provide overview of breeding system and of breeding success, including: when does it
breed; what conditions are needed for breeding; are there any breeding behaviours that may make it
vulnerable to a threatening process?
This species produces reproductive organs from January to April most years. However, only one subpopulation, that at NW Point, has been producing viable seed. The poor reproductive rate is thought
largely due to the large distances between individuals. Seeds, if viable, continue to develop on the
parent until about June. Pollinators are unknown. This species is reported to be able to reproduce
vegetatively, via plantlets, when damaged (Du Puy 1987), however this has not been observed in the
last six years. What has been observed are side branch crowns forming on the original trunk when the
main crown has been damaged. The has been no evidence in the last six years of plantlets
establishing beside any of the mature adults.
Feeding
11. Summarize the species’ food items or sources and timing/seasonality
NA
12. Briefly describe the species’ feeding behaviours, including those that may make the species
vulnerable to a threatening process
NA
Movements
13. Describe any relevant daily and seasonal pattern of movement for the species, including relevant
arrival/departure dates if migratory
NA
14. Give details of the species’ home ranges/territories
NA
Other
15. Is there other information that relates to the survival of this species that you would like to
address?
NA
Section 3 – References
Notes:
 The opinion of appropriate scientific experts may be cited (with their approval) in support of a
nomination. If this is done the names of the experts, their qualifications and full contact details
must also be provided in the reference list below.
 Please provide copies of key documentation/references used in the nomination
Reference list
Du Puy D.J. (1987). The Distribution of Cycas rumphii Miq. On Christmas Is., Indian Ocean, and the
particular importance of North-West Point in this Population. Correspondence to Government
Conservator, ANPWS, Christmas Island.
Du Puy D.J. (1988). Mapping of Christmas Island Native and Endemic Plants with Limited
Distributions. Report for the Director of National Parks and Wildlife, Commonwealth of Australia.
Du Puy D.J. (1993). Cycadaceae in George A.S., Orchard A.E., and Hewson H.J (Eds), Flora of
Australia, Volume 50, Oceanic Islands 2, pp 529-530, Australian Government Publishing Service,
Canberra.
Hill K.D. (2004) The Cycad Pages – Cycas rumphii. Royal Botanic gardens Sydney. Retreived from:
http://plantnet.rbgsyd.gov.au/cgi-bin/cycadpg?taxname=Cycas+rumphii on 20 February 2006.