Sclerolaena napiformis (a small perennial shrub) - endangered species listing
The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list the small perennial shrub Sclerolaena napiformis Paul G. Wilson as an ENDANGERED SPECIES on Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the Act and as a consequence omit reference to Sclerolaena napiformis Paul G. Wilson as a VULNERABLE SPECIES on Schedule 2 of the Act. Listing is provided for by Part 2 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act.
NSW Scientific Committee - final determination
The Scientific Committee has found that:
1. Sclerolaena napiformis (Chenopodiaceae) was first described in Flora of Australia Vol. 4 (1984) by Paul G. Wilson and is found on the south-western plains of NSW and also in Victoria.
2. Sclerolaena napiformis has been described (Flora of New South Wales, Vol 1, Harden 1990) as: an erect perennial shrub to about 30cm high, with linear leaves 10-15mm long with appressed hairs. The perianth has 5 lobes, the fruit is 3-3.5mm wide, hairy, with 6 spines, 4 are 2.5-4mm long and the 2 short ones are 1mm long. Seed horizontal.
3. The species is restricted in NSW to the Jerilderie area in the South Western Plains botanical subdivision. This represents the northern limit of distribution of the species as it is also found in Victoria. In NSW, it is currently known to exist in only 8 populations. None of the populations are reserved.
4. The total number of plants is estimated to be less than 1500 individuals. Three of the populations consist of less than 20 plants each.
5. The main threats to S. napiformis are activities associated with roadworks (such as grading, widening and material stockpiling), weed spraying, overgrazing, and pugging in wet conditions. Also the small size of some of the populations makes them susceptible to catastrophic events.
6. In view of 3, 4 & 5 above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that the species is likely to become extinct in nature in NSW unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival or evolutionary development cease to operate.
Proposed Gazettal date: 6/8/99
Exhibition period: 6/8/99 - 10/9/99