Grevillea molyneuxii - vulnerable species listing
The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list Grevillea molyneuxii D.J. McGillivray as a VULNERABLE SPECIES on Schedule 2 of the Act and to omit reference to this species as an ENDANGERED SPECIES on Part 1 of Schedule 1. Listing of Vulnerable Species is provided for by Part 2 of the Act.
NSW Scientific Committee - final determination
The Scientific Committee has found that:
1. Grevillea molyneuxii was first described in 1986 by D. J. McGillivray.
2. Grevillea molyneuxii (Proteaceae) is described in the Flora of NSW Vol.2 (Harden, 1991) as a spreading shrub c. 0.2-1 m high. Leaves narrow-oblong or -elliptic to linear, 1.5-4 cm long, mostly 1-4 mm wide, usually pungent, margins entire and angularly recurved, sometimes obscuring the subsericeous lower surface except for the midvein. Inflorescences subsecund, 1.5-3 cm long. Perianth reddish, loosely subsericeous outside, bearded inside. Gynoecium 19.5-21 mm long; ovary stipitate, glabrous; style reddish, glabrous except for minute erect hairs near the apex, pollen presenter oblique. Follicle glabrous. Flowers spring and autumn.
3. The species is restricted to the Tallong-Wingello area, ENE of Goulburn on the southern highlands of New South Wales. When originally described in 1986 it was known from only 3 sites most likely representing one population. Recent surveys of available habitat in the area have located a number of additional sites, most likely representing an additional four populations. The species is still however, very restricted in its distribution with not all areas of apparently suitable habitat containing the species. One population is known from Morton National Park.
4. The species occurs in association with flat sandstone rock platforms at the base of moderate to steep slopes, in very open to somewhat closed heathland bordered by Eucalyptus stricta/Allocasuarina paludosa woodland. Species commonly found in association with Grevillea molyneuxii include Boronia floribunda, Calytrix tetragona, Dillwynia ramosissima, Grevillea baueri, Isopogon anethifolius, Micromyrtus ciliata, Mirbelia rubiifolia and Olax stricta.
5. The total number of plants now known is estimated to be between 2,500 and 8,000 and several of the known populations have over 500 plants. Numbers are unknown at one population although the species has been recorded as locally abundant at the site.
6. The highly restricted distribution of Grevillea molyneuxii increases its susceptibility to local extinction from stochastic or catastrophic events. Other possible threats are impact of vehicles as vehicle tracks pass through three sites. The species would be susceptible to the impact of high fire frequency, but current indications are that the habitat of the species is not burnt frequently.
7. In view of 3, 5 & 6 above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that the species is not currently considered endangered but is likely to become endangered in nature in NSW unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival cease to operate.
Proposed Gazettal date: 24/12/99
Exhibition period: 24/12/99 - 4/2/00