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Threatened, brand new and unique vegetation catalogued in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

Media release: 26 August 2014

The NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) has completed a comprehensive review and assessment of the vegetation and plant species of the whole of Oxley Wild Rivers National Park, east of Armidale, and the results are stunning.

NPWS Walcha Area Ranger Patrick Lupica said the diversity of plant species in the park was incredible.

“Consultants from Eco Logical Australia were contracted to undertake the monumental task of reviewing and collating 40 years of existing information and carrying out 371 additional site surveys across the park.

“The report, maps and data have now been finalised and indicate some stunning results,” he said.

Botanist Dr Lachlan Copeland of Eco Logical said the findings included some new species. 1014 native plant species were recorded across this magnificent 161,000ha World Heritage park making it the largest species list available for any reserve in north-eastern NSW, and possibly NSW.

“15 plant species occurring in the park are currently listed as threatened under state or federal legislation, while a further 68 plants are still considered to be of high conservation significance,” he said.

“Many of these plants have only been recently discovered and remain undescribed – in reality several of these are far more significant than the species officially listed as threatened.

“A new species to science (Trachymene sp. aff. composita) was discovered during the survey and this highly restricted species is known from just two small populations totalling approximately 100 individuals.

“Several other new populations of highly significant and/or threatened species were also discovered and documented during our fieldwork.

“Four plant communities currently listed as endangered were documented and mapped in the park. One of the plant communities of key interest in the park is the extensive gorge rim system.

“These narrow, rocky areas at the interface of the tablelands and the steep gorge country are home to a particularly high proportion of rare plant species.

“Most plants that only occur in Oxley Wild Rivers NP, of which there are at least 12, occur only in this environment,” Dr Copeland said.

Mr Lupica said the comprehensive vegetation report also provided NPWS with valuable information to better manage issues such as fire and invasive weeds.

“The full species list for the park can be made available for interested people. This information will provide a valuable educational asset for our community well into the future,” he said.

 

Images of new  Trachymene sp. aff. composita here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/48646673@N07/sets/72157646448566219/ 

Contact: Jacki Roberts

Page last updated: 27 August 2014