30 new plant species found in Wheatbelt woodlands
08 Dec 2005
Perth, Ecology Centre - Thirty new native plant species were discovered during a five year survey of the incredible variety and complexity of woodlands in the Western Australia Wheatbelt. The survey's findings are to be released today by WWF's Woodland Watch.
Salmon gum
© WWF-Australia/Mike GRIFFITHS
The results confirm that temperate woodland is among the most biologically diverse ecosystems in Australia. Over 6,000 plant specimens were lodged at the WA Herbarium following 156 plant surveys conducted during the five year study.
Besides the 30 new species of native plants discovered, 28 new populations of rare or endangered plants and significant range extensions for at least 20 new species were also found.
Less than three per cent of this valuable woodland is left after the majority of the 93,520 km2 was cleared, predominantly for agriculture. WWF developed the Woodland Watch programme in collaboration with 150 landholders who are keen to protect this remaining woodland.
The aim of the Woodland Watch survey was to collect significant new data on the area as well as providing landowners with more information about their land to encourage them to develop conservation strategies aimed at protecting the woodland.
"The discovery of new species shows the importance of forging relationships with private landholders to gain access to conduct scientific surveys and talk about woodland management," Chris Curnow, Senior Project Manager, WWF-Australia, said.
"Having knowledge about the land leads to better decision-making and management, which will benefit not only the bush, but also the whole farm's sustainability and productivity," he said.
Woodland Watch helps promote effective woodland management to those that own and manage woodland remnants. It also encourages collaborative voluntary agreements to secure long-term conservation outcomes.
A parallel survey focused on the social impact of the Woodland Watch project. Findings from the research found there is now a positive attitude among the majority of the rural landholders interviewed regarding the value of the bush on their land. It is seen as an asset in its own right.
"The Woodland Watch field officer gave us the confidence that we would still be in control of decisions about our area of bush and that we could get some advice on strategies to use but we would be managing it ourselves," Frank and Anne Panizza, grain producers and bush owners, from Toodyay, said.
The key woodlands targeted for protection in the region include those that are under-represented in national and state reserves, particularly Salmon Gum, Gimlet, Red Morrel and York Gum.
"Woodland Watch is an invaluable working partnership with rural landholders and communities, a third of the landholders have already implemented or initiated conservation covenants, Land for Wildlife agreements or other voluntary conservation agreements," Mr Curnow said.
For more information
Chris Curnow, Senior Project Manager - Native Vegetation, WWF-Australia
Mobile: 0429 387 644
