Monitoring of two flightless beetles, recently listed as critically endangered, took place on Blackburn Island in February by NSW Government Saving our Species program, the Australian Museum (Chris Reid), and the Lord Howe Island Museum (Ian Hutton).
Almost 100 Promethis sterrha (below; left) individuals and over 60 Cormodes darwini (below; right) were recorded over a series of three nighttime surveys. This is roughly three times the numbers previously recorded!
Additional genetic sampling of the LHI Flax Snail (Placostylus bivaricosus) was undertaken. This study will help with understanding whether rodent predation has affected the genetic health of the species through the fragmentation and isolation of populations.
Flora surveys were also completed for Philip Island Wheat Grass, Sand Spurge and the Rock Shield Fern. The impact of drought was noticeable, with no Sand Spurge plants found and many of the Wheat Grass plants in poor condition.
Soil seed banks should allow these plants to recover to some degree when normal rainfall returns. The next round of monitoring is scheduled for next year.