"study into the rare orchids found in the South West is being carried out by the Department of Environment and Conservation through the Biodiversity Conservation Initiative. The study into the 300 species of orchids of the South West, home to the biggest number of terrestrial orchids found in any State of Australia, will cost $94,000.
DEC South West regional botanist Russell Smith said orchids along the Swan Coastal Plain and on the Leeuwin Naturaliste Ridge were rare due to a number of reasons including their life history traits, restriction to certain habitat types and the destruction of habitat through human actions. The survey will take about two years to complete and will concentrate on four critically endangered species, six endangered and one vulnerable species of orchid ranging from north of Bunbury to south of Margaret River. 'The aim of the project is to improve the conservation and management of threatened orchids,'' Mr Smith said. The southern Swan Coastal Plain and Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge are a key area for biodiversity conservation as well as one of the highest population growth areas in Australia. 'There are many high value residential infrastructure and industrial developments putting pressure on biodiversity conservation,'' Mr Smith said. A recent survey of the critically endangered cape spider orchid [Caladenia caesarea subsp. maritima] along the coast from Dunsborough to Rocky Point was successful in relocating a number of healthy populations." article URL : http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=146&ContentID=10850 *********** Regards, VB _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
