Translocation of Plains Rice‐flower (Pimelea spinescens ssp. spinescens), Laverton, Victoria

Abstract

Summary The Department of Defence established three reserves at Laverton Airbase (now the Westpoint Business Park) prior to its sale to conserve nationally significant species and grassland values. These reserves excluded approximately 30 per cent of the largest known population of Plains Rice‐flower (Pimelea spinescens ssp. spinescens), an endangered Victorian endemic. These plants were not included in a reserve because they occurred in a small area relatively remote from intact grassland. Rather than accepting the eventual destruction of these plants, two translocation techniques were used to salvage as many plants as possible outside the reserves before the sale of the property was complete. First, a nursery population of approximately 100 plants was established from cuttings for later replanting into the reserves. Second, plants were excavated within blocks of soil and moved into a nearby reserve using two techniques. Plants were moved either in a specially constructed steel box or by using a tree spade. These methods moved a total of 93 and 129 plants, respectively. After approximately 2 years, the survival of the translocated plants was > 60% and the process was considered successful. Translocation using the steel box was relatively inefficient and generated a considerable amount of soil disturbance. Use of the tree spade was the preferred technique. Ongoing ecological management of the site follows an established management plan and is considered essential for the long‐term survival of the translocated plants and other nationally significant conservation values present.

The Ecological Characteristics of Seed Germination and Seedling Establishment of <i>Manglietia patungensis</i>: Implication for Species Conservation

“…In an experiment about the factors affecting seedling survival, Carol found that shade conditions affected early survival, and the death of seedlings of six species in nine species contributed to pathogens infection [40]. To ensure that rare and threatened flora extinctions be prevented or at least minimized, numerous attempts have been made to create new populations of endangered plants by translocation [41,42]. A successful translocation can be defined by addressing four goals of abundance, extent, resilience and persistence [43].…”

Translocation trials confirm specific factors affecting the establishment of three endangered plant species

“…Plant translocation is being used increasingly as a tool in the rejuvenation of degraded populations (Gordon 1996; Mueck 2000; Millsom 2002). Such recolonization artificially broadens the age structure of a population, but does little to stimulate natural regeneration unless the processes threatening recruitment are dealt with.…”

Growth analysis of a reestablished population versus a natural population ofBidens cernuaL.

“…Numerous attempts have been made to create new populations of threatened plant species by translocation (Falk et al 1996;Gilfedder et al 1997;Mueck 2000;Husband & Campbell 2004), nevertheless only few studies demonstrate self-sustainability by attesting capacity for reproduction, and long-term persistence (Jusaitis et al 2004). In particular, the production of viable seeds and seedling establishment are crucial if population turnover and maintenance are to occur (Morgan 2000).…”