Xylosma terrae-reginae (a small tree or shrub) - endangered species listing

The Scientific Committee, established by the Threatened Species Conservation Act, has made a Final Determination to list Xylosma terrae-reginae C. White & Sleumer, a small tree or shrub, 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. Xylosma terrae-reginae C. White & Sleumer is a small tree or shrub in the family Flacourtiaceae. A description is provided by Harden (1990) (Flora of New South Wales, Volume 1 p.431. UNSW Press, Sydney).

2. Xylosma terrae-reginae occurs in Queensland and New South Wales. In New South Wales it has a restricted distribution north from near Ballina, in littoral and subtropical rainforests.

3. Six populations have been recorded since 1980, of which only two populations occur in conservation reserves, at Broken Head and Brunswick Heads Nature Reserves. Individual populations are small and the best estimate of the total population in New South Wales is less than 250 mature individuals.

4. Rainforest in north-east New South Wales has been substantially reduced in extent since European settlement. The stands in which Xylosma terrae-reginae occur are small, and with the exception of the two conservation reserves, are vulnerable to further fragmentation. Major threats to the integrity of the stands are posed by weed invasion and fire incursion.

5. In view of 3 and 4 above, the Scientific Committee is of the opinion that Xylosma terrae-reginae 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, and is eligible for listing as an endangered species on Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the Threatened Species Conservation Act.

Proposed Gazettal date: 17/11/00