Acacia terminalis subsp. terminalis (a shrub) - endangered species listing
The Scientific Committee established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act has made a Final Determination to list the Wattle Acacia terminalis (Salisb.) J.F. Macbr. subsp. terminalis as an ENDANGERED SPECIES on Schedule 1 Part 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act. Listing of endangered species is provided for by Section 10 of the Act. The definition of species in Section 4 of the Act permits listing of subspecies.
NSW Scientific Committee - final determination
The Scientific Committee has found that:
1. The Sunshine Wattle, Acacia terminalis, a bipinnate wattle growing as a shrub to 5 metres tall is widespread in eastern Australia, from northern New South Wales to Tasmania.
2. Acacia terminalis was first collected by Banks and Solander in 1770. Recent research by Tindale and Kodela (currently unpublished) has shown that the original collection represents a distinct subspecies of very limited distribution.
3. Acacia terminalis subsp. terminalis differs from more widespread forms of the species in being hairier, and possessing thicker peduncles and wider seed pods.
4. Collections ofAcacia terminalis subsp. terminalis have been made in scrub and dry sclerophyll woodland between Botany Bay and the northern foreshore of Port Jackson. The locations from which several of the early collections were made no longer provide habitat, having been cleared for development of the eastern suburbs.
5. Recent collections have been made only from Clifton Gardens, Dover Heights, Parsley Bay, Nielsen Park, Cooper Park, Chifley and Watsons Bay.
6. Although some populations are included within conservation reserves these are small and the largest known population, in Chifley, is not currently protected and the site may be subject to future development. One of the largest populations has been lost recently at Matraville.
7. In view of 4, 5, and 6 above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Acacia terminalis subsp. terminalis is likely to become extinct in nature in New South Wales unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival or evolutionary development cease to operate and that the species is eligible for listing as an endangered species.
Date Gazetted: 6/03/1998