Threatened species & ecological communities

National recovery plan for the Whipstick Westringia (Westringia crassifolia) 1999-2001

Shirley Diez, Ken Beasely, Martin Downs, Andrea Milikins, Rod Orr, Rob Price and David Venn
Environment Australia, 1999

Contents

Acknowledgments

The members of the Recovery Team have contributed a great deal to this report. The following members of the team are gratefully acknowledged:

Ken Beasely, Martin Downs, Andrea Milikins, Rod Orr, Rob Price and David Venn.

Other information in this report has been gleaned from local knowledge, an internal NRE file on Westringia crassifolia, and the NRE Action Statement for the species.

Summary

Current Species Status

Endangered in Victoria (Gullan, Cheal & Walsh 1990, Flora Information System 1999) and Australia (Briggs & Leigh 1995, ANZECC 1999). Whipstick Westringia has been listed as a threatened taxon under Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. Whipstick Westringia is endemic to Victoria and is restricted to several sites on uncommited crown land between the Whipstick and Kamarooka State Parks (near Bendigo, central Victoria), and several sites within the Little Desert National Park (near Horsham in western Victoria).

The number of individual wild plants at each of these sites varies from one mature plant to a large group of over 70 wild plants (Bendigo), and around 70 plants across 2-3 sites in the Little Desert.

Habitat Requirements and Limiting Factors

Whipstick Westringia is generally found along Gully lines in the vegetation type known as Gravelly-sediment Mallee near Bendigo and in the Little Desert. Germination requirements are not fully understood, although it is possible that periodic inundation may assist recruitment. In the Bendigo area populations are seriously threatened by intensive continuous browsing by both native and feral herbivores, and the associated lack of regeneration.

In the Little Desert browsing is also considered a serious problem, however, isolated populations are threatened by road works and other human impacts. One population is on a seasonally innundated grey clay site, and the other is composed of buckshot gravel.

Recovery Plan Objectives

For the Bendigo area, the objective of this recovery plan is to maintain, protect and enhance all known natural populations, to identify any other populations and to re-establish five self-sustaining populations in areas where the plant was once recorded.

In the Little Desert National Park the objective is to maintain, protect and enhance all of the known populations.

Recovery Criteria

The criteria for assessing the achievement of these objectives are:

  1. Size of all known wild populations in both the Bendigo area and the Little Desert to remain stable or increase over the next five years.
  2. Ecological habitat of at least 5 sites maintained or enhanced to the point where natural ecological processes continue to operate.
  3. At least 5 new populations established in suitable habitat in the Bendigo area.

Actions Needed

  1. Immediate protection of populations from browsing (short term protection)
  2. Survey and mapping
  3. Monitoring of populations
  4. Propagation
  5. Reintroduction
  6. Habitat Management (long term protection)
  7. Visitor management
  8. Prevent incompatible uses
  9. Research
  10. Liaison, extension and community education

Total Estimated Cost of Recovery ($000's)

Action

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Total
 

NRE

ESP

NRE

ESP

NRE

ESP

NRE

ESP

NRE

ESP

NRE

ESP

1

800

2500

800

2500

            

1600

5000

2

500

2000

500

2000

            

1000

4000

3

1600

2000

1600

2000

1600

2000

1600

2000

1600

2000

8000

10000

4

400

200

400

200

400

200

400

200

400

200

2000

1000

5

2900

2500

1900

  

900

  

900

  

900

  

7500

2500

6

3100

2000

3100

2000

            

6200

4000

7

720

  

720

              

1440

  

8

600

  

600

  

600

  

600

  

600

  

3000

  

9

3400

3000

3400

3000

3400

3000

        

10200

9000

10

800

  

800

  

800

  

800

  

800

  

4000

  

Total

14820

14200

13820

11700

7700

5200

4300

2200

4300

2200

44940

35500

Biodiversity Benefits

The decline of Whipstick Westringia in this Mallee Community is likely to be indicative of a general trend for other palatable species under intensive grazing pressure from native herbivores. Addressing the grazing balance in this community will have broader impacts on the way conservation issues are approached for other highly palatable species. Raising general awareness will increase the value placed on areas of box-ironbark forest in local communities. Highlighting the importance of Gravelly-sediment Mallee may also benefit other significant species found in this vegetation type. For example, Mallee Fowl have not been sighted in the Bendigo Mallee area for over 50 years. This may be a result of broader habitat changes, the modification of which will be addressed in this Plan.


Introduction

Description

Whipstick Westringia (Westringia crassifolia) is an erect spindly shrub to 2m high with slender, longitudinally ribbed branchlets, sparsely covered with short soft hairs. The dark green leaves are in whorls of three; they are narrowly elliptic to slightly oblong. Leaf margins are entire, leaf blades are 5-15 mm long, 1.5-2.5 mm wide, sparsely to moderately hairy and rather thick. The leaf apex is obtuse with a slight callose point. The upper surface is concave and both surfaces are slightly rough from the presence of minute tubercules.

The flower colour ranges through pink to blue or lavender. They are borne freely towards the ends of the branches between August and September. The cup-shaped calyx is about 5 mm long, has five equal teeth and is covered externally with minute greyish hairs. The corolla is hairy on the outside, 12-14 mm long, with two lips: the central lobe of the broad lower lip is emarginate (notched). Its lavender-blue colour shades into white in the throat where it is dotted with orange yellow spots. The fruit is dry, splitting at maturity into four one-seeded nutlets, enclosed by the persistent calyx.

Distribution and Habitat

The species is endemic to Victoria. It is restricted to several small sites on uncommitted Crown Land between the Whipstick and Kamarooka State Parks (Wakefield 1957), some other sites within these parks, and to four sites within the Little Desert National Park. Extensive searching for the species was carried out in 1995 (NRE file, Sue Berwick), where no populations were recorded within the Whipstick and Kamarooka State Parks, or around Inglewood and Wedderburn.

In the Whipstick area north of Bendigo, Whipstick Westringia occurs on gully flats, fringing lower slopes and in shallow gullies on Ordovician sedimentary rocks. Overstorey species include Red Ironbark-Yellow Gum (Eucalyptus tricarpa-E. leucoxylon) open forest, Blue Mallee - Bull Mallee - Green Mallee (E. polybractea - E. behriana - E. viridis), or just Green Mallee. Understorey species include Totem-Poles (Melaleuca decussata), Drooping Cassinia (Cassinia arcuata), Gold-Dust Wattle (Acacia acinacea) and occasionally Broombush (Melaleuca uncinata). This description corresponds well with the vegetation type described as 'Gravelly-sediment Mallee, Sub-community 2.2' in Muir et al. (1995) and also in Cheal and Parkes (1989).

In the Little Desert National Park it is known from four sites; three on seasonally inundated flats and one on a low buckshot gravelly ridge. Mallee eucalypts dominate the overstorey, including Green Mallee, Slender-Leaved Mallee (E. leptophylla) and Yellow Mallee (E. incrassata). The shrub layer often includes Broombush, Violet Honey-myrtle (Melaleuca wilsonii), Desert Hakea (Hakea muelleriana), Mint-bush (Prostanthera aspalathoides) and Gold-Dust Wattle. One of the sites is adjacent to Yellow Gum flats which are regularly innundated. Seed appears to be viable for several years in the Little Desert National Park and effective germination appears to have occurred after fire, grading and flooding.

Ecology

The following is a summary of the current understanding of the ecology of Whipstick Westringia.

The long-term viability of the species is unknown. At seven of the eight known sites north of Bendigo there is little or no evidence of recent seedling germination. In both the Little Desert and Bendigo areas there is abundant evidence of severe browsing, particularly on the lower branches and the smaller plants. In some Little Desert National Park sites, however, there are numerous new plants and seedlings emerging (Venn, pers. comm.).

It is difficult to predict how the original climax vegetation community for Whipstick Westringia would have been structured. It is likely that most of the Westringia populations north of Bendigo occurred in areas which were used for eucalyptus oil production since the beginning of the century. Originally the eucalypts were cut by hand, but this has been superseded by mechanical harvesters which cut re-growth close to ground level at approximately two-year intervals. There are concerns regarding the long-term effects of harvesting. It is known that harvesting of mallee eucalypts can lead to increased runoff and erosion (LCC 1981). The Whipstick Public Lands Proposed Management Plan (April 1989 p. 31) recognised the need to establish information concerning the ecological effects of harvesting.

It is likely that the present erosion problems within the uncommitted area have been accentuated, or are the result of, previous and current land use activities, such as eucalyptus harvesting, gold mining and road works.

In the past, within the Phillips Gully, a walking track meandered through an area of Westringia plants, resulting in soil compaction, increased runoff and a greater threat of erosion. Illegal flower picking and the taking of cuttings has also occurred.

It is clear from observations and monitoring that the plants are extremely sensitive to browsing. The major threat appears to come from rabbits, hares, macropods and potentially from feral goats.

Seed appears to be viable for several years in the Little Desert National Park. Effective germination has occurred after fire and successive flooding (D. Venn, pers. obs.). It is not known if fire is an important stimulus for regeneration from seed.

Most plants in the Little Desert are less than 0.5m in height and appear to flower regularly. Older plants flower less and are believed to be less able to support new growth (McGuckin 1994).

Habitat

Conservation Management Issues

Current Conservation Status

Endangered in Victoria (Gullan, Cheal and Walsh 1990) and in Australia (Briggs and Leigh 1995, ANZECC 1999). Whipstick Westringia has been listed as a threatened taxon on Schedule 2 of the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

In its final recommendation, the Scientific Advisory Committee (1991) determined that Westringia crassifolia 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.

Decline

The species was previously known as Westringia rigida var. grevillina and was believed to be confined to 'the Bendigo Whipstick Scrub in the vicinity of 'Westringia Ridge' ' (Wakefield 1957). The species is now known from several sites in the Bendigo area and from sites within the Little Dessert National Park. Both populations are in different states of decline. Many of the areas where Westringia crassifolia is found, would have been regularly harvested for Eucalyptus oil in the past. There has apparently been no recruitment occuring in the Bendigo area in recent times. Heavy grazing has resulted in stunted plants which rarely flower or produce seed. In particular, the Bendigo population is declining to the point where it is believed that the soil seed bank contains little or no Westringia seed. Recent research by Melbourne University has indicated that in general, soil stored seed levels for the Mallee areas near Bendigo are low and dominated by annuals, largely weeds (Ward 1999). This makes the populations particularly vulnerable to devastation by wildfire.

Recent trends at known locations

Bendigo Area

A large exclosure plot (approx 100m by 30m) was erected at Phillips Gully in March 1996 to protect over 50 wild plants from the effects of heavy browsing. At this time, 40 individual wild plants at Phillips Gully were guarded and tagged with unique numbers. These are showing good growth and appeared to be surviving well (last inspected 1999). Un-protected wild plants continue to decline, and several appear to have died in the last dry season, due to the cumulative effects of drought and continuous heavy browsing. Plants which are continually browsed do not produce flowers. Only those few plants which are in the protective canopy of another shrub species have been observed to flower, and then only sparsely. There does not appear to be any natural recruitment occurring at any of the sites monitored in the Bendigo area.

Plants were grown from cuttings (collected from cultivated plants originally from Phillips Gully and from wild plants at Phillips Gully) and planted into two sites over 1997-98. All plants were individually guarded with 90cm high rabbit-proof netting. Forty-eight plants were planted at Phillips Gully in June 1997, and sixty-five were planted further north along Boundary road in the following winter. Monitoring of these planted populations in 1998 indicated a 90% survival rate and about 65% flowering rate (NRE File note, S.Diez). Most of the plants which flowered produced seed. The seed from planted specimens was collected and sent to both Kings Park Research Laboratory (Perth) and the Melbourne Botanical Gardens for research into the viablility and germination requirements of the species.

Little Desert National Park

In 1993 a survey was carried out to search for Westringia at all four known sites. The plant was not relocated at one of the sites. It is therefore currently known from only three sites in the Little Desert. In 1995 three sites were visited and population sizes varied from 6, 34 and more than 50 (Venn, pers. comm.). The fourth site was not visited in 1995. Natural recruitment appeared to be occurring at the three main sites, and most flowering plants were less than 1m high. Older plants produced few flowers. Seedlings of Westringia have been observed along grader cuttings, in spring, 6 months after works following rain. Two of the three sites are frequently inundated during the year. The general trend is of increasing density of other components of the vegetation. Westringia plants were generally located in open areas, but were not observed where there was dense growth of the understorey. These trends indicate that plants may not be able to tolerate competition.

Threats

Whipstick Westringia is threatened by a range of activities:

Browsing or grazing by native and introduced animals, including the Eastern Grey Kangaroos (Macropus giganteus) and Western Grey Kangaroos (Macropus fuliginosus) Swamp Wallaby (Wallabia bicolor), Brown Hare (*Lepus capensis) and to a lesser extent, Rabbit (*Oryctolagus cuniculus) and the feral Goat (*Capra hircus) threaten the species. Although this threat is present at both sites it appears to be more intense in the Bendigo area.

In the Bendigo (Whipstick) area, most of the known sites are in gullies where active erosion is progressively removing the alluvial floor and its associated plants. In one such gully, erosion is almost certainly responsible for the decline of Whipstick Westringia (only one specimen remains). In another gully, silt from nearby road runoff is burying plants on the gully floor throughout the major Westringia colony.

There have been no confirmed observations of regeneration in the Bendigo area. Natural regeneration from seed must at best be considered rare. In the Little Desert recruitment has been observed (D. Venn, pers. obs).

There is very little knowledge available relating to the post-fire regeneration potential of Wipstick Westringia, however, it is possible that mature plants may coppice after fire (Neville Walsh, pers. comm.). If adult plants did not resprout, populations could be destroyed if two successive fires occurred before seed had set. It may be that burning is an appropriate tool where areas are shown to have substantial amounts of soil stored seed. It is also possible that opening of the canopy by fire may encourage germination.

Inadequate knowledge of the species

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

Existing conservation measures

Bendigo Area

Little Desert Area


Recovery Objective and criteria

The major objective of this recovery plan is to protect and enhance all known populations by 2004. Currently known populations are: 8 sites around Bendigo, and 4 in the Little Desert.

The criteria for assessing the achievement of this objective are:


Recovery actions

Immediate Protection of Populations from Browsing (short-term protection)

Aim: To protect all known populations from disturbance associated with browsing and thus allow natural regeneration (short term).

Methods: Investigate a range of options (fences, cages) to prevent or deter browsing by native or introduced animals. Erect 2 km of fencing.

Responsibility: Department of Natural Resources and Environment / Parks Victoria

Action

Costs

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Time

NRE

$400

$400

      

Time

Parks Vic

$400

$400

      

Labour & Materials

ESP

$2,500

$2,500

      
 

Total

$3,300

$3,300

      

Survey and Mapping

Aim: To locate or relocate other populations in the Bendigo area so that they may be protected from browsing animals and inadvertent destruction.

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 possible to miss single plants or seedlings which are not flowering. Research historical survey data and local knowledge, including filed naturalist maps and annecdotal information. Investigate old eucalypt distillery sites. Maintain a database of site locations and population numbers.

Responsibility: Department of Natural Resources and Environment will provide mileage (500km) and supervision.

Action

Costs

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Mileage and supervision

NRE / Parks Vic

$500

$500

      

Survey

ESP

$2000

$2000

      
 

Total

$2,500

$2,500

      

Monitoring

Aims: To assess whether existing populations are declining or expanding.

To confirm which browsers are impacting on the populations.

To determine flowering levels, seed production and seed viability.

To determine if natural recruitment is occurring

Methods: Set up a variety of monitoring programs to address each of the above aims. Monitor populations each year at flowering time. This can be done by a person supervised by PV or NRE, but may also be carried out in part by Friends Groups, School Groups and local Naturalists. Financial assistance for volunteer groups can be obtained through NRE's Botanic Guardians scheme. Involve tertiary Institutions in research.

Responsibility: Department of Natural Resources and Environment / Parks Victoria

Action

Costs

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Mileage

NRE / Parks Vic

$600

$600

$600

$600

$600

2 weeks monitoring

ESP

$2,000

$2,000

$2,000

$2,000

$2,000
 

Total

$2,600

$2,600

$2,600

$2,600

$2,600

Propagation

Aim: To propagate the species in a way that maintains genetic diversity.

To enhance existing populations and establish new populations in suitable areas.

Methods:

Propagate plants using cuttings and seed collected from as many wild plants as possible.

Promote research into the germination of Westringia seed.

Keep clear records of population stock and plantings.

Keep Whipstick and Little Desert genetic material separate

Responsibility: Natural Resources and Environment

Action

Costs

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Labour

NRE

$400

$400

$400

$400

$400

Labour

Parks Vic

          

Materials

ESP

$200

$200

$200

$200

$200
 

Total

$600

$600

$600

$600

$600

Re-introduction

Aim: To establish at least 5 new populations of the species in suitable habitat in secure, unpublicised locations on public land in the Bendigo area.

To investigate potential for establishing populations on freehold land in the Bendigo area.

A long term aim is to establish self sustaining populations.

Method:

Develop a clear re-introduction plan based on historical and local knowledge.

Prioritise sites for reintroduction and enhancement plantings.

Plant cultivated plants into selected areas and monitor survival.

Responsibility: Department of Natural Resources and Environment

Action

Costs

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Time

NRE / Parks Vic

$2,000

$1,000

      

(10 or more, planting for 0.5 day)

Community

$900

$900

$900

$900

$900

Materials

ESP

$2,500

        
 

Total

$5,400

$1,900

$900

$900

$900

Habitat Management (long term protection)

Aim: To protect populations and individual plants from browsing in the longer term.

Methods:

With the support of PV and NRE, engage an ecologist to:

Investigate the importance of the vegetation composition and structure. Actions may include thinning and/or planting of associated vegetation.

Investigate the impacts of dense associated shrub plantings to indirectly protect Westringia from browsing.

Investigate control of both native and introduced browsers through restricted access to water near known sites within State Parks.

Implement actions as necessary to address these issues.

Responsibility: Parks Victoria / Natural Resources and Environment / Community

Action

Costs

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Mileage

NRE / Parks Vic

$600

$600

      

Survey / implementation

ESP

$2,000

$2,000

      

Materials/labour

?nre / pv

$2,500

$2,500

      
 

Total

$5,100

$5,100

      

Visitor Management

Aim: To protect populations and individual plants from vehicles, trampling and / or collection.

Methods:

Restrict vehicle access, alter tracks or roads if neccessary.

Re-direct walking tracks if necessary

Investigate the use of signage, and foster community ownership of sites.

Responsibility: Parks Victoria / Natural Resources and Environment

Action

Costs

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Labour

NRE

$360

$360

      

Labour

Parks Vic

$360

$360

      

Materials

ESP

-

-

      
 

Total

$720

$720

      

Prevent Incompatible Uses

Aim: To protect all populations from incompatible land uses, particularly exploration, mining, eucalyptus oil harvesting, extractive industries and related activities including 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

Action

Costs

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Time / labour

NRE

$400

$400

$400

$400

$400

Time / labour

Parks Vic

$200

$200

$200

$200

$200
 

ESP

-

-

-

-

-
 

Total

$600

$600

$600

$600

$600

Research

Aims: Investigate the germination requirements and seed viability of Whipstick Westringia . Include an analysis of the seed bank.

Investigate the historical impacts of fire, soil disturbance and inundation on the recruitment of Whipstick Westringia.

Investigate the life history and ecology of Whipstick Westringia, including pollinators and historical vegetation community structure.

Method: NRE and PV would promote opportunities for postgraduate research by providing funding assistance and information packages to institutions. Mileage, office space and suppervision would be provided by NRE.

Priority areas for research would include response to fire and reproductive strategies of Westringia.

Responsibility: Department of Natural Resources and Environment

Action

Costs

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004
 

NRE

$3200

$3200

$3200

    
 

Parks Vic

$200

$200

$200

    

Cash incentive

ESP

$3,000

$3,000

$3,000

    
 

Total

$6,400

$6,400

$6,400

    

Liaison, extension and community education

Aims: To increase awareness of the importance and rarity of Whipstick Westringia.

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 Westringia populations. Provide financial assistance from programs such as Botanic Guardians.

Responsibility: Department of Natural Resources and Environment / Parks Victoria

Action

Costs

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Time

NRE

$400

$400

$400

$400

$400

Time

Parks Vic

$400

$400

$400

$400

$400
 

ESP

-

-

-

-

-
 

Total

$800

$800

$800

$800

$800

Biodiversity benefits

A major benefit would be the protection of a species of flora which was once more common.

An increased understanding of the vegetation community which supports Whipstick Westringia.

A new approach to managing communities which contain rare plants (ie. Managing the entire community).

A local community focus on a nationally threatened species.


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, NCCMA 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.


Bibliography / References

ANZECC (1999). List of Australian Threatened Flora. Environment Australia, Biodiversity Group.

Briggs J.D. & Leigh, J.H. (1995). Rare or Threatened Australian Plants. Revised edition. CSIRO, Canberra.

Cheal, D.C. and Parkes, D.M. (1989). Mallee Vegetation in Victoria. In Noble, J.C and Bradstock, R.A. (eds) Mediterranean Landscapes in Australia - Mallee Ecosystems and their Management.

Davies, R. and Riley, M. (1993). Whipstick Westringia Westringia crassifolia, Action Statement No. 40. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Gullan, P.K., Cheal, D.C. & Walsh, N.G. (1990). Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria. Department of Conservation and Environment, Melbourne.

LCC (1981). Final Recommendations for the North Central Study Area. Land Conservation Council, Victoria.

Leigh, J.H., Boden, R. & Briggs, J.D. (1984). Extinct and Endangered Plants of Australia. Macmillan Aust. Pty. Ltd.

McGuckin, J. (1994). A Review of the Endangered Plants in the Little Desert National Park. Internal Report CNR, Horsham, South-west area.

Ross, J.H. (1996). A Census of the Vascular Plants of Victoria. Royal Botanic Gardens, Victoria, Australia.

SAC (1991). Final Recommendation on a nomination for listing: Westringia crassifolia (Nomination No. 155). Scientific Advisory Committee, Flora and Fauna Guarantee, Dept. of Conservation & Environment, Victoria.

Wakefield, N.A. (1957). Flora of Victoria: New Species and other Additions. Victorian Naturalist 73 :186-8.

Ward, L (1999). Unpublished thesis. Mallee and Box-Ironbark Forest in the Whipstick, Central Victoria: environmental correlates and the question of communities.

Muir, A. M., Edwards, S. A. & Dickins J. M. (1995). Description and Conservation Status of the Vegetation of the Box-Ironbark Ecosystem in Victoria. Flora & Fauna Technical Report No. 136. Dept. Nat. Res. & Envt, Victoria.

Copyright information

This document may be referred to as follows:

Diez, S. (1999) Recovery Plan - Whipstick Westringia (Westringia crassifolia). Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria. Unpublished Report.

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.