Chiloglottis anaticeps (an orchid) - endangered species listing

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list Chiloglottis anaticeps D.L. Jones, an orchid, as an ENDANGERED SPECIES on Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the Act. Listing is provided for by Part 2 of the Act.

NSW Scientific Committee - final determination

The Scientific Committee has found that:

1. Chiloglottis anaticeps D.L. Jones (Orchidaceae) has been described in Flora of New South Wales Volume 4 by D. L. Jones as "Terrestrial herb. Leaves 2. Flower narrow, 28-32 mm long, green to brown. Dorsal sepal linear to spathulate, 14-16 mm long, 3-4 mm wide; osmophore c. 4 mm long. Lateral sepals linear, 16-18 mm long, 0.8 mm wide, erect and decurved; osmophore obovate 5-7 mm long. Petals lanceolate, 10-12 mm long, 3-3.5 mm wide, reflexed. Labellum obovate, 9-11 mm long, 5-6 mm wide, anterior margins recurved. Callus green to black, occupying most of the lamina; major stalked callus resembling a duck's head. Column 8-9 mm long, c. 3 mm wide, broadly winged, green with red anterior spots, dorsally verrucose. Flowers Dec.-Feb. Grows in tall sclerophyll forest, often along streams or around fringes of low sandstone outcrops; restricted to high country west of Wauchope."

2. The species is known from high country in 3 areas: in/near New England National Park, Werrikimbe National Park and Cathedral Rocks National Park. According to D. L. Jones in lit. "in Werrikimbe there are numerous relatively small colonies totalling several hundred plants. Cathedral Rocks National Park contains at least one substantial colony of about 100 plants".

3. The main threats to this species are the small size of known populations, grazing and disturbances to ground flora (for example by pigs and road works).

4. In view of 2 & 3 above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Chiloglottis anaticeps 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.

Proposed Gazettal date: 17/11/2000