In the lead up to National Science Week, 10 – 18 August, we celebrate those who contribute to the world of scientific knowledge.
A globally significant partnership with research scientists at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has seen LHIB work to protect and manage threats to the critically endangered Little Mountain Palm (Lepidorrhachis mooreana or LMP).
This species has a limited native range with its habitat restricted to the mountain summits, generally occurring above 750m elevation. Its population has been significantly impacted by rodent predation and continues to face threats from invasive weeds and climate change.
An initial baseline assessment of this species was undertaken in 2006, with 10 survey sites established across the summit plateau of Mt Gower. These plots have been resurveyed six times since 2014, with the most recent surveys occurring last November. A large fruit crop was observed in 2023, with many fruits per plant sighted. Promisingly, there is clear evidence of a recent increase in the number of juvenile LMP plants in post-rodent eradication conditions.
However, survey results noted a decline in the number of mature palms at most sites. This is thought to be linked to the impact of rodents on the processes of seed germination, survival, and growth in previous decades.
Monitoring and analysis of the species is ongoing, with the next round of surveys planned for summer 2025-2026. Additional climate monitoring across LMP habitat is planned to commence this year.
In addition to plant population surveys, LHIB’s 20 year Weed Eradication Program has been implemented to remove the threat of invasive weed species. Helicopter winch operations planned for November 2024 and February 2025, will enable search and control efforts in the remote terrain this species inhabits.
Conservation efforts aim to increase the distribution and abundance of the LMP, protecting an important part of the Island’s outstanding World Heritage values. The work is funded by the NSW Government Saving Our Species program, the Australian Government Saving Native Species Program, and North Coast Local Land Services.
Find out more here about the recent grant awarded to LHIB to further secure the future of the LMP.
