Prasophyllum sp. Majors Creek (a terrestrial orchid) - endangered species listing
The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list the terrestrial orchid Prasophyllum sp. Majors Creek (Jones 11084) as an ENDANGERED SPECIES in Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the Act. Listing of endangered species is provided for by Part 2 of the Act.
This determination has been superseded by the 2009 Determination - Critically endangered species listing.
NSW Scientific Committee - final determination
The Scientific Committee has found that:
1. Prasophyllum sp. Majors Creek (Jones 11084) (family Orchidaceae) is an undescribed orchid previously included with P. caricetum D. L. Jones, but now considered distinct from this species. A description by D. L. Jones (2000) of P. caricetum can be found in The Orchadian Vol. 13, No. 4, page 151. Prasophyllum sp. Majors Creek differs from P. caricetum D. L. Jones by having smaller flowers, incurved petals, a smaller and narrower labellum, a smaller and narrower labellum callus, a narrower column, a narrower anther, curved column wings, and a very narrow hamulus on the pollinarium. Additionally it grows in a grassy montane habitat whereas P. caricetum grows in moist to wet, sedge-rich montane swamps.
2. The species is currently known from a small population at only one location, in the Southern Tablelands botanical subdivision.
3. The known population does not occur within a conservation reserve.
4. The species is threatened due to its small population size and stochastic events.
In view of the above the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Prasophyllum sp. Majors Creek (Jones 11084) 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: 06/12/02
Exhibition period: 06/12/02 – 24/01/03