Threatened species & ecological communities

Southern Shepherds Purse (Ballantinia antipoda) Recovery Plan

Jennifer K. Alexander
Department of Natural Resources & Environment Victoria, 1999

Contents

Summary

Current Species Status

Endangered in Victoria (Gullan, Cheal & Walsh 1990, FIS 1999), endangered in Australia (ANCA 1993, ANZECC 1999). Southern Shepherds Purse has been listed as threatened taxon under Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Southern Shepherds Purse is endemic to south-eastern Australia and is now restricted to several sites in the Mount Alexander Regional Park which is located 30km south of Bendigo in Central Victoria.

Approximately 12,200 Ballantinia antipoda plants have been recorded at 6 sites on Mount Alexander in 1997. The density of plants varies greatly across and within populations. The highest density of plants recorded was 200 plants in a 1 m2 plot.

Habitat Requirements and Limiting Factors

Southern Shepherds Purse is generally found growing on moss mats on outcrops of gently sloping granite rocks, mainly with a northerly to western aspect. These moss mats are associated with seepage of water over the rocks. Although many thousands of plants were seen on Mount Alexander in the springs of 1986, 1994 and 1997, granite quarrying, disturbance of natural hydrological regimes, weed invasion, the activities of feral animals, telecommunications installations, cross-country trail-bike riding and fire are threats to the species.

Recovery Plan Objectives

The objectives of this recovery plan are:

Recovery Criteria

The criteria for assessing the achievement of these objectives are:

Actions Needed

  1. Survey and mapping
  2. Monitoring of populations
  3. Protection of populations
  4. Research
  5. Visitor management
  6. Prevent incompatible uses
  7. Liaison, extension and community education
Total Estimated Cost of Recovery
Action 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Total
NRE ESP NRE ESP NRE ESP NRE ESP NRE ESP NRE ESP
1 $1700 $3000 $1700 $3000 $1700 $3000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $9000
2 $1250 $1600 $1250 $1600 $1250 $1600 $1250 $1600 $1250 $1600
3 $2250 $0 $2250 $0 $2250 $0 $2250 $0 $2250 $0 $0
4 $1000 $5000 $1000 $5000 $1000 $5000 $0 $0 $0 $0 $3000 $15000
5 $2860 $500 $2860 $0 $2860 $0 $2860 $0 $2860 $0 $500
6 $1500 $0 $1500 $0 $1500 $0 $1500 $0 $1500 $0 $0
7 $1600 $2000 $1600 $2000 $1600 $2000 $1600 $3000 $1600 $3000 $12000
Total

Biodiversity Benefits

The moss mats in which Southern Shepherds Purse grows are fragile and have been damaged in other areas where the plant formerly occurred. If these populations of Southern Shepherds Purse were lost, it would result in a net loss of biodiversity as these are the only known populations of Southern Shepherds Purse.

The mats on Mount Alexander contain two species of rare moss (Leptodon smithii and Campylopus flindersii) which will directly benefit from the protection of Southern Shepherds Purse. Mount Alexander is predominantly covered by a grassy woodland of Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) and Messmate (E. obliqua). This is unusual for Manna Gum as it is usually confined to valleys. Rare plants such as Clover Glycine (Glycine latrobeana) and Striped Milfoil (Myriophyllum striatum) are also found on Mount Alexander. An increased awareness in the community of the presence of rare plants on Mount Alexander will help to justify more resources to maintain the high conservation significance of this reserve.

The reserve also provides habitat for a number of threatened faunal species including the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988) listed Brush tailed Phascogale and Powerful Owl.

1 Introduction

1.1 Description

Southern Shepherds Purse (Ballantinia antipoda), which has also been known as Ballantinia, is a small, cool-season annual of the Cress Family (Brassicaceae). The sparsely haired, prostrate stems upto 5 cm high arise from a rosette of stalked, spoon-shaped leaves which are often divided into three parts. Small, stalked white flowers, 4 mm in diameter occur along the upper stems, developing into small elliptical fruits (siliculae) 3-5 mm long (Shaw 1974, Hewson 1982).

Southern Shepherds Purse germinates in winter and is in full flower by mid to late September. As moss mats dry out in mid to late spring Southern Shepherds Purse dies off. However, even if drying winds occur during early spring it can rapidly produce seed. The conspicuous white flowers attract a variety of insects including native ants and introduced honeybees.

The species is endemic to southeastern Australia and is currently only known from several sites which are restricted to the Mount Alexander Regional Park. The stands of Southern Shepherds Purse are usually discrete, in areas with a light canopy of Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) and more rarely Messmate (E. obliqua). Grassy understoreys are found on the deeper soils surrounding the rock outcrops. Southern Shepherds Purse is rare or absent from moss mats on deeper soils in depressions and cracks in the rocks where other vascular annuals are common. It has never been seen in the inter-tussock spaces of the grassy understorey of the surrounding open forest. Unlike many other annuals of the Cress Family, both native and introduced, it does not occur on recently disturbed mineral soils.

The dominant species of moss in this habitat is Breutelia affinis, with other common species including Bartramia papillata, Grimmia pulvinata, Polytrichum juniperinum, Campylopus introflexus and Bryum billardieri. Leptodon smithii, a rare moss, has been recorded in this habitat on Mount Alexander (Cook 1998).

Southern Shepherds Purse shares this moss mat habitat with a diverse range of other indigenous annual and geophytic vascular plants which are typical of seasonally moist or rocky sites in central and northern Victoria. Annual weeds also take advantage of the seasonal moisture in the moss mats. Common weeds include Elegant Hair-grass (Aira elegans), Mouse-ear Chickweed (Cerastium glomeratum), Small Quaking-grass (Briza minor), Smooth Cat's-ear (Hypochoeris glabra), Five-anthered Corn Spurrey (Spergularia pentandra) and Whitlow Grass (Erophila verna).

Some of the 19th century collection localities (Shaw, 1974) suggest that Southern Shepherds Purse may also have occurred on basaltic rocks, e.g. 'plains near Carisbrook', Whan (MEL 18236), 'Werribee', Fullagar (MEL 18228). The evidence from Mount Alexander suggests it would have occurred on 'stony rise' sites particularly where there was water seepage.

1.2 Ecology

Southern Shepherds Purse grows in a very specific and probably finely balanced habitat - moss mats on seepage areas in open situations. It is an annual species and thus the maintenance of populations through time is completely dependent on seed stored in the soil from the seed-crop of previous years. There are no data on the longevity of Southern Shepherds Purse seed, but it is likely to remain viable for several years, as do the seeds of many other genera of the Brassicaceae.

Searches in previous years have not always located Southern Shepherds Purse at the Mount Alexander sites. This may be due to the fact the species that does not germinate every year. Thus the germination, growth and flowering of the species appears to be dependent on factors such as the time and intensity of the seasonal 'break' in autumn or early winter, the maintenance of seepage flow of water beneath the moss mats and the severity of desiccation of the moss mats during the months of September and October. The temperature and rainfall patterns of those months would be important in determining such desiccation effects.

The decline of Southern Shepherds Purse in Victoria is most likely due to trampling and destruction of moss mats on rocky sites by sheep. The poorly developed and mangled moss mats of Mount Emu near Skipton, which is heavily grazed by sheep, contrasts strongly with the condition of the moss mats on Mount Alexander, which is currently free of sheep (Scarlett 1987).

Areas where Southern Shepherds Purse was previously known to exist and places listed as supporting potentially suitable habitat including Mount Cole, Mount Buangor and Mount Langi Ghiran are composed of a different type of granite than that found at Mount Alexander (LCC 1978). These mountains seem to support different moss mat habitats to those found on Mount Alexander, the most similar being found on Mount Langi Ghiran. The flora of the more westerly granite outcrops is quite distinct, with Cardamine lilacina seeming to fill a similar ecological niche to Ballantinia antipoda (Cook 1998).

Not much is known about the effect of fire on Southern Shepherds Purse or the moss mats on which the plant grows. Bryophytes are usually early colonisers following fire (Askey-Doran 1990). However, it may take many years for the mats to regrow. Mount Alexander has been completely burnt over in the past (Forest Commission of Victoria), although it is possible that small pockets of moss would have remained unburnt.

Conservation Management Issues

1.3 Current Conservation Status

Endangered in Victoria (Gullan, Cheal and Walsh 1990), endangered in Australia (ANCA 1993, ANZECC 1999). Southern Shepherds Purse has been listed as a threatened taxon under Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

In its final recommendation, the Scientific Advisory Committee (1991) determined that Ballantinia antipoda is very rare in terms of distribution and abundance, in a demonstrable state of decline which is likely to result in extinction and significantly prone to future threats which are likely to result in extinction.

Mount Alexander, where the Southern Shepherds Purse is found, is a Regional Park reserved for recreation and conservation. The Environment Conservation Council is currently reviewing the land classification of Mount Alexander as part of the study of Box Ironbark forests and woodlands.

1.4 Decline

At present Southern Shepherds Purse is known only from the Mount Alexander Regional Park, and searches have indicated that it may be extinct at all other documented sites in Victoria (Cook 1998). It has not been seen or collected in Tasmania this century. The loss of the species at Mount Alexander would constitute a world-wide extinction event. The unusual and unresearched moss mat habitat of the species would render attempts at relocation and re-establishment extremely difficult.

1.5 Recent trends at Mount Alexander Regional Park

An attempt was made to assess the entire population of Southern Shepherds Purse. Known localities were visited as were other likely rock outcrops (Cook 1998). All localities were searched from mid September to mid October 1997 and the total number of Ballantinia antipoda plants estimated. Plants were counted in plots and the entire population size was estimated from plot data.

Areas listed as supporting potentially suitable habitat included Mount Cole, Mount Buangor and Mount Langi Ghiran. All of these granite mountains were searched in September 1997 and no new populations of Southern Shepherds Purse were found. Further searching for new populations in future years is still warranted, particularly on other granodiorite outcrops.

A total of eight sites were searched for Southern Shepherds Purse during the survey. This consisted of all previously known populations and one additional population found during the survey.

A total of 12,200 Southern Shepherds Purse plants were recorded at six sites during the count. Two sites reported as supporting Southern Shepherds Purse (Scarlet 1987) could not be relocated, possibly due to the particularly dry conditions.

In the past a walking track in the area of Shepherds Flat ran through an area of Southern Shepherds Purse plants, resulting in soil compaction, increased runoff and a greater threat of erosion. Part of this track has been relocated and the old section closed.

1.6 Threats

Southern Shepherds Purse is threatened by a range of activities:

Fire or lack of knowledge of the impacts of fire

There is very little knowledge available/known about the effects of fire on Southern Shepherds Purse or on moss mats. As there is a large fuel load on the western side, directly below the majority of sites, fire poses a real threat. The populations could be destroyed if two successive fires occurred before seed had set.

Grazing and disturbance by introduced animals (Pigs and Rabbits)

Pigs were deliberately released on Mount Alexander 8-10 years ago, with another small group released about 18 months ago (pers. comm. David Avery). There are estimates of up to 50 pigs on Mount Alexander. The population has the potential to increase rapidly if it is not continually controlled. The pigs cause considerable damage to vegetation and soils, including Southern Shepherds Purse habitat.

Rabbits have increased in numbers on Mount Alexander in recent years. They cause damage to moss mats by digging and parts of some Southern Shepherds Purse sites have been affected.

Escaped domestic stock have also been sighted in the Park but are not considered a serious threat.

Trail bike riding/habitat destruction

Trail bike riding on the sloping rocks at Mount Alexander strips away the moss mat cover, disrupts local seepage patterns, and can initiate further removal of moss mats by water flow after heavy rainfall.

Changes in vegetation composition and structure (including weeds)

At present the moss mats have a number of annual weed species mixed through them which take advantage of the seasonal moisture in the moss mats. Weeds dominate the most disturbed rock faces but are generally less common in the areas where Southern Shepherds Purse still occurs. The weeds that are currently scattered through the moss mats have the potential to increase and threaten the species. There are also areas near some of the Southern Shepherds Purse sites which are infested with St. John's Wort. There is potential that spray drift could affect the Southern Shepherds Purse populations if these infestations were to be sprayed.

Quarrying/tower installations

The threats to the species as a result of quarrying and construction of towers are not considered to be the direct destruction of habitat, but the indirect effects on the hydrology of the mountain slopes. Overland flow of fine sand and silt combined with the disruption of water seepage could result in the extinction of Southern Shepherds Purse populations at considerable distances from the sites of disturbance. There is a proposal to install a taller transmission tower near the top of Mount Alexander. There are previous records of Southern Shepherds Purse growing in the vicinity of both areas where towers are located on the Mount.

Other human activities (Orienteering, absailing, moss removal, scrub worm collectors, camping)

Various recreational groups such as orienteers, hunters and absailers use Mount Alexander. These groups may diverge from tracks but most likely would not wish to intentionally cause harm to the mats or Southern Shepherds Purse. Other users of the park, such as fishermen who dig for scrub worms, have been known to remove moss mats to keep the worms moist. A retreat group is planning to set up a camp in an area west of the Koala Park. They will gain access to this area through the Koala Park. There is a population of Southern Shepherds Purse in the vicinity of the Koala Park and an increase in visitation poses a potential threat to the Southern Shepherds Purse.

Lack of knowledge of sites

There is potential for other populations to be found. Without knowing where all sites are, accidental damage could result.

Roads, tracks, fire breaks

Until recently, a walking track passed through a population of Southern Shepherds Purse. The moss mats have been broken up along this track. Inappropriate placement of firebreaks could damage sites.

Inadequate knowledge of the species

The long-term viability of the present populations is unknown, largely as a result of the following knowledge gaps:

1.7 Existing conservation measures

2 Recovery Objective and criteria

The major objective of this recovery plan is to protect and enhance all known populations by 2005.

The criteria for assessing the achievement of this objective is:

3 Recovery actions

3.1 Survey and Mapping

Aims:
To search for and locate additional populations so that they may be protected from browsing animals and inadvertent destruction.
To locate additional habitat for potential introduction of populations.
Method:
Intensively search areas of similar habitat within the current and former range. Although some searching has been undertaken this does not preclude further efforts as it is easy to miss plants which are not flowering and in dry years plants may not be present at all. Use historical survey data and local knowledge to help prioritise areas. Maintain a database of site locations.
Further searching will be undertaken at Mount Cole, Mount Beckworth, Tallaroop, Kooyoora State Park, Mount Tarrengower, Regals Rock, Loddon Falls, Mount Langi Ghiran and on private land.
Responsibility:
Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
Costs 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
NRE/Field Naturalists $1700 $1700 $1700 $0 $0
ESP $3000 $3000 $3000 $0 $0
Total $4700 $4700 $4700 $0 $0

3.2 Monitoring

Aims:
To assess whether existing populations are declining, stable or expanding.
To assess changes in vegetation composition and structure, including weed invasion.
Method:
Monitor populations each year at flowering time. This can be done by PV or NRE, but may also be carried out by local Naturalists. Financial assistance for volunteer groups can be obtained through NRE's Botanic Guardians scheme. Maintain the Victorian rare or threatened plants database (vrotpop).
Responsibility:
Department of Natural Resources and Environment / Parks Victoria.
Costs 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
NRE/PV $1250 $1250 $1250 $1250 $1250
ESP $1600 $1600 $1600 $1600 $1600
Total $2850 $2850 $2850 $2850 $2850

3.3 Protection of Populations from Browsing

Aim:
To protect the populations from disturbance associated with browsing.
Method:
Eradicate pigs and rabbits through poisoning and warren destruction in conjunction with Landcare Groups and shooting using contract hunters.
Responsibility:
Parks Victoria.
Costs 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
PV $2250 $2250 $2250 $2250 $2250
ESP $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $2250 $2250 $2250 $2250 $2250

3.4 Research

Aims:
Investigate the germination requirements and seed viability of Southern Shepherds Purse.
Investigate the reproductive strategy and ecology of Southern Shepherds Purse, including pollinators.
Investigate the moss mat ecology and the transient habitat of moss mats.
Investigate the effects of fire, timing and intensity of seasonal break and water flow through the moss mats.
Methods:
Facilitate postgraduate research by providing funding assistance and information to institutions.
Priority areas for research would include response to fire and reproductive strategies.
Responsibility:
Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
Costs 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
NRE/PV $1000 $1000 $1000 $0 $0
ESP $5000 $5000 $5000 $0 $0
Total $6000 $6000 $6000 $0 $0

3.5 Visitor Management

Aim:
To protect populations from trail bike riding, trampling and / or collection of moss mats.
Methods:
Restrict vehicle access (the use of fencing may not be appropriate).
Increase ranger presence.
Education through park notes, Angling Clubs, Victorian Climbing Clubs and shops and other local groups.
Investigate the use of signage, and foster community ownership of sites.
Responsibility:
Parks Victoria / Natural Resources and Environment.
Costs 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
NRE/PV $2860 $2860 $2860 $2860 $2860
ESP $500 $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $3360 $3360 $3360 $3360 $3360

3.6 Prevent Incompatible Uses

Aims:
To protect all populations from incompatible land uses, particularly quarrying, tower installations and related activities. Also road works.
To protect populations from inadvertent damage during fire control works and in the event of wildfire.
Methods:
Through the established planning processes, pursue the exclusion of incompatible land uses from the immediate vicinity of populations.
Ensure the appropriate placement of roads, tracks and fire breaks.
Continuous liaison between all divisions of NRE and PV.
Ensure that all involved parties have access to detailed maps of populations.
Responsibility:
Department of Natural Resources and Environment / Parks Victoria / Shire / CFA.
Costs 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
NRE/PV/CMA $1500 $1500 $1500 $1500 $1500
ESP $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Total $1500 $1500 $1500 $1500 $1500

3.7 Liaison, extension and community education

Aims:
To increase awareness of the importance and rarity of Southern Shepherds Purse.
To promote a broader community interest in rare and endangered plants and vegetation communities.
Method:
Involve Schools, Community groups and researchers in the protection and enhancement of Southern Shepherds Purse populations through programs such as Botanic Guardians.
Continuation of Recovery team and involvement in Landcare works. Provide a summary report of works each year for interested groups. Distribute promotional materials produced in point 5.
In the final two years compile data, summarise results and ensure the data and results are published appropriately.
Responsibility:
Department of Natural Resources and Environment / Parks Victoria.
Costs 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
NRE/PV $1600 $1600 $1600 $1600 $1600
ESP $2000 $2000 $2000 $3000 $3000
Total $3600 $3600 $3600 $4600 $4600

3.8 Biodiversity benefits

4 Implementation Schedule

NRE Flora and Fauna Planners in the North West Region will coordinate the implementation of action proposals and evaluate their effectiveness in achieving the conservation aims.

Liaison with local Parks Victoria, Field Naturalists, Shires and other NRE businesses will be important ongoing tasks for NRE Flora and Fauna Planners. Monitoring by local naturalists and Friends Groups will be encouraged via the Botanic Guardians Scheme.

5 Acknowledgments

It is with pleasure and thanks that the Recovery Team is acknowledged for their valuable contribution to the production of this Plan.

Many thanks to: Shirley Diez, Rod Orr, Ern Perkins, John Leevers, Geoff Park, David Averay, Damien Cook, Neville Scarlett, Margaret Hunter and Moira McLennan.

6 References

Disclaimer:

The opinions expressed in this document do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian Nature Conservation Agency.

Document reference and availability details:

This document may be referred to as follows:

Alexander, J. K. (1999) Recovery Plan - Ballantinia (Ballantinia antipoda). Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.

Much of this document was extracted from the Draft Action Statement for Ballantinia (Scarlett 1997).

Copyright: The Director, Environment Australia, GPO Box 636, Canberra, ACT 2601.

Apart from fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any means without permission of the Director, Environment Australia.

The preparation of this plan was funded by the Biodiversity Group, Environment Australia, Endangered Species Unit.