Alan,
Thanks very much for bringing this incipient disaster up on the
OGD - it's simply ridiculous (perhaps even evil) to propose that an
entire population of wild plants of a highly specialized, saprophytic
species can be successfully transplanted. However, there are 168
links that come up when I enter <R. slateri> in the search field of
the link that you provided. Can you provide some further focus on
relevant links?
Thanks,
Brian
At 03:20 AM 12/28/2006, you wrote:
After almost 12 months of waiting Rhizanthella slateri, (Eastern
Underground Orchid) has been considered eligible for listing as an
Endangered Population by the New South Wales Scientific Committee.
This unique and mysterious orchid species is under immediate threat
of extinction by the construction of a four-lane road bypass which
will see the majority of the type site and of course the orchids
within, either demolished or, wait for it translocated. Yes folks
the road builders, the New South Wales state government has
indicated its intention to dig up and re-establish ([EMAIL PROTECTED]& idiots),
any plants which lay either along the preferred route or on the
periphery. Imagine this happening when the habitat for the species
is not known, as no common vegetative link has been found at either
of the six sites, little is known of the fungal requirements,
nothing is known of the pollinator and no knowledge exists of the
method of seed dispersal. Armed with this massive lack of
information the NSW government has indicated it still intends to
translocate all bothersome plants. The final determination of the
Scientific Committee is on exhibition for public comment until early
February 2007. For the full details of the listing go to
<http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Home>http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/npws.nsf/Content/Home
and enter R. slateri. The full website address is not necessary as
nationalparks.nsw.gov.au will get a result.
Alan W Stephenson
National Conservation Officer
Australasian native Orchid Society
Conservation Director
Australian Orchid Council
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--
Brian A. O'Brien, Department of Chemistry, Gustavus Adolphus College
800 West College Avenue, Saint Peter, Minnesota 56082 U.S.A.
e-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED]
tel. (507)933-7310 fax (507)933-7041 http://www.gustavus.edu/~bobrien
_______________________________________________
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