Chiloglottis platyptera (a terrestrial orchid) - vulnerable species listing

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list the terrestrial orchid Chiloglottis platyptera D.L. Jones as a VULNERABLE SPECIES on Schedule 2 of the Act. 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. Chiloglottis platyptera D.L. Jones (Orchidaceae) has been described in Flora of New South Wales Volume 4 by D.L. Jones as "Terrestrial herb. Leaves 2. Flowers narrow, 10-12 mm long, greenish brown with a black labellum callus. Dorsal sepal spathulate, 12.5-13.5 mm long, 3-3.2 mm wide; osmophore c. 0.5 mm long. Lateral sepals recurved, 7-10 mm long, c. 1 mm wide, divergent; osmophore c. 0.7 mm long, dark red. Petals oblanceolate, 9.5-10.5 mm long, c. 3 mm wide, reflexed. Labellum obovate, 9-10 mm long, 8-8.5 mm wide, the upper surface covered with a shiny, black callus. Column broadly winged. Flowers Sept.-Nov. Grows among grass in tall forest: north from Barrington Tops."

2. The species is currently known from some 10 locations spread across some 300km, including Barrington Tops, Oxley Wild Rivers and Ben Halls Gap National Parks, Tomalla Nature Reserve, Nundle, Riamukka and Butterleaf State Forests. Chiloglottis platyptera is endemic to the Northern Tablelands Botanical Region of NSW. Population sizes, where known, are less than 100.

3. The main threats to this species are invasion of weeds such as Cytisus scoparius, disturbance by feral pigs, adverse impacts of roadworks and timber harvesting, and collection of plants. Small populations are at risk from stochastic events.

4. In view of 2 & 3 above, the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Chiloglottis platyptera is likely to become endangered unless the circumstances and factors threatening its survival or evolutionary development cease to operate, and is therefore eligible for listing as a vulnerable species.

Proposed Gazettal date: 09/02/01
Exhibition period: 09/02/01 - 16/03/01