Invitation to comment on EPBC Act nomination to list in the
endangered category:
Genoplesium baueri (brittle midge orchid)
Anyone may nominate a native species, ecological community or threatening process for listing
under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
You are invited to provide comment on the attached nomination to assist the Threatened Species
Scientific Committee (the Committee) with its assessment of whether the species is eligible for
inclusion in the EPBC Act list of threatened species, and, if eligible, the category in which it is
eligible to be included.
The Committee welcomes the views of experts, stakeholders and the general public on
nominations to further inform its nomination assessment process.
In order to determine if a species, ecological community or threatening process is eligible for
listing under the EPBC Act, a rigorous scientific assessment of its status is undertaken. These
assessments are undertaken by the Committee to determine if an item is eligible for listing against
a set of criteria as set out in the guidelines for nominating and assessing threatened species and
ecological communities, and threatening processes. These are available at:
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/nominations.html
Individual nominations may vary considerably in quality. Therefore in addition to the information
presented in the nomination, the Committee also takes into account published data and considers
other information received when it prepares its advice for the Minister.
Responses to this consultation will be provided in full to the Minister for Sustainability,
Environment, Water, Population and Communities. 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
‘personal communication’ unless you provide references or otherwise attribute this information.
The Committee’s advice may be published on the department’s website at completion of the
assessment and 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.
The views expressed within the attached nomination do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the
Australian Government. The Australian Government and the Committee do not accept
responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the contents of the nomination.
Nominated species - summary of eligibility
1. Name of species (or subspecies)
Genoplesium baueri
2. Category for which the species is nominated under the EPBC Act
Current listing category
Proposed listing category
 Extinct
 Extinct
 Extinct in the wild
 Extinct in the wild
 Critically Endangered
 Critically Endangered
 Endangered
 Endangered
 Vulnerable
 Vulnerable
 Conservation dependent
 Conservation dependent
 Unlisted
3. Criteria under which the species is eligible for listing
For a species nominated as critically endangered, endangered or vulnerable, identify which of
the eligibility criteria it meets (one or more) from the list below. Please note that the
information you provide in this nomination form should support the criteria you select.
For further details on the criteria, please refer to the Threatened Species Scientific Committee
guidelines attached to this form.
 Criterion 1 - It has undergone, is suspected to have undergone or is likely to undergo in
the immediate future a very severe, severe or substantial reduction in
numbers.
 Criterion 2 - Its geographic distribution is precarious for the survival of the species and is
very restricted, restricted or limited.
 Criterion 3 - The estimated total number of mature individuals is limited to a particular
degree and:
(a) evidence suggests that the number will continue to decline at a particular
rate; or
(b) the number is likely to continue to decline and its geographic distribution
is precarious for its survival.
 Criterion 4 - The estimated total number of mature individuals is extremely low, very low
or low.
 Criterion 5 - Probability of extinction in the wild.
For species nominated as conservation dependent, identify which criterion the species meets
(either criterion 1 or criterion 2).
 Criterion 1 - The species is the focus of a specific conservation program, the cessation of
which would result in the species becoming vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered;
or
 Criterion 2:
 The species is a species of fish; and
 The species is the focus of a plan of management that provides for management actions
necessary to stop the decline of, and support the recovery of, the species so that its
chances of long term survival in nature are maximised; and
 The plan of management is in force under a law of the Commonwealth or of a State or
Territory; and
 Cessation of the plan of management would adversely affect the conservation status of the
species.
Section 1 - Legal Status, Distribution, Biological, Ecological
Conservation Theme
1. The conservation themes for the
assessment period commencing
1 October 2010 (for which
nominations close 25 March 2010)
are ‘heathlands and mallee
woodlands’, and ‘terrestrial,
estuarine and near–shore
environments of Australia’s
coast’.
The species nominated occurs in heathy and
shrubby woodland within a maximum 22 km
from the east coast (Jerrawangla NP) and the
shoreline north and south of Sydney.
How does this nomination relate to
the conservation themes?
Taxonomy
2. What are the currently
accepted scientific and common
name/s for the species (please
include Indigenous names, where
known)?
Note any other scientific names that
have been used recently. Note the
species authority and the Order and
Family to which the species belongs
(Family name alone is sufficient for
plants, however, both Order and
Family name are required for
insects).
3. Is this species conventionally
accepted? If not, explain why. Is
there any controversy about the
taxonomy?
4. If the species is NOT
conventionally accepted, please
provide:
The above is the extract from Australian Orchid
Research Volume 1 1989 p. 81. Clements M.A.
(Australian Orchid Foundation)
Common name: Brittle Midge Orchid
Yes
(i) a taxonomic description of the
species in a form suitable for publication
in conventional scientific literature; OR
(ii) evidence that a scientific institution
has a specimen of the species and a
written statement signed by a person
who has relevant taxonomic expertise
(has worked, or is a published author,
on the class of species nominated), that
the person thinks the species is a new
species.
5. Is this species taxonomically
distinct (Taxonomic distinctiveness
– a measure of how unique a
species is relative to other species)?
Yes
Legal Status
6. What is the species’ current
conservation status under
Australian and State/Territory
Government legislation?
7. 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).
Listed as Endangered under the NSW Threatened
Species Conservation Act 1995.
Not applicable
Description
8. 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).
9. Give a brief description of the
Plants growing singly or in loose groups, reddish
or brownish, fleshy, brittle. Leaf 40-120 x 22.5mm; free part 10-20mm long, ending below
flowers. Spike 10-50mm tall, dense, 1-9
flowered. Flowers upside-down, crowded,
projecting, 8-11 x 11-13mm, brownish or
reddish brown, with reddish labellum. Dorsal
sepal 3-3.5-4mm; margins hairless; apex with
long point. Lateral sepals widely divergent 8-10 x
1.5-2mm, erect boat-shaped. Petals about 3 x
1.5mm, margins entire; apex entire or notched.
Labellum stiffly hinged to apex of column foot,
oblong, tapered, 4 x 1.5mm, constricted near the
middle; margins hairless. Callus fleshy,
channelled, covering basal part of labellum.
“Native Orchids of Australia” David L. Jones
2006.
Not applicable
species’ ecological role (for
example, is it a ‘keystone’ or
‘foundation’ species, does it play a
role in processes such as seed
dispersal or pollination).
Australian Distribution
10. Describe the species’ current
and past distribution in
Australia and, if available, attach a
map.
11. What is the extent of
occurrence (in km2) for the
species (described in Attachment
A); explain how it was calculated
and datasets used.
See enclosed maps (1-13) and notes for species
distribution and numbers.
[Maps have been removed as they contain
confidential location information.]
Areas of most individual populations are listed
and estimated using Google Earth mapping.
Other populations are those with which I have
had personal experience. A list is included for
each population. A total of 62 individuals or
29.6% of the total population occur in reserves.
Despite this, all of those plants are under threat
a.
b.
What is the current extent of
occurrence?
What data are 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 are 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)?
12. What is the area of
from either road work or residential
development.
Known to occur from Port Stephens to Ulladulla.
Due to the TSC listing in 2004 this species has
been the target of several searches in line with
environmental assessments prior to development
approval as required for residential and other
forms of development. As a result more sites
have been located. The total number of sites is
currently 13 and the total number of recorded
individuals is 209.
No propagated populations occur or are likely to
occur and no plants have been or are likely to be
re-introduced to the wild. Other sites which are
now in built-up areas were Port Jackson,
Gladesville, Lane Cove River, Cowan, Asquith,
Pennant Hills and Wahroonga. Two sites in the
Royal National Park still exist in a near natural
state. Plants on the Woronora Dam Road have
not been located due to vegetation covering the
site. Having regard to Sydney Catchment
Authority activities, it is unlikely this small
population will flower in the future.
11 sq km
occupancy (in km2) for the species
(described in Attachment A);
explain how calculated and datasets
that are used.
a.
b.
c.
What is the current area of
occupancy?
What data are 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)?
What data are 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)?
13. How many natural locations
do you consider the species occurs
in and why? Where are these
located?
The term 'location' defines a
geographically or ecologically distinct
area.
110.05 hectares
Other sites which are now in built-up areas were
Port Jackson, Gladesville, Lane Cove River,
Cowan, Asquith, Pennant Hills and Wahroonga.
Two sites in the Royal National Park still exist in
a near natural state.
Sixty two individuals or 29.6% of the total
population exist in reserves; however all of these
plants are under threat from either road works or
residential development.
There are 13 sites where G. baueri has been
located in the past 10 years from Port Stephens
(Tomaree Peninsula) to Ulladulla, a distance of
420 km by road. These populations contain a
total of 209 plants. See enclosed maps.
[Maps have been removed as they contain
14. Give locations of other
populations: captive/propagated
populations; populations recently
re-introduced to the wild; and sites
for proposed population reintroductions. Note if these sites
have been identified in recovery
plans.
15. Is the species’ distribution
severely fragmented? What is the
cause of this fragmentation?
Describe any biological, geographic,
human-induced or other barriers
causing this species’ populations to
be fragmented.
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
recolonisation.
confidential location information.]
No propagated populations occur or are likely to
occur and no plants have been or are likely to be
re-introduced to the wild. Other sites which are
now in built-up areas were Port Jackson,
Gladesville, Lane Cove River, Cowan, Asquith,
Pennant Hills and Wahroonga. Two sites in the
Royal National Park still exist in a near natural
state.
Populations are severely fragmented with low
numbers the norm. The self pollinating
mechanism, saprophytic nature wind based seed
dispersal and non-annual tuber production, are
all factors mitigating against the build-up and
natural maintenance of large populations. The
average height of plants (80 mm) and average
flower count (3-5) per plant is also an indicator
to a precariously situated population. G. baueri is
limited to these sites due to a finely defined
habitat preference type.
a16. Departmental Use Only:
Global Distribution
17. Describe the species’ global
distribution.
18. Give an overview of the global
population’s size, trends, threats
and security of the species outside
Australia.
19. Explain the relationship
between the Australian population
and the global population,
including:
a.
b.
c.
What percentage of the global
population occurs in Australia;
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);
Do global threats affect the
Australian population?
This species is endemic to NSW.
Surveys and Monitoring
20. 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.
Most populations were discovered accidentally
during the course of surveys for other species or
by observant naturalists with extensive
experience with native orchids. The Callala Beach
population was recorded by XXXX XXXX. The
Port Stephens population was surveyed by XXXX
XXXX, although no date (year) is available.
Extensive surveys by XXXX XXXX were
undertaken for the Vincentia population and
extensive surveys of the Jerrawangla NP and
Bomaderry Creek populations by XXXX XXXX
from 2002 to 2010. The Ulladulla population was
only confirmed in 2010. The Ku-ring-gai
Wildflower gardens population was discovered in
2009 and surveyed then and in 2010 by XXXX
XXXX. The Ulladulla population was also
discovered in 2009 and surveyed in 2010 by
XXXX XXXX.
21. For species nominated as
extinct or extinct in the wild, please
provide details of the most recent
known collection, or authenticated
sighting of the species and
whether additional populations are
likely to exist.
22. Is there an ongoing
monitoring programme? If so,
please describe the extent and
length of the programme.
No
Life Cycle and Population
23. What is the species’ total
population size in terms of number
of mature individuals? How were
population estimates derived and
are they reliable? Are there other
useful measures of population size
and what are they?
In the absence of figures, terms such as
common, abundant, scarce can be of value.
24. Does the species occur in a
Estimated total population based on personal
communication with XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX,
XXXX, XXXX and extensive personal experience,
is 209 individuals.
Recorded numbers arose from intensive ground
inspections at each potential area of suitable
habitat.
None other than those already mentioned.
number of smaller populations?
How many? For each population
give the locality, numbers and
trends in numbers and tenure of
land (include extinct populations).
Can these be considered to be
subpopulations and why?
Subpopulations are defined as
geographically or otherwise distinct groups in
the population between which there is little
demographic or genetic exchange.
25. Provide details on ages of the
following:
Not applicable
a. sexual maturity;
b. life expectancy;
c. natural mortality.
26. Reproduction
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?
27. What is the population trend
for the entire species?
a.
What data are 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 are 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)?
28. 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
G. baueri normally flowers approximately six
weeks after a significant rainfall event (20 mm25 mm) in a 24 hour period during February and
March. Flowers last from two–three weeks; self
pollinate during March and disperse seed, usually
within 21-28 days. Plants have a single perennial
tuber-like root, which is not replaced annually as
in a similar Genus, Corunastylis. Plants are not
necessarily enhanced by fire but occasional
vegetation thinning via this mechanism provides
less competition from other vegetation and
permits plants to grow, whereas they are
repressed by continually dense ground cover.
Population numbers vary according to the
seasonal factors of rainfall, fire and vegetation
growth.
During periods of drought from 2002–2010 few
plants could be found at a range of sites and the
timing of rain at a period of approximately six
weeks prior to flowering in February or March is
essential for the survival of this species. A single
event rainfall of 20 mm–25 mm in a 24 hour
period is necessary for the annual flowering
event, although good summer and autumn rain
to follow this single event is also required.
The season of 2010 is the first average season
for seven years but this will be negated if the
following season fails to produce a similar
pattern. Some populations merely limit
themselves to minimal numbers but others fail to
produce any plants unless consecutive seasons
record appropriate rainfall at the required time.
Of the previously recorded two populations
(2+7) at Bomaderry Creek Regional Park where
G. baueri was known to occur, only one site
produced a single plant in 2010. All other sites
recorded in 2010 eventuated from more
extensive surveys and good seasonal conditions.
distribution area varies widely, rapidly and
frequently, typically with a variation greater
than one order of magnitude (i.e. a tenfold
increase or decrease).
29. What is the generation
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.
30. Identify important
populations necessary for the
species’ long-term survival and
recovery? This may include: key
Contrary to these numbers was the recording of
three individuals only, in the Jerrawangla NP as
previous surveys from 2002-2009 had resulted in
locating no less than 10 individuals over five
kilometres of Yarran Road, which is the main trail
through this section of park.
Insufficient knowledge is available regarding the
propagation rates of G. baueri; however as the
plant does not (in the true sense) produce an
annual tuber but a tuber like root, consistent
good seasonal conditions must be considered
essential for the long-term survival of this
species. Tubers can remain viable for a season or
two during drought but lose their viability
(shrink) in extended drought periods but little is
known about the type of root system of G. baueri
and its ability to resist extended dry periods. The
fact many plants are not located during drought
conditions would give some credence to this
observation.
With the low overall total population numbers, no
site can, or should be afforded more importance
than any other.
breeding populations, those near the
edge of the species’ range or those
needed to maintain genetic diversity.
31. Describe any cross-breeding
with other species in the wild,
indicating how frequently and where
this occurs.
32. Departmental Use only:
G. baueri is not known to cross-breed with any
other species.
Populations In Reserve
33. Which populations are in
reserve systems? Which of these
are actively managed for this
species? Give details.
Four populations, Royal National Park,
Jerrawangla NP Bomaderry Creek Regional Park,
Ku-ring-gai Chase NP, are in reserves, although
none are actively managed for this species. Only
the Royal National park population is free from
the risk of trail maintenance works, housing and
road building proposals.
Habitat
34. Describe the species’ habitat
(e.g. aspect, topography, substrate,
climate, 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.
G. baueri is a highly localised species occurring
in small areas of open forest, shrubby forest and
heathy forest in well-drained sandy or gravelly
soil at altitudes from 0-250m. The sites in
Bomaderry Creek Regional Park are located in
shrubby &/or heathy woodland. Some small
groups of one or two plants occur in small
naturally cleared areas of habitat. Such areas
35. Does the species use refuge
habitat, e.g. in times of fire,
drought or flood? Describe this
habitat.
36. Is the extent or quality of the
species’ habitat in decline? If the
species uses different habitats,
specify which of these are in
decline.
37. Is the species part of, or does
it rely on, a listed threatened
ecological community? Is it
associated with any other listed
threatened species?
can be less than one square metre. The Ku-ringgai NP population occurs in heath and shrubby
woodland. Habitat photos (1-13) are included for
several sites [These have been removed as they
may contain confidential location information.]
G. baueri relies on the overall habitat and does
not use or require a specifically associated
(sympatric) species.
Not applicable
A number of sites have been destroyed by urban
development in the past. The following sites of
Wahroonga, Cowan, Asquith, Gladesville,
Pennant Hills, Lane Cove River and Pittwater are
all urban areas with a very low possibility of
orchid occurrence. The majority of existing sites
are threatened by road or residential
development.
Not associated with any listed threatened
ecological community.
Not associated with any other listed threatened
species at most sites; however the Port Stephens
population is also home to Diuris praecox and
Diuris arenaria. D. praecox is listed as a
Vulnerable Species under the NSW Threatened
Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) and D.
arenaria is listed as an Endangered Species
under the same legislation. In the Jerrawangla
NP Cryptostylis hunteriana is within metres of G.
baueri and it is listed as a Vulnerable Species
under the Commonwealth Environment
Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
and as a Vulnerable Species under the NSW TSC
Act.
Feeding
38. Summarize the species’ food
items or sources and
timing/seasonality.
39. Briefly describe the species’
feeding behaviours, including
those that may make the species
vulnerable to a threatening process.
Movement Patterns (fauna species only)
40. Describe any relevant daily
and seasonal pattern of
movement for the species, or
other irregular patterns of
movement, including relevant
arrival/departure dates if migratory.
41. Give details of the species’
home ranges/territories.
Survey Guidelines
42. Give details of the
distinctiveness and detectability
of the species.
43. 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.
G. baueri is unmistakable in bud or flower, albeit
usually to experienced persons. Its stem is the
same reddish colour from the base to the apex of
the raceme. The flowers are larger and wider
spreading than others in the similar Genus
Corunastylis.
G. baueri is a deciduous terrestrial species with
the leaf enclosing the flower stem and ending
just below the flowers. Plants are not visible until
the stem and leaf are developed. Identification
prior to flowering by careful scrutiny of the
habitat is possible due to the stem and leaf
colour and usually by experienced observers
only. This occurs from early to mid-February and
time of day and weather conditions is irrelevant.
The key factor is a significant rainfall event (20
mm-25 mm) in a 24 hour period approximately
six weeks prior to this period. Plants are
unmistakable when in flower.
Section 2 - Threats and Threat Abatement
Threats
44. 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;
The Port Stephens population is being
encroached upon by residential development
and already suffers from chemical spraying for
Lantana & Bitou Bush, Trail Bike Riders, and
easy access to the population area via a power
line easement. Normal road maintenance in the
Jerrawangla NP has impacted adversely on plant
numbers in that instance. This occurred prior to
the TSC listing. The population at Bomaderry
Creek is mainly on Vacant Crown Land (VCL)
with a small area within the Bomaderry Creek
Regional Park. The current zoning is urban for
both the VCL and the Regional Park. A draft LEP
due for public exhibition in 2010 proposes a
national park/nature reserve zoning (E1) for the
regional park and urban zoning (R1) for the
VCL. The VCL is also subject to an Aboriginal
land claim under NSW legislation. If this land is
developed 91% of the population will be
b.
c.
d.
what its effect has been so far
(indicate whether it is known or
suspected; present supporting
information/research; does it
only affect certain populations);
what is its expected effect in
the future (is there supporting
research/information; is the
threat only suspected; does it
only affect certain populations);
what is the relative
importance or magnitude of
the threat to the species.
destroyed, either by actual housing construction
or associated infrastructure for essential
services. An adjacent road is proposed which
will bisect the Regional Park. The Shoalhaven
City Council has been active for many years in
their efforts to construct this road and it is now
listed under the NSW Environmental Planning
and Assessment Act as a Part 3a development.
The development is now considered (January
2010) to be a Controlled Action by the Federal
Environment Minister under the EPBC Act. This
proposed road would cause the destruction of
the remaining 9% of the existing population.
The Callala Beach (largest) population is
currently zoned rural and was surveyed for
residential development in 2006. It has a
proposed zoning of RU2 (Rural Landscape) in
the current Draft Shoalhaven City Council Local
Environment Plan. This zoning allows a range of
activities that could lead to the destruction of
this population. The Ulladulla population area is
listed as Environmental Conservation (E2) which
allows certain destructive developments (see
general notes on Council’s web page for
permitted developments). The Ku-ring-gai
population is currently under threat from
proposed road widening. The St. Ives population
is under threat by plans to develop the area
around the St. Ives Showground containing the
Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Gardens. This will include
increased water run-off from widening of the
existing bitumen road, chemical contamination
from same, added vehicle parking, which will
reduce orchid habitat, planned use for cycle
racing (contrary to the land use charter) See
enclosed poster.
Within the Jerrawangla NP some plants were
known to be lost to normal road maintenance
prior to the 2004 TSC listing.
The DECCW is now aware (2010) of all
populations within their areas of immediate
control, but over time with changing personnel
and memory lapses this is no guarantee that
further loss will be avoided. At sites not under
secure reservation, the future for this species is
even more uncertain.
The threat level is high regarding several
populations and those remaining without
immediate threat, comprise the smaller
populations only.
45. 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).
46. Identify and explain any
additional biological
characteristics particular to the
species that are threatening to its
survival (e.g. low genetic diversity)?
Drought must be considered to be a serious
threat to G. baueri. Extended dry periods will
eventually reduce the viability of the tuber-like
root system of the plant to a state where it lacks
sufficient strength to produce plants. No studies
regarding this possibility have been undertaken
or are planned. Another most serious and
constant threat is via the human impact of
planned development and incidental roadwork.
Genetic diversity is not considered a problem but
given the fragmented populations, low numbers,
fragile nature of the species reproduction and
development pressures upon several
populations, the prospects for survival of this
species must be considered marginal in most of
the small populations.
47. Identify and explain any
quantitative measures or
models that address the probability
of the species’ extinction in the wild
over a particular timeframe.
48. Is there other information
that relates to the survival of this
species that you would like to
address?
A real threat to the long-term survival of some
populations is the lack of specialist orchid
knowledge by some who undertake
environmental assessments for government
bodies, and private developers (personal
comments to the EPBC Review Committee 2009).
To some extent this can be applied to some
DECCW and NPWS personnel via a lack of
training in orchid identification generally and
EPBC and TSC listed orchid species in particular.
The same applies to private persons who
undertake environmental assessments on behalf
of developers.
Threat Abatement and Recovery
49. Give an overview of how
broad-scale 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.
50. For species nominated as
extinct in the wild, provide details
of the locations in which the
species occurs in captivity and
Maintenance of habitat in as natural a state as
possible is the only mechanism which will assure
the long-term survival of this species. As this
species exists in well drained habitat types, no
adjacent development must in any way, be
allowed to alter the hydrology of any orchid site.
There are no recovery actions underway or
proposed. The self-pollinating saprophytic nature
of this species which lacks the formal tuber
structure of most terrestrial orchids would prove
an overwhelming obstacle if a recovery operation
was considered.
the level of human intervention
required to sustain the species.
Mitigation Approach
51. Describe any mitigation
measures or approaches that
have been developed specifically for
the species at identified locations.
Identify who is undertaking these
activities and how successful the
activities have been to date.
To date, mitigation measures have been confined
to orchid specialists advising DECCW and NPWS
staff of population sites including GPS points for
as many populations as possible.
52. Departmental use only:
Major Studies
53. Identify major studies on the
species that might relate to its
taxonomy or management.
Currently no scientific studies are active or
planned in regard to this species.
Management Documentation
54. Identify key management
documentation available for the
species, e.g. recovery plans,
conservation plans, threat
abatement plans.
55. Departmental use only:
No recovery plans are currently in place or are
being planned.