Gorae Leek Orchid (Prasophyllum diversiflorum) (Orchidaceae) Recovery Plan 2000 - 2004
Yvonne Ingeme and Andrew Govanstone
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Victoria, February 1999
Contents
Summary
Current species status
Prasophyllum diversiflorum is listed as Endangered on: Schedule 1 of the Commonwealth Endangered Species Protection Act 1992; ANZECC list of Threatened Australian Flora; NRE list of Threatened Flora of Victoria and is listed as Threatened under Schedule 2 of the FFG Act 1988. It is also listed as Endangered (2E) in Victoria and Australia (Gullan, Cheal & Walsh 1990, Briggs & Leigh 1995). Endemic to Victoria and known from six isolated populations in south west Victoria, extending from the Cobboboonee State Forest in the west, to Orford in the south and private land near Glenthompson in the north. Four of the six populations contain up to 200 plants while the other two sites contain fewer than 20 plants.
Habitat requirements and limiting factors
The species grows in open areas along watercourses and around swamp margins in heavy black loams that are inundated seasonally. (Backhouse and Jeanes, 1995). First discovered in 1941 at Gorae West near Portland, the type location was lost to agriculture in 1948, losing all known plants. The species was rediscovered in the summer of 1983/84 (Backhouse & Jeanes1995) at a roadside-river crossing, and in the adjacent paddock, where several hundred plants were identified.
Recovery goals
Short-term goal: to decrease the risk of extinction by stabilising and maintaining current plant numbers at existing sites through protection and appropriate management of sites to increase recruitment of seedling and population numbers
Recovery criteria
- Maintaining and increase plant numbers within the populations at Glenthompson, Pretty Hill and Broadwater with a minimum of 200 flowering plants.
- Commencing comprehensive specialist surveys to search for new populations and identify potential translocation sites if required.
- Increasing the population at Condah to a total of at least 200 plants.
Long-term goal: to achieve an IUCN conservation status rating of Vulnerable (or lower).
Recovery criteria
- Maintaining at least 5 populations with at least 500 mature plants in each population, at separate locations in the wild.
- Achieving successful natural pollination, establishment of seedlings and recruitment in each wild population.
- Habitat to be maintained or enhanced to the point where natural ecological processes continue to operate.
Recovery objectives and actions
- Objective 1 Maintain and increase numbers of plants at existing sites
- Action 1.1 Ensure road reserve sites are protected for conservation of the Gorae Leek Orchid
- Action 1.2 Signposting and management of stock droving/movement
- Action 1.3 Monitor Gorae Leek Orchid populations
- Action 1.4 Investigate fencing Condah site (risks vs benefits)
- Action 1.5 Develop and implement Management Plan for Port Fairy site
- Action 1.6 Undertake extension with neighbours for site protection
- Action 1.7 Prepare and implement comprehensive Weed Control Plan
- Action 1.8 Visitor Management
- Objective 2 Determine the Habitat, distribution and abundance of the Gorae Leek Orchid
- Action 2.1 Describe the habitat of the Gorae Leek Orchid
- Action 2.2 Map and survey likely suitable habitat of the Gorae Leek Orchid
- Action 2.3 Prepare an information brochure on the Gorae Leek Orchid
- Action 2.4 Protect new populations of Gorae Leek Orchid as discovered
- Objective 3 Investigate factors affecting plant recruitment and population viability
- Action 3.1 Determine the ecological tolerances of the Gorae Leek Orchid
- Objective 4 Manage the recovery program for the Gorae Leek Orchid
- Action 4.1 Establish the local Recovery Team
- Action 4.2 Undertake recovery program review and evaluation
- Action 4.3 Prepare the FFG Action Statement for the Gorae Leek Orchid
TC - total Cost, ESP - Endangered Species Program, NRE - Natural Resources & Environment, PV - Parks Victoria
Biodiversity benefits
Appropriate management of sites supporting Gorae Leek Orchid will benefit other threatened species which co-occur in this habitat. These include Curly Sedge (Carex tasmanica) listed as Endangered in Australia and vulnerable in Victoria (Gullan et al. 1990), Clover Glycine (Glycine latrobeana) listed as Rare in Australia and vulnerable in Victoria (Gullan et al 1990) and Agrostis billardierei var. filifolia, listed as threatened under the FFG Act (1988).
Raising community awareness of endangered orchids will increase the value placed on areas of wetlands within Western Basalt Plains Grassland which is listed as a threatened under the FFG Act (1988) and open forest in local communities.
Abbreviations
- ESP
- Endangered Species Program
- PV
- Parks Victoria
- NOGN
- Native Orchid Growers Network
- CFA
- Country Fire Authority
- FFG
- Flora Fauna Guarantee
- TORT
- Threatened Orchid Recovery Team
- DNRE
- Department of Natural Resources and Environment
1. Introduction
Gorae Leek Orchid, Prasophyllum diversiflorum, is a highly threatened orchid endemic to south western Victoria. First discovered in 1941 at a property near Gorae, the site was subsequently lost to agriculture shortly after. The species was not seen again until it was rediscovered on a road reserve near Condah in 1983. Gorae Leek Orchid may well have once been abundant across the grassy plains, but a long history of farming activities there has resulted in extensive habitat loss and degradation. An intensive recovery program is required to ensure the survival of the Gorae Leek Orchid and this Recovery Plan sets out the actions required to continue the recovery of this threatened species.
2. Gorae Leek Orchid
Description
Gorae Leek Orchid (Prasophyllum diversiflorum, Nicholls) is a terrestrial perennial orchid emerging annually from a spherical tuber. As its name suggests its appearance can be very variable. It is similar to Marsh Leek Orchid (Prasophyllum rogersii) and is part of the P. frenchii complex, differing from other members in this complex by having a laterally compressed labellum and more distinctly hatchet-shaped column appendages (Walsh & Entwisle 1994).
The flower stem grows to 60 cm tall with a single terete, robust leaf to 45 cm long and 1.3 cm diameter. Ten to 40 fragrant flowers up to 10mm wide are arranged in an open to congested spike up to about 15 cm long. The flowers are greenish brown with reddish tonings, with a labellum white to pinkish and green callus. The ovaries are sessile and obovoid to 4mm long. The dorsal sepal is ovate, to 7mm with an incurved to reflexed pointed apex; petals to 6mm long, narrow-linear, incurved or spreading and the edges are sometimes crisped, the lateral sepals are obliquely erect to 6-10 mm long, free, curved and spreading with incurved margins. The labellum is ovate to oblong to 7mm long on a short, broad basal claw and is sharply recurved at right angles near the middle: the margins are often crisped or wavy and occasionally pinched in near the apex. The callus is broad and channelled, extending almost to the labellum apex (Walsh & Entwisle 1994, Backhouse & Jeanes 1995).
Flowering occurs from November to February depending on the site and seasonal conditions.
Distribution
The species is endemic to south-western Victoria, being first collected at Gorae West near Portland in 1941, and was described in 1942 (Nicholls 1942). This population was destroyed as a result of agricultural development in 1948 (Backhouse & Jeanes 1995). It was rediscovered during the summer of 1983-84 on a narrow road reserve and on the adjoining private land (Backhouse & Jeanes 1995).
Six populations have since been discovered. Populations of the species are now known to occur in a reserve near Orford, and on private land near Glenthompson and Lake Condah. (Carr 1992, Ingeme & Govanstone 1997). Two populations were discovered in 1998, on private land near Broadwater and another on a road reserve near Port Fairy. The known range extends from Glenthompson in the east to Kentbruck in the west, a distance of some 75 kilometres apart. A further population in Cobobboonee State Forest is still to be relocated and confirmed.
Habitat
At the type locality, the Gorae Leek Orchid grows along watercourses and around swamps on heavy black loams in open forest (Backhouse & Jeanes 1995). Most of the new populations grow in heavy clay soils, again in wet areas in Western Basalt Plains Grassland.
Habitat and associated species present vary, but all sites are seasonally inundated.
The population on the road reserve and adjoining private land near Condah is on river floodplain consisting of heavy basalt clay soils. Associated species present on the road reserve site include Themeda triandra, Poa labillardierei tussocksand a scattering of tea tree. Weeds are prolific. The private land adjoining this site is dominated by Poa tussocks.
The Reserve near Orford is an open native grassland remnant dominated by Themeda triandra. The orchid is scattered throughout but tends to be concentrated around poorly drained shallow scrapes or borrow pits.
The Glenthompson site on private land is the largest site, with the orchid scattered over an area of 5ha. Higher numbers occur in the wetter areas. The site is a native grassland remnant containing over 61 indigenous species and occurs on brown basalt loam (Barlow 1996).
Life history/ecology
The following is a summary of the current understanding of the ecology of Gorae Leek Orchid:
- Deciduous terrestrial orchid that dies back annually to a subterranean tuber.
- Seed production over the last few years has been prolific
- It is possible that the species can be propagated but, like many orchids, this is complicated by the interrelationship with soil fungi, insects and other organisms. Even if propagation is successful it may be extremely difficult to reintroduce the species into the wild to form self-sustaining populations.
- The species appears to require seasonal inundation, which may also be the stimulus for flowering and germination. The seasonal inundation also influences the growth phases of the species.
- All sites have been grazed to some degree, which may impacted on populations. However, it does appear that the species is compatible with light grazing.
- The Reserve has had a history of fires which could also act as a stimulus for flowering and regeneration from seed. However, this is uncertain.
3. Conservation status
Prasophyllum diversiflorum is listed as Endangered on Schedule 1 of the Commonwealth Endangered Species Protection Act 1992; Endangered on the ANZECC list of Threatened Australian Flora; Endangered on the NRE list of Threatened Flora of Victoria and listed as Threatened under Schedule 2 of the FFG Act 1988. It is also listed as Endangered (2E) in Victoria and Australia (Gullan, Cheal & Walsh 1990, Briggs & Leigh 1995). Endemic to Victoria and known from six isolated populations in south west Victoria, extending from the Cobboboonee State Forest in the west, to Orford in the south and private land near Glenthompson in the north. Four of the six populations contain up to 200 plants while the other two sites contain fewer than 20 plants.
In its final recommendation, the Scientific Advisory Committee (1993) determined that the Gorae Leek Orchid 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.
4. Decline and threats
The Gorae Leek Orchid has disappeared from its type locality and is known from only a few remnant localities. Survey for this species was conducted during the 1994/95 and 1995/96 seasons with a further three sites being located and confirmed and one other sites still to be relocated and confirmed. During 1998 two further populations were discovered while undertaking surveys for other species. This has increased the known populations to six, and extends the distribution a further 75 kilometres to the north east.
Recent trends at known locations
Road reserve near Condah
At present the population numbers appear stable at this site. Counts occurring in December 1988 located 80 plants in flower or bud: December 1990 located approximately 100 plants in flower or bud, and December 1996 with 75 plants in flower or bud. In 1983 and again in 1993 it was estimated that the population is in the order of 500 plants (Scarlett 1983, Fisher 1995).
Private land near Condah
In December 1990 approximately 65 plants were observed in flower. In December 1996 fewer than ten plants were located within a dense grass sward. More intensive searching will be conducted next season.
Reserve near Orford
Thirty-three fertile plants were counted in November of 1994. Further searching within the reserve occurred in December 1996 and located approximately 80 plants in flower or bud.
Glenthompson - Private land
The area had initially been fenced from stock in 1994 to protect wetland and grassland values. The population was first discovered in November 1995 by Janet Jackson (Ballarat University), with approximately 20 specimens located. An artificial drain passes through the area and this was partially blocked during the autumn of 1996 in an attempt to restore the wetland. In December 1996 over 250 plants in flower or bud were counted across the site. Unfortunately during the very dry season of 1997 fewer than ten plants could be located but high numbers were again evident in 1998.
Threats
Gorae Leek Orchid is threatened by a range of factors:
- Weed invasion is the most serious threat facing the orchid, especially from aggressive weeds including Phalaris (Phalaris aquatica), Ox-tongue Thistle (Helminthotheca echioides), Paspalum (Paspalum dilatatum), Spiny Rush (Juncus acutus), Sweet Vernal Grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum), Harlequin Flower (Sparaxis bulbifera), Wild carrot (Ammi majus) and Radiata Pines (Pinus radiata). Dense swards of native grasses (Themeda triandra) and Poa spp. may also threaten populations.
- Application of fertiliser and subsequent competition from introduced pasture species. Pasture improvement and other agricultural activities including raised bed cropping also pose a threat to surviving populations on private land.
- Grazing and trampling. This is an issue on private land but also on the two road reserve sites, which are vulnerable to trampling by large mobs of droving stock. The consequences of grazing and trampling include soil disturbance and compaction, weed invasion and physical damage to plants during critical growth phases. However, some degree of controlled grazing may be necessary to keep the grassland/wetland open and maintain inter-tussock spaces.
- Illegal orchid collection, which also results in trampling and damage to remaining orchids.
- Vehicle movement (this is a particular problem in the Reserve) which may cause soil compaction, damage orchids, create weed germination sites and spread some weeds.
- Logging operations and track maintenance within the State Forest.
- Road works, which may include table drain maintenance, road widening. Installation of Utilities such as Telstra Fibre Optic Cables.
- Altered management regimes, which result in either closed grass swards out competing the Gorae Leek Orchid, or elimination by over-grazing.
- Altered hydrological regimes, such as drainage of wetlands and channelling of creeks or flood plains.
- Wildfire is not likely to pose a major threat as this would be most likely to occur in late summer or autumn when plants have died back. Fire may be beneficial at certain sites and is an important management tool within many Basalt Plains Grassland remnants. Fire removes litter and maintains intertussock spaces. When considering the use of fire, serious thought would need to be given to the degree of weed invasion on the site and regeneration of other indigenous species present.
Inadequate knowledge of the species
The long-term viability of the present populations is unknown, largely as a result of the following:
- the longevity and mortality of individual plants is unknown.
- whether recruitment is occurring and if so how much?
- the recruitment requirements are unknown
- the effect of fire is not fully understood.
- its reproductive biology is poorly understood. Pollinators are assumed to be nectar seeking wasps.
- its mycorrhizal relationships are unknown
- period of dormancy is unknown
So far attempts to cultivate this species have been unsuccessful. Research into the ecology and biological requirements of the species may be necessary.
5. Existing conservation measures
- Several of the populations are located within remnants of Western Basalt Plains Grasslands which is listed as a Threatened Community under Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (1988) (Action Statement No 53.)
- Weed control, particularly targeting Phalaris, has been undertaken at the road reserve near Condah and in the Reserve near Orford but Phalaris is difficult to eradicate and further applications of herbicide will be necessary. Pine (Pinus radiata) wildlings have also been removed from the Reserve.
- Permanent quadrats have been established at the road reserve near Condah, to permit detailed monitoring of the population.
- NRE Flora and Fauna Management Officers continue to liaise with local field naturalists, and with the landholder of the Glenthompson site. Contact has also been maintained with the Shires of Glenelg and Moyne to protect the road reserve sites from potentially threatening activities such as roadworks and the droving of stock.
- A proposed Telstra Optical Fibre Cable route was directed away from the Condah road reserve site to protect the population from destruction.
- Landholder extension has taken place and the owner of private land near Condah has agreed not to cultivate on the section of the paddock containing the orchid population.
- Community involvement in the species' conservation is also occurring with the presence of the orchid is being noted in the Catchment Plan of the Smoky River Landcare Group. The plan is currently being prepared and highlights the value of remnant vegetation and provides information on how to manage significant remnants including grasslands and wetlands. A Botanic Guardian Grant is also being developed for the Landcare group to undertake weed control and monitoring on the Condah road reserve site.
- Ranger presence has increased at the Reserve site since the orchid's discovery there.
- At the private land near Glenthompson the site has been fenced out to allow grazing to be managed and controlled and an artificial drain through the site has been partially blocked to restore the wetland.
- Prasophyllum diversiflorum seed had been collected for propagation, which has so far been unsuccessful.
- Two further populations of the species were identified during 1998 whilst undertaking surveys for other species.
6. Recovery goals and criteria
The Gorae Leek Orchid is still in a state of decline in the wild. Its habitat is still being lost or destroyed in the wild. The key tasks for the recovery of Gorae Leek Orchid are to maintain and increase numbers of plants within existing populations through physical protection and improved management to reduce the threat of extinction. These tasks will be supported by surveys, monitoring of the populations and further research into the biology and ecology of the species to aid recovery.
Two Recovery Goals have been set: a Short-term Goal, stating the desired outcome of implementation of the Recovery Plan over its five year life and a Long-term Goal reflecting the desired outcome for ultimate recovery in the wild. Achieving a short-term goal of the Recovery Plan will stabilise the species within the Endangered Category. Attaining the Recovery Plan's Long-term Goal should result in reducing the threat category to Vulnerable or Lower Risk (near threatened).
Short-term goal
The goal of the Recovery Plan during 2000-2004 is to substantially reduce the risk of extinction by stabilising and maintaining current plant numbers at existing sites through protection and appropriate management of sites to increase recruitment of seedlings and population numbers.
Recovery criteria
The criteria for assessing the achievement of this Goal are:
- Maintaining the population at Glenthompson, Pretty Hill and Broadwater with a minimum of 200 flowering plants.
- Commencing comprehensive specialist surveys to search for new populations and identify potential translocation sites if required.
- Increasing the population at Condah to at least 200 plants
Long-term goal
The long-term goal of the recovery program for Gorae Leek Orchid is to achieve an IUCN conservation status rating of Vulnerable (or lower).
Recovery criteria
The criteria for assessing the achievement of this Goal are:
- Maintaining at least 5 populations with at least 500 mature plants in each population, at separate locations in the wild.
- Achieving successful natural pollination, establishment of seedlings and recruitment in each wild population.
- Habitat to be maintained or enhanced to the point where natural ecological processes continue to operate.
7. Recovery objectives and actions
Objective 1 Maintain and increase number of plants at existing sites
Gorae Leek Orchid currently exists in only six small populations. Protective works have taken place at some of the populations but the species is still subject to a range of potential threats, including weed invasion, predation and possibly floristic and structural changes to the habitat. There is a critical need to ensure ongoing protection at the sites, to preserve and enhance these populations of Gorae Leek Orchid. This will be achieved through preparation and implementation of planning processes where appropriate, as well as direct protective measures.
Action 1.1 Ensure road reserve sites are protected for conservation of orchid
Several populations of the orchid are located on Shire managed road reserves. Continued liaison with Shire of Moyne and Shire of Glenelg is critical to the survival of the species. Public Authority Management Agreements(PAMA) will be prepared and implemented for the road reserve sites to ensure the orchid's persistence. The Agreements will include preventing undue disturbance, restricting access, installation of utilities, weed control along the road reserve and fire management issues. The Department will continue to assist the Shires with the development of their Roadside Conservation Management Plans, planning scheme overlays and with extension and training of Shire staff to ensure protection of the sites. The action will be coordinated and funded by DNRE.
Responsibility: DNRE
| Source | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNRE | 2900 | 300 | 300 | 300 | 300 | 4100 |
| Shires | 2000 | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 | 5200 |
| community | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 400 | 2000 |
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total cost | 5300 | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 | 11300 |
Action 1.2 Signposting and management of stock droving/movement
Along with the requirements in the Local Laws, more detailed guidelines will be included within the respective Shires roadside conservation management plans. The road reserve sites will be signposted with standard VicRoads 'Significant Native Vegetation' signs so as not to draw unwanted attention to the sites. Movement of local stock along the road reserve is also and issue and further liaison and extension will be provided to the local landholders by DNRE. This action will be coordinated and funded by DNRE
Responsibility: DNRE
| Source | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNRE | 800 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 800 |
| Shires | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 1250 |
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total cost | 1050 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 2050 |
Action 1.3 Monitor Gorae Leek Orchid populations
Monitoring plots will be established at five of the populations consisting of a mix of road reserves, private land and a conservation reserve. Quadrat based monitoring will be undertaken three times per year to collect information on total number of plants, number of flowering plants and pollination success/seed pod development. Photo points will also be established at the sites which will provide more useful information on recruitment success and orchid development. A monitoring protocol, specifically dealing with the species and sites will be prepared to ensure protection of the populations whilst undertaking the monitoring. Local landholders and community groups will assist with the monitoring of the orchid populations. This action will be coordinated and funded by DNRE.
Responsibility: DNRE
| Source | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNRE | 4,900 | 1,700 | 1,700 | 1,700 | 1,700 | 11,700 |
| PV | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 | 800 | 4,000 |
| community | 2,300 | 2,300 | 2,300 | 2,300 | 2,300 | 11,500 |
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total cost | 8,000 | 4,600 | 4,600 | 4,600 | 4,600 | 27,200 |
Action 1.4 Investigate fencing Condah site (risks vs benefits)
The population is located on a road reserve which means that it is a thorough fare and open to constant public access including humans, stock and vehicles. While a fence may protect the remnant from some threats it may also introduce it to new threats. An assessment of the risks verses the benefits will be undertake by DNRE with relevant stakeholders including the CFA, adjoining landholders, local community and the Glenelg Shire Council. This action will be coordinated and funded by DNRE.
Responsibility: DNRE
| Source | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNRE | 500 | 800 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1300 |
| community | 300 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 300 |
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total cost | 800 | 800 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1600 |
Action 1.5 Develop and implement Management Plan for Port Fairy site
In order to develop a management plan which will include establishing a grazing protocol or grazing regime to increase the population number of the orchid a detailed botanical assessment will be undertaken along with collection of management history. The site does not appear to have been burnt in the past as no ploughed fire-break is evident. Fences are evident across the road reserve indicating that it has been grazed in the past, but most likely in an ad hoc fashion. This action will be coordinated by NRE. ESP funding is sought to employ a suitable contractor to collect the biological data required.
Responsibility: DNRE
| Source | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNRE | 600 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 1400 |
| Moyne shire | 200 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 | 600 |
| community | 600 | 600 | 600 | 600 | 600 | 3000 |
| ESP | 1200 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1200 |
| Total cost | 2600 | 900 | 900 | 900 | 900 | 6200 |
Action 1.6 Undertake extension with neighbours for site protection
DNRE will continue to undertake extension and liaison with adjoining landholders and neighbours as to the conservation significance of the remnant population and what the landholders can do to help protect both public and private land sites. This action will be coordinated and funded by DNRE.
Responsibility: DNRE
| Source | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNRE | 900 | 900 | 900 | 900 | 900 | 4500 |
| community | 600 | 600 | 600 | 600 | 600 | 3000 |
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Cost | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 | 7500 |
Action 1.7 Prepare and implement comprehensive Weed Control Plan
One of the most serious threats to the survival of Gorae Leek Orchid is weed invasion. Invasive weeds can effectively out compete Gorae Leek Orchid within its very narrow habitat range and could destroy the population within a few years. A weed control plan will be developed for the various sites. It will involve a full evaluation of the weed flora on sites as well as an evaluation of all weed management options, taking into consideration the species involved, population sizes, locations, proximity to the orchids, etc.. Some of the weeds are actively growing at critical growth times of the Gorae Leek Orchid and therefore timing of the weed control will be carefully considered so that minimal impact and damage is done to the orchid. The plan will also identify what weed control can be undertaken by community members and what will have to be undertaken by specialised contractors. It will also recommend follow up revegetation works to ensure that desirable native species replace the introduced species removed. The project will be coordinated by DNRE and undertaken by an experienced orchid botanist, under contract to DNRE. DNRE will also provide funds to the local Landcare group through a Botanic Guardians Grant to assist them with weed control. ESP funding is sought to cover the costs of engaging a suitable contractor to prepare the plan and for specialist weed control in sensitive areas.
Responsibility: DNRE/Parks Victoria
| Source | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNRE | 1700 | 800 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2,500 |
| PV | 4300 | 4300 | 8600 | |||
| community | 1100 | 800 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1900 |
| ESP | 9800 | 2000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11800 |
| Total cost | 16,540 | 5800 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 24800 |
Action 1.8 Visitor Management
To protect the orchid population within the Reserve from vehicles, trampling and or collection the site will be fenced. Vehicle access within the Reserve will be restricted. Ranger presence at the site will be increased when the population may be under threat, for example at flowering time or when cattle are being grazed or moved in the area. The Friends of Palisters Reserve also keep an eye on this Reserve and will alert Parks Victoria of any adverse activities occurring at the Reserve. The action will be coordinated and funded by Parks Victoria.
Responsibility: Parks Victoria
| Source | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNRE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| PV | 8,850 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 1,200 | 13,650 |
| community | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | 1,000 |
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total cost | 9,050 | 1,400 | 1,400 | 1,400 | 1,400 | 14,650 |
Objective 2. Determine the habitat, distribution and abundance of the Gorae Leek Orchid.
Currently only six populations of the Gorae Leek Orchid are known, although it is possible that other populations may still exist along roadsides or on freehold land on the volcanic plains. Habitat preferences will be determined and potential suitable habitat identified and searches organised in an effort to locate additional populations. Searches will target private land, and the assistance of landholders will be sought to aid searches.
Action 2.1 Describe the habitat of the Gorae Leek Orchid
The habitat at current and past sites for the Gorae Leek Orchid will be described, with data collected to include plant community, soil, slope, aspect and hydrology. This will assist in defining habitat preferences and aid in identifying potential habitat for surveys. The work will be carried out by a specialist botanist under contract to DNRE. ESP funding is sought to cover costs of appointing a contractor to undertake the assessment.
Responsibility: DNRE
| Source | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNRE | 1 000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 000 |
| ESP | 3 000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 000 |
| Total cost | 4 000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 000 |
Action 2.2 Map and survey likely suitable habitat of Gorae Leek Orchid
Areas of likely habitat within the range of the Gorae Leek Orchid will be identified, and searches organised, concentrating on private land. The assistance of landholders, orchid enthusiasts and field naturalists will be sought to participate in the surveys, and the plight of the Gorae Leek Orchid will be publicised amongst land owners with potential habitat on their properties. Defining habitat and search areas will be undertaken by DNRE. Funding from ESP is sought to enable the appointment of a community facilitator to work with private landholders to coordinate the searches on private land, managed by DNRE.
Responsibility: DNRE
| Source | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNRE | 0 | 1000 | 1000 | 0 | 0 | 2000 |
| Community | 600 | 600 | 600 | 0 | 0 | 1800 |
| ESP | 4000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4000 |
| Total cost | 4600 | 1600 | 1600 | 0 | 0 | 7800 |
Action 2.3 Prepare an information brochure on the Gorae Leek Orchid
An information brochure on the Gorae Leek Orchid will be prepared to publicise the plight of the species and encourage community participation in searches and protection. The brochure will be prepared as part of the DNRE threatened species series, and costs for preparation and production will be met by DNRE.
Responsibility: DNRE
| Source | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNRE | 3 000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 000 |
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total cost | 3 000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 000 |
Action 2.4 Protect new populations of Gorae Leek Orchid as discovered
The discovery of a population of Gorae Leek Orchid along another road, with similar habitat existing within the adjoining private land has increased the chances of finding further populations of the Gorae Leek Orchid in private land. Further searching for the species is proposed in Action 2.2. Protection and improved management of new sites through liaison with landholder and fencing to manage grazing to increase plant numbers will assist in the overall conservation and protection of the species. DNRE will coordinate and this action. ESP funding is sought to assist with the fencing of the new populations to control and manage the grazing.
Responsibility: DNRE
| Source | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNRE | 0 | 600 | 600 | 0 | 0 | 1200 |
| community | 0 | 3600 | 2400 | 0 | 0 | 6000 |
| ESP | 0 | 3600 | 2400 | 0 | 0 | 6000 |
| Total cost | 0 | 7800 | 5400 | 0 | 0 | 13200 |
Objective 3. Investigate factors affecting plant recruitment and population viability
There is virtually no information on the biology and ecology of the Gorae Leek Orchid, especially on specific ecological conditions required for natural regeneration, mycorrhizal fungi association, genetic health and viability of the remnant populations, ecological tolerances, and identity and requirements of the pollinator. The work will be important in gaining information for enhanced recovery management. This project may constitute a useful post-graduate project (possibly in association with work on other threatened terrestrial orchids), or the individual action may be undertaken by contractors with specialist skills.
Action 3.1 Determine the ecological tolerances of the Gorae Leek Orchid
When sufficient numbers of plants become available either through cultivation or an increase in field populations, experimental work to determine ecological tolerances, particularly soil type, soil structure and habitat preferences will be undertaken. Rates of natural pollination, seed germination under the range of conditions likely to be found in nature and factors effecting seedling establishment will be investigated. The project will assist in ongoing field management of populations. The project is experimental and could form a suitable project for post-graduate research through a tertiary institution. The work will be managed under contract to NRE. ESP funding is sought to enable the appointment of a specialist contractor for the project.
Responsibility: DNRE
| Source | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNRE | 0 | 1500 | 1500 | 1 500 | 0 | 4500 |
| ESP | 0 | 5000 | 5000 | 5 000 | 0 | 15000 |
| Total cost | 0 | 6500 | 6500 | 6 500 | 0 | 19500 |
Objective 4. Manage the recovery program for the Gorae Leek Orchid
Recovery of the Gorae Leek Orchid will be a complex, difficult operation involving a high degree of complexity and uncertainty, and many different disciplines will be required for effective implementation of the Recovery Plan. Recovery program planning and management needs to be addressed to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the recovery program, through communication and coordination amongst all participants. DNRE has recently facilitated the establishment of a Threatened Orchid Recovery Team (TORT), representing community groups, organisations with a role in plant conservation, university researchers and specialist orchid botanists, to assist in setting standards and strategic directions in preparing and implementing recovery plans, maintaining an overview of recovery directions and actions and evaluating implementation of recovery programs. DNRE will manage the local Recovery Team, with assistance from TORT.
Action 4.1 Establish the local Recovery Team
A local Recovery Team for the Gorae Leek Orchid will be established to coordinate and maintain day to day operational implementation of the Recovery Plan, and develop targets and performance measures for actions under the Plan. The team will be facilitated by DNRE, with representatives of local community groups, land managers including Parks Victoria, specialist botanists and contractors on specific tasks for implementing recovery program. The local Recovery Team will be operating under the umbrella of TORT. Member organisations and agencies will be responsible for covering their own costs of participation in the recovery team.
Responsibility: DNRE
| Source | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNRE | 2 000 | 2 000 | 2 000 | 2 000 | 2 000 | 10 000 |
| Rec team | 2 000 | 2 000 | 2 000 | 2 000 | 2 000 | 10 000 |
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total cost | 4 000 | 4 000 | 4 000 | 4 000 | 4 000 | 20 000 |
Action 4.2 Undertake recovery program review and evaluation
Regular review and evaluation are essential components of effective program management, particularly where dealing with issues of considerable complexity and uncertainty, and will be held every year as part of the recovery team operations. A major review and evaluation, involving all participants and independent specialists, will be held at the end of the project. Costs will be met by member agencies and organisations.
Responsibility: DNRE
| Source | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNRE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 000 | 2 000 |
| Rec Team | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 000 | 2 000 |
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total cost | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 000 | 4 000 |
Action 4.3 Prepare the FFG Action Statement for the Gorae Leek Orchid
An Action Statement for the Gorae Leek Orchid under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 will be prepared. The Action Statement will be an abbreviated version of the Recovery Plan and will fill a need for public information on the species and recovery actions. The costs of preparing and publishing the Action Statement will be met by DNRE.
Responsibility: DNRE
| Source | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNRE | 2 000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 000 |
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total cost | 2 000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 000 |
Raising community awareness of orchid values will increase the value placed on areas of native grasslands and ephemeral wetlands in local communities.
A number of other threatened species occur at sites containing the Gorae Leek Orchid and so will also be protected. These include Curly Sedge (Carex tasmanica) listed as Endangered in Australia and vulnerable in Victoria (Gullan et al. 1990), Clover Glycine (Glycine latrobeana) listed as rare in Australia and vulnerable in Victoria (Gullan et al. 1990) and Agrostis billardierei var. filifolia which is known from very few collections in Victoria (Walsh & Entwisle 1994) and endangered in Victoria (Carr in prep.) and rare in Tasmania (Kirkpatrick et al. 1991).
The process of cultivating a 'difficult' orchid in vitro will lead to a greater understanding of the species and may develop new propagation techniques with a wider application. If propagation and reintroduction is successful, it will constitute a significant advancement in technical expertise, with potential benefits for a wide range of other orchid species under similar threat.
NRE Flora and Fauna Management Officers in the South West Area will coordinate the implementation of action proposals and evaluate their effectiveness in achieving the conservation aims.
Liaison with local Field Naturalists, orchid-lovers and landholders, landcare groups and shires will be important ongoing tasks for NRE Flora and Fauna Management Officers. Monitoring by local naturalists should be encouraged via the Botanic Guardians Scheme.
References
- Backhouse, G. & Jeanes, J. (1995) The Orchids of Victoria. The Miegunyah Press (Melbourne University Press), Melbourne.
- Barlow, T.J. (1996) The Vegetation of Twenty-five Grassland and Grassy woodland Remnants on Farms in South-western Victoria. Report prepare for Trust for Nature (Vic).
- Briggs, J.D. & Leigh, J.H. (1995) Rare or Threatened Australian Plants. 1995 Revised edition. CSIRO Australia
- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (1994) Western (Basalt) Plains Grassland Community.- Action Statement No.53. Dept Conservation & Natural Resources, Melbourne, Victoria.
- Department of Conservation Forests and Lands (1988) Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act.
- Fisher, J.T. (1995) Gorae Leek Orchid (Prasophyllum diversiflorum) Recovery Project - Progress Report 1995. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Victoria. Unpublished Report.
- Gullan, P.K., Cheal, D.C. & Walsh, N.G. (1990) Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria. Department of Conservation and Environment, Melbourne.
- Ingeme, Y. & Govanstone, A. (1997) Gorae Leek Orchid (Prasophyllum diversiflorum) Recovery Project - Progress Report. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria. Unpublished Report.
- Scarlett, N.H. (1984) A Register of Rare & Endangered Native Plant Species in Victoria. Summary for Prasophyllum diversiflorum.
- Scientific Advisory Committee (1993) Final Recommendation on a Nomination for Listing - Prasophyllum diversiflorum No 288. Unpublished.
- Walsh, N.G. & Entwisle, T.J. (1994) Flora of Victoria, Volume 2 - Ferns and Allied Plants, Conifers and Monocotyledons. Inkata Press Melbourne.
Appendices
Appendix 1 Summary of Recovery Objectives and Actions
- Objective 1 Maintain and increase numbers of plants at existing sites
- Action 1.1 Ensure road reserve sites are protected for conservation of the Gorae Leek Orchid
- Action 1.2 Signposting and management of stock droving/movement
- Action 1.3 Monitor Gorae Leek Orchid populations
- Action 1.4 Investigate fencing Condah site (risks vs benefits)
- Action 1.5 Develop and implement Management Plan for Port Fairy site
- Action 1.6 Undertake extension with neighbours for site protection
- Action 1.7 Prepare and implement comprehensive Weed Control Plan
- Action 1.8 Visitor Management
- Objective 2 Determine the Habitat, distribution and abundance of the Gorae Leek Orchid
- Action 2.1 Describe the habitat of the Gorae Leek Orchid
- Action 2.2 Map and survey likely suitable habitat of the Gorae Leek Orchid
- Action 2.3 Prepare an information brochure on the Gorae Leek Orchid
- Action 2.4 Protect new populations of Gorae Leek Orchid as discovered
- Objective 3 Investigate factors affecting plant recruitment and population viability
- Action 3.1 Determine the ecological tolerances of the Gorae Leek Orchid
- Objective 4 Manage the recovery program for the Gorae Leek Orchid
- Action 4.1 Establish the local Recovery Team
- Action 4.2 Undertake recovery program review and evaluation
- Action 4.3 Prepare the FFG Action Statement for the Gorae Leek Orchid
Appendix 2 Implementation schedule
| Task | Description | Priority | Feasibility | Responsible Party | Source | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Protect & maintain population numbers at existing sites | ||||||||||
| 1.1 | Protect roadside pop | 1 | 100 | DNRE | DNRE | 2.9 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 4.1 |
| Shires | 2.0 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 5.2 | |||||
| community | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 2.0 | |||||
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| 1.2 | Signposting , stock movement | 1 | 100 | DNRE | DNRE | 0.8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.8 |
| 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.25 | 0.25 | 1.25 | ||||||
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| 1.3 | Monitor pop | 1 | 100 | DNRE | DNRE | 4.9 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 11.7 |
| PV | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 4.0 | |||||
| community | 2.3 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 11.5 | |||||
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| 1.4 | Investigate fencing condah site | 1 | 100 | DNRE | DNRE | 0.5 | 0.8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.3 |
| community | 0.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.3 | |||||
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
| 1.5 | Management plan Port Fairy site | 1 | 90 | DNRE | DNRE | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 1.4 |
| Moyne shire | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.6 | |||||
| community | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 3.0 | |||||
| ESP | 1.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.2 | |||||
| 1.6 | Extension | 1 | 95 | DNRE | DNRE | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 4.5 |
| community | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 3.0 | |||||
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| 1.7 | Weed control Plan & implementation | 1 | 90 | DNRE/PV | DNRE | 1.7 | 0.8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2.5 |
| PV | 4.3 | 4.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8.6 | |||||
| community | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.9 | |||||
| ESP | 9.8 | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11.8 | |||||
| 1.8 | Visitor Management | 1 | 95 | PV | DNRE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| PV | 8.85 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 13.65 | |||||
| comm. | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 1.0 | |||||
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| 2 | Dertermine habitat, distribution & abundance | ||||||||||
| 2.1 | Describe Habitat | 2 | 100 | DNRE | DNRE | 1 .0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 .0 |
| ESP | 3 .0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3. 0 | |||||
| 2.2 | Survey | 2 | 100 | DNRE | DNRE | 0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0 | 0 | 2.0 |
| community | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0 | 0 | 1.8 | |||||
| ESP | 4.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4.0 | |||||
| 2.3 | Information brochure | 3 | 100 | DNRE | DNRE | 3 .0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 .0 |
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| 2.4 | Protection of new sites | 2 | 100 | DNRE | DNRE | 0 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0 | 0 | 1.2 |
| community | 0 | 3.6 | 2.4 | 0 | 0 | 6.0 | |||||
| ESP | 0 | 3.6 | 2.4 | 0 | 0 | 6.0 | |||||
| 3 | Investigate factors affecting plant recruitment and population viability | ||||||||||
| 3.1 | Ecological tolerances | 3 | 90 | DNRE | DNRE | 0 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1 .5 | 0 | 4.5 |
| ESP | 0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5 .0 | 0 | 15.0 | |||||
| 4 | Manage the recovery program | ||||||||||
| 4.1 | Recovery team | 2 | 100 | DNRE | DNRE | 2 .0 | 2 .0 | 2. 0 | 2 .0 | 2 .0 | 10. 0 |
| Rec team | 2. 0 | 2 .0 | 2 .0 | 2. 0 | 2 .0 | 10 .0 | |||||
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| 4.2 | Review recovery plan | 2 | 100 | DNRE | DNRE | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2. 0 | 2. 0 |
| Rec Team | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 .0 | 2 .0 | |||||
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| 4.3 | Action Statement | 3 | 100 | DNRE | DNRE | 2 .0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2. 0 |
| ESP | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| Totals | 62.8 | 38.95 | 27.85 | 20.85 | 18.35 | 168.8 | |||||
Appendix 3 Relationship between goals, criteria, objectives and actions
| Goal (Short-term) | Criteria | Objectives | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| To decrease the risk of extinction by stabilising increasing numbers at existing populations, through site protection and improved management to increase seedling recruitment | A. Maintaining and increase population numbers at 3 sites to a minimum of 200 flowering plants | 1.Protect and maintain numbers of plants at existing sites | 1.1Ensure road reserves are protected for conservation of orchid 1.2Signposting and management of stock droving 1.3Monitor plants 1.4Investigate fencing Condah site (risks vs benefits) 1.5Develop and implement Management Plan for Portfairy site 1.6 Undertake extension with neighbours for site protection 1.7Prepare and implement comprehensive Weed Control Plan 1.8Visitor Management |
| B. Commencing comprehensive surveys to search for new populations and identify reintroduction sites | 2.Determine the habitat, distribution and abundance of the Gorae Leek Orchid | 2.1Detail the habitat of the Gorae Leek Orchid 2.2Map and survey likely suitable habitat 2.3 Prepare an information brochure |
|
| C. Increase population at Condah site | 1. | 1.1,1.2,1.3,1.4,1.6,1.7,1.9 | |
| A + B + C | 3.Investigate factors affecting plant recruitment and population viability | 3.1 Determine the ecological tolerances | |
| 4.Manage the recovery program for the Gorae Leek Orchid | 4.1Establish the local Recovery Team 4.2Undertake recovery program review and evaluation 4.3 Prepare the FFG Action Statement |
Acknowledgements
Our thanks to the following people who made substantial contributions to the preparation of this Recovery Plan: John Hill (Portland Aluminium), Andrew Prichard, John Amor and Ian Walker (Parks Victoria), Sally Jackson (landholder), Jim Gough (Landholder), Fiona Coates and Gary Backhouse (DNRE).
Copyright
© The Director, Environment Australia, GPO Box 636, Canberra, ACT 2601 1998
This publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying or other, without the prior permission of the Director, Environment Australia.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in this document are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Environment Australia or the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria.
Citation
Ingeme, Y and Govanstone, A. 1999. Recovery Plan for the Gorae Leek Orchid Prasophyllum diversiflorum 2000 - 2004. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne.
The preparation of this plan was funded by the Environment Australia Biodiversity Group, Threatened Species and Communities Section.
A Recovery Plan prepared under the Commonwealth Endangered Species Protection Act 1992.