Threatened species & ecological communities

Frankston Spider Orchid (Caladenia robinsonii G.W.Carr) Recovery Plan 1999-2003

Gary Backhouse, Hugh Bramwells, Ron Musker, Gidja Walker & Karen Lester
Department of Natural Resources and Environment, 1999

Contents

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge with thanks the many people who contributed to the preparation of this Recovery Plan. Geoff Carr (Ecology Australia) provided extensive information on the ecology of spider-orchids and specific information on the Frankston Spider-orchid, Rob Cross (Herbarium of Victoria) provided information on seed germination, Dr Colin Bower (Department of Agriculture, New South Wales) provided information on orchid insect pollinators and flower baiting experiments, Cam Beardsell (Cottlesbridge) and Dale Tonkinson (NRE Flora and Fauna Program) provided information on pollinators, in-situ management and cultivation of Caladenia species, and Fiona Coates and Adrian Moorrees (NRE Flora and Fauna Program) provided comments on the manuscript. Bill Mallinson of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council provided valuable information on past and current funding of works in the Conservation Reserve.

Finally, our special thanks to the many members of SPIFFA , and the Friends Group, especially Val & Ken Richardson, Gillian Lempriere, Stewart Weir, Len Warfe, Mark Adams and Janet & Frank South who have invested so much time and energy in the conservation of the Frankston Spider-orchid, for their information, assistance and encouragement in the preparation of this Plan.

Abbreviations used in the Plan

EA Ecology Australia

ESP Endangered Species Program (Natural Heritage Trust)

FSORT Frankston Spider-orchid Recovery Team

NRE Department of Natural Resources and Environment

NRE-FFPNRE-Flora and Fauna Program

NRE-PPRNRE-Port Phillip Region

MPSC Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

MPW Melbourne Parks and Waterways Grants Program

RBGV Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria

SPIFFA Southern Peninsula Indigenous Flora and Fauna Association

TORT Threatened Orchid Recovery Team

Summary

Current Species Status

The Frankston Spider-orchid Caladenia robinsonii is one of the most threatened orchids in Australia. It is included in the ANZECC List of Threatened Australian Flora as Endangered, is listed as a threatened taxon under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, and is considered Endangered by Carr (1991), Backhouse and Jeanes (1995) and Briggs and Leigh (1995). Under current IUCN Red Book threat categories and criteria (1994), the Frankston Spider-orchid is Critically Endangered.

The Frankston Spider-orchid is confined to a small area on the Mornington Peninsula, south-east of Melbourne, where much of its habitat and probably many populations have been lost, mainly to urban development. Only a single population, comprising fewer than 100 plants, is currently known, and the species is clearly at high risk of extinction in the near future. An intensive management program including site protection, cultivation and reintroduction is required if the Frankston Spider-orchid is to be recovered from its perilous state.

Habitat Requirements and Limiting Factors

The Frankston Spider-orchid grows in heathy and grassy near-coastal woodland dominated by Coast Manna Gum Eucalyptus pryoriana, often on ridges and slopes, on sandy loam soils. Habitat destruction for urban development has been the major cause of the decline to virtual extinction of the Frankston Spider-orchid. Current major threats include weed invasion, habitat degradation, altered fire regimes, disturbance and possible illegal collection.

Recovery Goals and Criteria

Short-term Goal: to substantially reduce the risk of imminent extinction by increasing plant numbers in each existing population, establishing the species in cultivation, and commencing reintroductions to establish new populations at secure sites.

Recovery Criteria

Commencing preparations for reintroduction of plants to establish at least one new population at a secure site on public or private land within its former range.

Long-term Goal

Long-term Goal: to achieve a viable metapopulation of the Frankston Spider-orchid in the wild.

Recovery Criteria

The criteria for assessing the achievement of this Goal are:

Recovery Objectives and Actions

Objective 1 Manage the Reserve for protection of the Frankston Spider-orchid

Objective 2 Control invasive weeds and orchid predators in the Reserve

Objective 3 Increase numbers of the Frankston Spider-orchid in the Reserve

Objective 4 Establish the Frankston Spider-orchid in cultivation

Objective 5 Establish new populations of the Frankston Spider-orchid

Objective 6 Investigate the biology and ecology of the Frankston Spider-orchid

Objective 7 Manage the recovery program for the Frankston Spider-orchid

Estimated Cost of Recovery ($ TC = Total Cost ESP = Endangered Species Program)

Objective

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

Total

1

 TC

11260

2600

4450

8200

7850

34360
 

ESP

0

0

1000

3000

3000

7000

2

TC

27000

29500

19400

15400

14950

106250
 

ESP

0

5000

0

0

0

5000

3

TC

4500

14000

14000

14000

6500

53000
 

ESP

0

10500

10500

10500

3000

34500

4

TC

0

8000

12500

11500

6000

38000
 

ESP

0

5500

6500

6000

2000

20000

5

TC

650

9500

11650

0

0

21800
 

ESP

0

5000

8000

0

0

13000

6

TC

0

0

0

0

16500

16500
 

ESP

0

0

0

0

15000

15000

7

TC

6000

8500

7000

7000

8000

36500
 

ESP

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total

TC

49410

72100

69000

56100

59800

306410
 

ESP

0

26000

26000

19500

23000

94500

(Note: the year refers to the financial year, not calendar year ie. 1998 refers to the 12 months from July 1998 until June 1999).

Biodiversity Benefits

The recovery program for the Frankston Spider-orchid will have a number of benefits for other threatened orchids and remnant habitat in the area. Management of the vegetation to enhance the prospects for the orchid's survival will also benefit a number of other orchid species that are found in the Reserve, and the ecological community as a whole, which is now regionally very restricted. The Reserve forms part of a mosaic of remnant vegetation in the area, some of which is in other reserves, and management actions developed for this site, especially control of environmental weeds, can be applied to other patches of similar remnant habitat in the area. Awareness of the plight of the Frankston Spider-orchid will also help the conservation of other threatened orchids found nearby, including the endangered Eastern Spider-orchid Caladenia fragrantissima ssp. orientalis, and vulnerable Naked Sun-orchid Thelymitra circumsepta and Mauve-tufted Sun-orchid Thelymitra malvina. The program also provides an important focus for community involvement, and adoption of conservation measures, particularly environmental weed control, by private landholders with suitable habitat in the area.

1 Introduction

The Frankston Spider Orchid Caladenia robinsonii G.W. Carr is a critically endangered terrestrial orchid endemic to a small area of southern Victoria, near Melbourne. It is one of the most threatened orchids in Australia; virtually all populations and almost all habitat have been lost to urban residential development. Only one surviving wild population, comprising probably fewer than 100 mature plants, is currently known, growing in a small conservation reserve near Rosebud, on the Mornington Peninsula, about 60 km south of Melbourne. The species is not established in cultivation.

There has been a strong community focus in efforts aimed at protecting the Frankston Spider-orchid and its habitat. A Reserve Friends Group has been established, and is working in cooperation with the Shire of Mornington Peninsula (the reserve owner) on a conservation program for the orchid and its habitat, undertaking weed control and habitat protection work in order to reduce the threats faced by the orchid. This Recovery Plan for the Frankston Spider-orchid sets out the actions required to continue the recovery of this highly threatened species.

2 The Frankston Spider-orchid

2.1 Description

The Frankston Spider-orchid is an attractive terrestrial orchid. It has a single lanceolate, hairy, obliquely erect leaf to 11 cm long by 10 mm wide, which is green with a reddish base. A slender, hairy, green to reddish flower stem emerges from the base of the leaf and grows to 35 cm tall, bearing a single (occasionally two) creamy yellow flower with variable reddish stripes and suffusions on the sepals and petals. The labellum lamina is creamy with some fine red stripes near the base, while the mid-lobe is deep red. The flower is up to 50 mm across. The sepals and petals are up to 35 mm long; the dorsal sepal is erect and incurved over the column; the lateral sepals and petals are spreading and slightly deflexed. The sepaline osmophores form distinct clubs, to about 8 mm long. The labellum is indistinctly tri-lobed, with four to six rows of glossy laminar calli extending to the base of the mid-lobe. The lateral lobes are obliquely erect. The labellum margin is fringed with uniformly short marginal calli extending nearly to the labellum apex (Carr 1991; Backhouse and Jeanes 1995). The Frankston Spider-orchid is illustrated in Backhouse and Jeanes (1995) (page 100).

2.2 Taxonomy

The Frankston Spider-orchid was originally recorded as the Veined Spider-orchid Caladenia reticulata Fitzg., to which it is closely related. That species has long been suspected of being a complex of several similar taxa, and since 1986, seven new species in the C. reticulata species complex in Victoria have been described (Carr 1986, 1988, 1991), including C. robinsonii, described in 1991 (Carr 1991).

The Frankston Spider-orchid differs from other similar species in the C. reticulata species complex by the tall scape bearing a smaller, generally cream-coloured flower with shorter sepaline clubs. The more rounded labellum has uniformly shorter marginal teeth. Two other species in the C. reticulata complex might be confused with C. robinsonii; the Southern Spider-orchid Caladenia australis, which has not yet been recorded for the Mornington Peninsula; and the French Island Spider-orchid Caladenia insularis, which is endemic to French Island in Western Port.

2.3 Distribution and Habitat

There are only five confirmed records attributable to C. robinsonii, from Sandringham (1896), Beaumaris (1929), Frankston (1941), Frankston North (1986) and Rosebud (Melbourne Herbarium records; Carr 1991, pers. comm). From these scattered records, the species appears to be a narrow endemic with a very restricted distribution, confined to an arc of about 60 km long around Port Phillip Bay, south-east from Melbourne. It is likely that old literature records of Caladenia reticulata from south-east of Melbourne, particularly in areas close to the coast and once comprising heathy woodland on sandy loam soils, are referable to C. robinsonii. There are no indices of abundance, but the species may well have once been relatively common in suitable habitat within this very limited range.

Only the Rosebud population of the Frankston Spider-orchid currently survives. There it grows in a small reserve owned by the Shire of Mornington Peninsula. The habitat is heathy woodland growing on the ridges and slopes of an old dune system, on deep grey sandy loam soils. Coast Manna Gum Eucalyptus pryoriana and Narrow-leaf Peppermint Eucalyptus radiata with scattered White Sallee Eucalyptus alpina and Swamp Gum Eucalyptus ovata dominate the overstorey. The understorey consists of heathland shrubs including Common Heath Epacris impressa, Smooth Parrot-pea Dillwynia glaberrima, Rigid Bush-pea Pultenaea stricta and Common Beard-heath Leucopogon virgatus (Gordes and Gordes 1994). At Frankston North, the habitat was 'Eucalyptus 'viminalis' (= pryoriana) woodland with a grassy understorey dominated by Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra...on friable red sandy loam soils of upper slopes and ridges' (Carr 1991).

To minimise the risk of collection and trampling, the precise location of the sole remaining population will remain confidential.

2.4 Life History

Very little is known about the life history of the Frankston Spider Orchid, although it probably has a life cycle similar to other species of spider-orchids. It is a terrestrial, deciduous herb, emerging from a subterranean tuber, which is replaced annually. New shoot growth commences in late March or early April, in anticipation of autumn rains, and the leaf emerges in May. Flowering occurs from mid September to late October, and flowers may remain open for up to four weeks. It seems that no more than 30% of mature plants flower in any given year (G. Carr pers. comm.). By November the leaf has shrivelled. If pollination of the flower has occurred, the seed capsule matures in 25 to 35 days, and several thousand seeds per plant are shed soon after maturation (G. Carr pers. comm.). The orchid survives the dry summer and early autumn as a dormant tuber. Reproduction is probably entirely from seed, with vegetative propagation generally extremely rare in species of the genus Caladenia. Plants probably reach flowering size within three to five years (G. Carr pers. comm.).

The Frankston Spider-orchid grows in a complex relationship with a mycorrhizal fungus. The fungus assimilates some nutrients for the orchid, but the degree of dependence upon the fungus is not known. Longevity of C. robinsonii is not known, but is potentially quite long. Several individuals of Mellblom's Spider-orchid Caladenia hastata have been recorded to survive for at least 17 years in the wild (G. Carr pers. comm.). Low natural rates of pollination have been observed, and many fruits are lost to predators (probably molluscs, insects and rabbits) or fail to mature (pers. obs; G. Carr pers. comm). Populations are generally sparse and scattered.

The Frankston Spider-orchid belongs to the Caladenia section Calonema. This group is characterised by the often large attractive flowers with long tapering sepals and petals ending in clubs or covered with dark glandular hairs. Like other members of this group, C. robinsonii is probably pollinated by sexual deception through a process called pseudocopulation (Jones 1988). The glands on the perianth segments are the source of the sexual attractants for the pollinators, usually male thynnid wasps, attracted to the flowers by scent mimicking female thynnid wasp pheromone. Once in sight of the flower, the male attempts to copulate with the labellum of the flower, mistaking it for the female wasp, and effects pollination. The identity of the pollinator(s) is not known. While thynnid wasps are the most likely pollinators, a small native halictid bee (Neoproctus species) has been reported as a pollinator of the related Rosella Spider-orchid Caladenia rosella (C. Beardsell pers. comm.).

The role of fire in the ecology of the Frankston Spider-orchid is not known, but is likely to be an important factor, either directly or indirectly. Fire is an integral part of the physical environment of heath vegetation in southern Australia (Gill 1975), and is required to maintain plant diversity (Wark 1996). The response to fire is not directly known, but may be a combination of one or more factors initiated by fire. Fire removes surrounding vegetation, increasing light levels and temperature at ground level, and possibly increasing moisture levels with reduced plant competition for moisture (Purdie 1977). Soil ecology changes and mycorrhizal fungal symbionts become more prevalent. There is also a reduction or removal of the allelopathic inhibition by the surrounding vegetation (Gill 1975). Seedling establishment may be critically dependent on fires. At least some plants of C. robinsonii flower each year, but the response of other Caladenia species to hot summer fires can be quite spectacular, with profuse flowering of C. australis at Anglesea and C. insularis on French Island observed after hot summer fires. Timing of fire is important, with the best time for the orchid during late summer or early autumn, after seed dispersal but prior to new shoot growth. The variation in seasonal climatic conditions, most notably rainfall, also influences flowering.

3 Conservation Status

The Frankston Spider-orchid is currently known from only a single location near Rosebud on the Mornington Peninsula, where fewer than 100 plants grow. The species is listed as Threatened under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, and Endangered under the Commonwealth Endangered Species Protection Act 1992. It is also considered Endangered by several other authorities, including Carr (1991), Backhouse and Jeanes (1995) and Briggs and Leigh (1996). Using the IUCN (1994) threat categories and criteria, the Frankston Spider-orchid is Critically Endangered (criteria B1+2ce, C1+2b, D, E).

3.1 Decline and Threats

The Frankston Spider-orchid was almost lost entirely before it was even known to science. The population growing at Frankston North, from which the species was described, was destroyed a short time after it was discovered when the habitat there was cleared for housing development.

The species was then presumed extinct until its re-discovery in 1990, growing in a small (6 ha) bushland conservation reserve, managed by the Shire of Mornington Peninsula, at Rosebud. When first discovered and identified there, Carr (pers. comm.) estimated there were possibly several hundred plants, based on the number of Caladenia species leaves present. However, the leaves of C. robinsonii are virtually identical in appearance to the co-occurring Small Spider-orchid Caladenia parva, and no distinction between the two species was made. Very few flowering plants of C. robinsonii have ever been recorded at the site: 25 in 1991, 20 in 1993, 9 in 1995, 27 in 1996 and 17 in 1998. The number of mature plants is not known, but is likely to be very small, perhaps substantially fewer than 100 in total (including non-flowering plants).

Habitat destruction for urban development has undoubtedly been the major cause of the decline to virtual extinction of the Frankston Spider-orchid. Suburbs close to Melbourne such as Sandringham where the species once grew, have been settled now for many decades. Considerable housing development occurred during the 1970s and 1980s around Frankston, which was responsible for the demise of the Frankston North population. The site at Rosebud was reserved as part of subdivision and residential housing development there during the 1980s. Residential development now stretches in a virtually unbroken band along almost the entire eastern shoreline of Port Phillip Bay, to a distance of almost 100 km from Melbourne.

Although the Rosebud reserve is a designated conservation reserve, the orchid is under substantial threat from a number of sources. The most pressing problem is invasion of the reserve by environmental weeds, including the introduced Boneseed Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. monilifera, an exceedingly serious environmental weed (Carr 1993), and two native species, Coast Wattle Acacia sophorae and Coast Tea-tree Leptospermum laevigatum. Although Coast Tea-tree is native to the region's coastline, its encroachment further inland into the reserve is believed to be due to a reduction in the incidence of wildfires since European settlement. Coast Wattle, which is native to eastern Victoria, is a seriously invasive shrub in many vegetation communities outside its natural range. Effective management of these shrubby weeds is a major concern. Other invasive species include Sollya species, Monterey Pine Pinus radiata, Sweet Pittosporum Pittosporum undulatum and South African Heath Erica baccans. These weeds if left unchecked have the potential to substantially effect the composition and structure of the native vegetation communities in the reserve, contributing to the decline of the population of C. robinsonii. Grassy weeds including Panic Veldt Grass (Ehrharta erecta) also infest parts of the reserve, especially the boundary fire break, but currently represent a low level of threat to the orchid, but are degrading the vegetation of the Reserve native vegetation communities (Gordes and Gordes 1994).

Cinnamon Fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi occurs nearby, although it has not been detected within the reserve. However, some patches of vegetation in the reserve display symptoms of dieback, the cause of which is not yet known. Some Caladenia species are thought to be sensitive to the fungus (G. Carr pers. comm.), but further research on the subject is needed.

Recreational activities also threaten the Frankston Spider-orchid. In the past these included the riding of trail bikes, mountain bikes and horses in the reserve, also these are now largely excluded. One group of orchids was almost destroyed by children digging a pit for a cubby house. There is also a risk from trampling, by visitors to the Reserve, especially those seeking the orchid. Deliberate modification of the microhabitat can also be expected by some photographers, trying to improve the composition of their photo.

Orchid collectors pose a potential threat, although it is not known if any plants of C. robinsonii have been illegally removed from the reserve. The rarity of the Frankston Spider-orchid makes it particularly susceptible to collection. Austral Grass-trees Xanthorrhoea australis, and their flowering stems, have been illegally removed from the reserve, and this poses a threat because the orchids are often found growing nearby.

As with other endangered species, the small population size of C. robinsonii also renders it extremely susceptible to extinction from stochastic events such as natural catastrophes, and changes in environmental factors over time (Schaffer 1991).

It is highly likely that, with so few plants, and reduced and highly fragmented habitat, that ecological processes required for the orchid's survival have been substantially altered. Low natural levels of pollination have been observed, and it is likely that, with so few flowers present in any one year, chances for cross-pollination become extremely rare, even though the pollinator(s) may be present. It is also possible that, because of the fragmented nature of the habitat, the pollinators themselves may be exceedingly rare. Changes in vegetation structure and composition might also be affecting the myccorhizal fungi.

Unplanned fires continue to pose a threat. There were several deliberately-lit fires during the 1980s. While in themselves possibly not detrimental to the Reserve (hot summer fires can promote maintenance of diverse heath communities), too frequent fires or fires at the wrong time of the year (late autumn, winter and spring) can cause problems to fire-sensitive species in the Reserve.

3.2 Existing Conservation Measures

A number of measures for the conservation of the Frankston Spider-orchid have been initiated since its rediscovery at the Rosebud Reserve. The Reserve was originally set aside in the mid 1980s, following an assessment of the vegetation in the area, when the Shire of Mornington Peninsula negotiated with the land owners to relocate residential subdivisions, so preserving some of the remaining native bushland in the area. The Reserve is currently zoned for 'Conservation Purposes' in the Municipal Planning Scheme.

The vegetation's significance was recognised by several local community activists, and a community group, the Southern Peninsula Indigenous Flora and Fauna Association (SPIFFA), was formed in 1990 by local residents and native flora enthusiasts to look after and promote remnant indigenous vegetation on the southern Mornington Peninsula. SPIFFA commenced weed control and plant monitoring in the Reserve. A Reserve Friends Group was subsequently formed in 1996, specifically to concentrate on management activities on the Reserve, and have continued with weed control. SPIFFA members have also trained other community members in plant identification, weed control and orchid monitoring. An estimated 1300 volunteer hours have been spent on working bees in the Reserve. In addition to this effort the Friends spend much more time on day to day management and planning issues. Gates to provide pedestrian-only access have since been constructed at the reserve entrances, but access is still possible from some adjoining private properties. A permanent orchid monitoring plot was established over one group of plants in the Reserve in 1993, although follow-up monitoring has been somewhat sporadic. Monitoring recommenced in 1998.

The Shire of Mornington Peninsula entered into a formal agreement with the Reserve Friends Group to undertake management works on an agreed works schedule, including weed control. The Friends Group has received a grant under the Natural Heritage Trust Bushcare program for habitat protection works in the reserve 1998-99, and will apply for ongoing funds for the following two years.

A Recovery Team for the Frankston Spider-orchid was established in 1998.

The Reserve was surveyed in 1993 by NRE for the presence of Cinnamon Fungus, which was not detected in the samples. Vegetation survey quadrats were established to provide a baseline for changes in vegetation structure and composition.

The eastern half of the reserve was burnt in March 1996 to control weeds and promote orchid flowering and seedling establishment. The burn was organised between NRE and the Shire, with additional assistance provided by the local Country Fire Authority.

There has been regular liaison between NRE and the Shire of Mornington Peninsula Shire to discuss management issues and highlight the need for weed control, and a number of co-operative management actions have been implemented. A draft Public Authority Management Agreement between NRE and the Shire has been developed.

Seed pods were collected and sent to the Melbourne Herbarium and Kings Park in Perth WA for ex situ propagation, but germination trials were unsuccessful, possibly due to poor seed viability (R. Cross pers. comm.).

Following monitoring in 1998, seed pods were again collected and transferred to Kings Park Botanic Gardens in Western Australia for cryostorage, until such time as propagation from seed techniques have been perfected for more common Caladenia species.

A draft Critical Habitat Determination for the Frankston Spider-orchid under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 has been prepared.

3.3 Community Participation

Community groups have played a major role in implementation of conservation actions to date for the Frankston Spider-orchid, and will be instrumental in achieving the recovery objectives and actions outlined in this Recovery Plan. The main areas of community participation will continue to be primarily in weed control, and also monitoring and surveillance during flowering and fruiting, surveys for new populations and cultivation. Groups such as the Native Orchid Growers Network and the Australasian Native Orchid Society (Victoria) conservation group will be able to complement the major commitment already provided by Southern Peninsula Indigenous Flora and Fauna Association in the past, and now the Friends Group.

However, this participation needs to be tempered with the requirement to keep the location of the Frankston Spider-orchid generally confidential, to avoid unwanted attention and possibly illegal collections of plants. Community members currently involved in the recovery program are well aware of the sensitivities in protecting an orchid as threatened as the Frankston Spider-orchid, and the need to keep information restricted.

Once the existing field population is increased and secured, new populations established, and management and monitoring programs are in place, local community groups will be further encouraged to adopt and develop a custodianship of orchid populations in their area. This will be facilitated through the Botanic Guardians scheme, managed by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

4 Recovery Goals and Criteria

The Frankston Spider-orchid is one of Australia's most threatened orchids, and is perilously close to extinction. Immediate effective action is required in several areas if the risk of extinction is to be substantially reduced. The key tasks for recovery of the Frankston Spider-orchid are to manage the reserve to substantially reduce the level of threats to the species, increase the number of plants within the existing population, and to establish the species in cultivation as soon as possible, to reduce the threat of imminent extinction. Therefore, broad directions for recovery for the duration of this Recovery Plan will be based on protecting the reserve and the increasing numbers of plants there, propagating the species and establishing it in cultivation, and commencing preparations to establish new populations at suitable reintroduction sites. Survey and research into biology and ecology of the species to aid recovery management will support these actions.

Two recovery goals have been set: a Short-term Goal, stating the desired outcome of implementation of the Recovery Plan over its five year life, and a Long-term Goal reflecting the desired outcome for ultimate recovery in the wild. Achieving the short-term goal of the Recovery Plan will stabilise the species within the Critically Endangered category. Attaining the Recovery Plan's long-term goal should result in reducing the threat category to Vulnerable or Lower Risk (near threatened).

It needs to be acknowledged that recovery of the Frankston Spider-orchid will initially proceed in an environment of high uncertainty and risk, with very few plants currently known, and the lack of basic biological information such as its reliance on mycorrhizal associations, precise habitat requirements, reproductive strategy and pollinators.

Short-term Goal

The goal of the Recovery Plan during 1999- 2003 is to substantially reduce the risk of imminent extinction by increasing plant numbers in each existing population, establishing the species in cultivation, and commencing reintroductions to establish new populations at secure sites.

Recovery Criteria

The criteria for assessing the achievement of this Goal are:

Long-term Goal

The long-term goal of the recovery program for Caladenia robinsonii is to achieve a viable metapopulation of the Frankston Spider-orchid in the wild.

Recovery Criteria

The criteria for assessing the achievement of this Goal are:

5 Recovery Objectives and Actions

5.1 Objective 1 Manage the Reserve for protection of the Frankston Spider-orchid

The Frankston Spider-orchid is currently known from a single small conservation reserve on the urban fringe. Reserve management works to protect the orchid and enhance the reserve's biological values have been undertaken since 1990, principally by the Shire of Mornington Peninsula and the Reserve's Friends Group. These actions have been vital in reducing current threats, but the species is still subject to a range of potential threats, including habitat degradation, trampling, collecting and predation. There is a critical need to ensure maximum protection for the species through effective reserve management, to ensure its survival.

5.1.1 Action 1.1 Prepare and implement a fire management plan

A fire management plan will be prepared in 1999 and implemented for the Reserve. A firebreak around most of the perimeter of the reserve has been created where it is needed to protect adjoining properties and is slashed regularly, as appropriate to reduce production of weed seed by pasture grasses. Fire management will include protection of the reserve and surrounding properties from wildfire, as well as ecological burns to maintain species diversity of the heathy woodland, stimulate orchid flowering and increase seedling establishment and recruitment. The use of fire for weed control will be undertaken as required; to destroy fire-sensitive weed species and deplete soil-stored weed seeds. The maintenance of fire breaks, management of fuel levels, and implementation of the 15 year rotation ecological burning regime will be reassessed and modified as required, as further information becomes available. The Shire of Mornington Peninsula will be responsible for planning and implementation of this action, with assistance from NRE and the Country Fire Authority. An ecological burn is planned for the year 2002, for the western half of the reserve, to promote orchid flowering and seedling establishment and to control weeds. Pre burn work will focus on control of perennial herbaceous and grassy weed species, and reduction of the fuel load where dense stands of Sallow Wattle exist, to prevent heat sterilisation of the soil. This is particularly important where C. robinsonii occurs, to reduce the risk of a hot fire cooking the orchid tubers. Post burn weed work will require skilled professionals able to control a wide range of germinating weed species in the vicinity of known C. robinsonii locations, as well as considerable input from the Friends for woody weed control. Funds are sort from ESP to assist with hiring skilled contractors to carry out the burn preparation and post fire technical work.

Responsibility: MPSC, NRE-PPR, Contractors

Source

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

Total

NRE-PPR

0

0

500

1500

1000

3000

FRIENDS

500

500

500

800

800

3100

MPSC

2400

400

400

1500

1500

6200

ESP

0

0

1000

3000

3000

7000

Total

2900

900

2400

6800

6300

19300

5.1.2 Action 1.2 Prevent the spread of Cinnamon Fungus

Cinnamon Fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi is a major threat to the endemic plant communities in the Reserve. While not yet present in the reserve, it occurs on some nearby properties, and there remains the risk of accidental spread to the Reserve. Hygiene measures, such as soil traps at Reserve entrances, have already been adopted to reduce the risk of Cinnamon Fungus or other fungal diseases spreading to the reserve. Decontamination procedures will be used on all management and fire vehicles entering the Reserve. Soil, water and plant material from the reserve and adjoining land will be tested biannually for the presence of Cinnamon Fungus. Maps of vegetation dieback will be prepared and updated every two years. Shire of Mornington Peninsula will be responsible for implementing and maintaining control procedures and fixtures such as soil traps. NRE, with assistance from the Friends group, will be responsible for monitoring and mapping the location of Cinnamon Fungus. Deakin University has offered to assist with baiting samples for Cinnamon Fungus.

Responsibility: MPSC, NRE-PPR, Friends

Source

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

Total

NRE-PPR

500

0

500

0

500

1500

FRIENDS

150

0

150

0

150

450

DEAKIN UNI

500

0

500

0

500

1500

MPSC

200

100

100

100

100

600

ESP

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total

1350

100

1250

100

1250

4050

5.1.3 Action 1.3 Revise and implement recommendations in the Reserve Management Plan

A management plan for the Reserve was prepared in 1994 (Gordes and Gordes 1994 unpubl.), and is being progressively revised and implemented. Implementation will continue and the Plan will be revised as required. A key focus will be the management of walking tracks to ensure minimal disturbance to the orchid by passive users of the reserve, walking through the reserve. Horse raiding, trail bikes and bicycle use will continue to be prohibited. There is a need to ensure that the orchid is not threatened by recreational activities, orchid collectors or trampling by enthusiasts. Recreational activities will be monitored and appropriate visitor management measures implemented as necessary. A program of fencing between the reserve and adjacent properties will commence in 1999. Fencing has been constructed at the reserve entrances to clearly delineate the boundaries of the reserve. The Shire of Mornington Peninsula will be responsible for planning and implementation of this action.

Responsibility: MPSC

Source

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

Total

MPSC

3500

500

500

500

0

5000

ESP

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total

3500

500

500

500

0

5000

5.1.4 Action 1.4 Inform the local community of Reserve management issues

Local community liaison will be an important consideration in implementation of protective measures for the Reserve. Issues include raising awareness in the local community of the general floristic values of the area, threats to the reserve's ecosystem, the importance of weed control, and the need for other vegetation management measures. Initial attempts to further control recreational activities should be through community liaison. Community extension could also promote a sense of custodianship for the residents, leading to self-regulation and monitoring. Adjoining residents will be provided with literature on environmental weeds and a list of suitable replacement species. The Shire of Mornington Peninsula and SPIFFA/Friends Group will be responsible for planning and implementation of this action.

Responsibility: MPSC, Friends

Source

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

Total

FRIENDS

500

200

100

200

100

1100

MPSC

1000

500

100

500

100

2200

NRE-PPR

110

0

0

0

0

110

ESP

0

0

0

0

0

0

Total

1610

700

200

700

200

3410

5.1.5 Action 1.5 Finalise the Critical Habitat Determination

A draft Critical Habitat Determination for the Frankston Spider-orchid has been prepared. This will be finalised and will form a key part of the Public Authority Management Agreement (see Action 1.6) between NRE and the Shire of Mornington Peninsula. NRE will be responsible for implementing this Action.

Responsibility: NRE-PPR, NRE-FFP

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
NRE-FFP 300 300 0 0 0 600
NRE-PPR 300 0 0 0 0 300
MPSC 300 0 0 0 0 300
ESP 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 900 300 0 0 0 1200

5.1.6 Action 1.6 Prepare a Public Authority Management Agreement

A Public Authority Management Agreement under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 will be negotiated between the Shire of Mornington Peninsula and NRE. The Agreement will address the ongoing management of the reserve and will outline the responsibilities of NRE and the Shire with respect to protection of the Frankston Spider-orchid and its habitat. NRE will be responsible for preparing the Agreement, in cooperation with the Shire of Mornington Peninsula.

Responsibility: NRE-PPR, MPSC

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
MPSC 500 50 50 50 50 700
NRE-PPR 500 50 50 50 50 700
ESP 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 1000 100 100 100 100 1400

5.2 Objective 2 Control invasive weeds and orchid predators in the Reserve

Invasion of environmental weeds is the most urgent management problem in the Reserve, with weed control a major goal to prevent further habitat degradation and decline in orchid numbers and to enable populations to increase in size. Priority weeds for control include Boneseed, Coast Tea-tree and Coast/Sallow Wattle. Immediate management of these shrubby weeds is essential to prevent the loss of the Frankston Spider-orchid. The effective control, including the complete elimination of those species considered as zero-tolerance within the reserve. Loss to predators is believed to be small but protective measures will be applied if loss is detected in orchid population monitoring. The Shire of Mornington Peninsula and the Reserve Friends Group have an agreement in place for the control of some weeds in the Reserve.

5.2.1 Action 2.1 Maintain the current weed control program

The weed control program developed between the Shire and the reserve Friends Group will be maintained, with weed control works undertaken as necessary. Hand-weeding and litter removal in the immediate vicinity of plants will occur to control competition and encourage seedling establishment. The Shire of Mornington Peninsula and SPIFFA/Friends Group will be responsible for planning and implementation of this action.

Responsibility: MPSC, Friends

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
FRIENDS 10500 10000 10500 10500 9750 51250
MPSC 8000 6000 4000 4000 4000 26000
BUSHCARE 8000 *6000 *4000 0 0 18000
ESP 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 26500 22000 18500 14500 13750 95250

*Contingent upon the success of ongoing funding applications, approximate only.

5.2.2 Action 2.2 Prepare and implement a weed control strategy

A comprehensive weed control strategy will be prepared for the Reserve, which will look at all weeds in reserve, include assessment of risk and priority for removal, especially to define those weeds which pose a major threat to the orchid, and for which total eradication will be the goal. The document is intended to provide a protocol for those wishing to work in sensitive areas of the reserve, as well as detailing standard weed treatments appropriate across the whole reserve. NRE and the Shire of Mornington Peninsula will be responsible for coordinating preparation of the Strategy. ESP funding is sought to enable the appointment of a specialist contractor to prepare the weed strategy.

Responsibility: MPSC, NRE-PPR, Contractor

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
MPSC 0 300 0 0 0 300
NRE-PPR 0 600 0 0 0 600
ESP 0 5000 0 0 0 5000
Total 0 5900 0 0 0 5900
5.2.3 Action 2.3 Identify and control external sources of weed infestation

Land adjoining the Reserve is a potential source of weed infestation or reinvasion, and significant stands of environmental weeds such as Boneseed occur on adjacent properties, including roadsides. Property owners and managers already have obligations to control declared noxious weeds. Existing and potential weed threats will be identified and their control negotiated with reserve neighbours, through information on control, education of existing responsibilities and assistance where possible. The Shire of Mornington Peninsula and SPIFFA/Friends Group will be responsible for planning and implementation of this action, with assistance from NRE.

Responsibility: MPSC, Friends

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
FRIENDS 100 100 100 100 100 500
MPSC 400 900 500 500 500 2800
ESP 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 500 1000 600 600 600 3300

5.2.4 Action 2.4 Identify and control animal pests and predators

Animal pests and predators include Blackbirds scratching soil and incidentally digging up plants and Rabbits and molluscs predation of plants, flowers and seed capsules. Control work, including baiting for rabbits and hares, and temporary fencing to prevent predation of flowers and seed capsules, will be undertaken, depending upon the individual needs and level of threat. Any protection works will need to be unobtrusive to prevent attracting unwanted attention. The level of threat and need for remedial action will be determined during plant monitoring program (Action 3.2) as appropriate to prevent or deter browsing by native or introduced animals. The Shire of Mornington Peninsula and SPIFFA/Friends Group will be responsible for planning and implementation of this action, with assistance from NRE.

Responsibility: MPSC, Friends, NRE-PPR

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
Friends 0 50 50 50 50 200
MPSC 0 500 200 200 500 1400
NRE-PPR 0 50 50 50 50 200
ESP 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 600 300 300 600 1800

5.3 Objective 3 Increase numbers of the Frankston Spider-orchid in the Reserve

With numbers of orchids critically low and believed to be declining, a key objective will be to increase numbers of plants within the remaining population as expeditiously as possible, to reduce the risk of extinction. Numbers are not known accurately but are believed to be declining, from direct destruction and disturbance and changes to the habitat from invasive weeds altering vegetation structure and composition. Natural events like pollination have also probably been affected and reduced.

5.3.1 Action 3.1 Determine if the Frankston Spider-orchid can be identified from leaves

Currently it is not possible to accurately identify Frankston Spider-orchids from the leaves only, as the leaves are very similar to those of other spider-orchid species. However, where close examination has occurred, some species such as Mellblom's Spider orchid Caladenia hastata, can be identified from unique leaf characteristics (G. Carr pers. comm.). Three other spider-orchids have been recorded in the Reserve (Gordes and Gordes 1994), and close examination of the leaves of all these species will be undertaken to determine if it is possible to identify C. robinsonii from the leaf alone. This is central to an accurate monitoring program. The action will be funded and undertaken by Geoff Carr (Ecology Australia Pty Ltd).

Responsibility: Ecology Australia

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
EA 2000 0 0 0 0 2000
ESP 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 2000 0 0 0 0 2000

5.3.2 Action 3.2 Establish a population monitoring program

A monitoring program to accurately count and monitor population trends will be established in the reserve. The work will involve setting up a permanent marking grid and photopoints, using unobtrusive reference points. The work will involve the detailed monitoring of plants once per month after leaf emergence, increasing to twice weekly during flowering and development of seed capsule. The monitoring is particularly important in assessing seedling establishment, plant survival and the outcomes of recovery management at the sites. Phenological data including dimensions of leaves and flowers and timing of life history events will be recorded. Monitoring information will be recorded on NRE databases. The monitoring program will be established and undertaken initially by a competent orchid botanist under contract to NRE. Once the monitoring program is in place, local naturalists will be trained and encouraged to become involved under the Botanic Guardians scheme and assume responsibility for ongoing monitoring. The project will be coordinated by NRE. ESP funding is sought to enable the appointment of a contract botanist to establish and undertake the monitoring program.

Responsibility: NRE-FFP, NRE-PPR

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
NRE-FFP 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 1000 5000
NRE-PPR 500 500 500 500 500 2 500
ESP 0 7 500 7 500 7 500 0 22 500
Total 1 500 9 000 9 000 9 000 1500 30000

5.3.3 Action 3.3 Prepare and implement hand pollination and seedling establishment protocols

As natural pollination events are rare, hand-pollination of all flowers will be undertaken to maximise seed production for natural colonisation of sites and for ex situ conservation. This will involve preparation of a plan and protocols for artificial pollination and promoting seedling establishment. The pollination program will be established and undertaken initially by a competent orchid botanist under contract to NRE, using techniques developed for the in situ management of the Charming Spider-orchid Caladenia amoena and the Rosella Spider-orchid Caladenia rosella (Beardsell unpubl. data). Once the program is in place, local naturalists will be trained and encouraged to become involved under the Botanic Guardians scheme and assume responsibility for ongoing monitoring. The project will be coordinated by NRE. ESP funding is sought to enable the appointment of a contract botanist to establish and undertake the monitoring program.

Responsibility: NRE-FFP, Contractor

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
NRE-FFP 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 5 000
SPIFFA 0 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 4 000
ESP 0 3 000 3 000 3 000 3 000 12 000
Total 1 000 5 000 5 000 5 000 5 000 21 000

5.4 Objective 4 Establish the Frankston Spider-orchid in cultivation

A population of Frankston Spider-orchids needs to be established and maintained in cultivation as insurance against catastrophe and further loss in the wild, and to provide plants for eventual reintroduction. Other species of spider-orchids have been successfully propagated and cultivated (eg. Carr 1988; D. Tonkinson pers. comm., unpubl. data). Caladenia species can be successfully grown from seed and maintained in cultivation, although this is not an easy task, requiring specialist equipment and expertise. Some commercial nurseries and private growers have an excellent record in keeping Caladenia species in cultivation. NRE has recently facilitated the establishment of the Native Orchid Growers Network (NOGN) to bring together horticultural expertise amongst the orchid growing community to assist in the cultivation of threatened orchids for recovery programs. The involvement of NOGN in the recovery effort for C. robinsonii will be instrumental in achieving this objective.

5.4.1 Action 4.1 Prepare and implement a cultivation management and hygiene plan

A hygiene protocol for cultivation and movement of plants (see Atkins et al. 1997; Touchell et al. 1997) will be prepared and implemented. Rigorous phytosanitary procedures will be adopted to reduce the risk of infection by pathogens and possible transmission to the wild population. The horticultural expertise of botanic gardens, commercial nurseries and private growers will be sought in preparing the protocol. The action will be coordinated and funded by NOGN.

Responsibility: NOGN

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
NOGN 0 500 0 0 0 500
ESP 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 500 0 0 0 500

5.4.2 Action 4.2 Isolate and culture the mycorrhizal fungus

The mycorrhizal fungus will be isolated and the dependence of the Frankston Spider-orchid on the fungus determined. The project will provide information to assist with management of field populations, reintroductions and enhance propagation and cultivation outcomes. The work will require specialist expertise in mycology, particularly the identification and culture of fungi in the laboratory. Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology will undertake the work, as part of their contribution to the Victorian threatened orchid recovery project (see Action 7.2), and will be managed under contract to NRE. ESP funding is sought for the purchase of laboratory consumables.

Responsibility: RMIT, NRE

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
RMIT 0 1 000 1 000 500 0 2 500
ESP 0 500 500 0 0 1 000
Total 0 1 500 1 500 500 0 3 500

5.4.3 Action 4.3 Produce seedlings using in vitro propagation techniques

Seedlings and tubers of Caladenia species can be successfully raised in flasks using in vitro propagation techniques developed for Caladenia species by government institutions and private horticulturists. Previous experience indicates that the risk is greatest and mortality is highest at the deflasking and planting out stage, so large numbers of seedlings will be required to provide plants for introduction to the wild. Large numbers of seedlings will also enable an experimental approach to reintroductions by testing establishment of seedlings versus dormant tubers, under different conditions. Seedlings and tubers will also be provided to NOGN growers to raise plants to flowering stage, as a seed source and to understand more about the biology and ecology of the Frankston Spider-orchid. Seed will be collected from wild plants and will be provided to at least two laboratories that have demonstrated expertise in propagating Caladenia species or other native terrestrial orchids in vitro. Seedlings will be grown under contract to NRE, coordinated through NOGN. Funding is sought from ESP for the purchase of 5000 seedlings per year for three years.

Responsibility: NRE, Contractor

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
NRE-FFP 0 1 000 1 000 1 000 0 3 000
ESP 0 5 000 5 000 5 000 0 15 000
Total 0 6 000 6 000 6 000 0 18 000

5.4.4 Action 4.4 Establish plants in cultivation

While Caladenia seed can be collected and germinated, techniques for deflasking seedlings and establishing in pots for growing-on prior to reintroduction to the wild need further development. Plants currently in cultivation with private growers will be sourced and at least some of these plants obtained to place with at least two suitable growers in NOGN, to establish a stock of plants available for the recovery program. If sufficient plants can be propagated, an ex situ collection will be established and maintained by providing seedlings and tubers from in vitro propagation (Action 4.1) to at least two suitable growers in NOGN and at least one suitable nursery complex. Seedlings will be grown on to mature plants for additional seed production, genetic management and for introduction to the wild. This task will be undertaken in conjunction with skilled amateur growers through NOGN. The work will be coordinated by NOGN. ESP funding is sought to cover costs of materials to assist NOGN growers and for cultivation costs in a suitable nursery complex.

Responsibility: NRE, Contractor

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
NRE-FFP 0 0 1 000 1 000 1 000 3 000
NOGN 0 0 2 000 2 000 2 000 6 000
ESP 0 0 1 000 1 000 2 000 4 000
Total 0 0 4 000 4 000 5 000 13 000

5.4.5 Action 4.5 Maintain a database on cultivated plants

A central database will be developed and established to maintain all records of cultivated plants, including seed source, locations, numbers and movements of plants, growing conditions and other information to keep track of plants amongst growers participating in the recovery program. Individual growers will maintain their own records to contribute to the central database. The information will be available to other organisations or agencies contributing to objectives and actions in this Recovery Plan (eg. ecological research - Objective 6) and the conservation of threatened orchids. NOGN will be responsible for designing and maintaining the database.

Responsibility: NOGN

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
NOGN 0 0 1 000 1 000 1 000 3 000
ESP 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 1 000 1 000 1 000 3 000

5.5 Objective 5 Establish new populations of the Frankston Spider-orchid

Even with the successful implementation of actions designed to protect and enhance the population of C. robinsonii at Rosebud, the risk of extinction of the single population remains high (particularly from stochastic events) and can only be significantly reduced by the establishment (or location) of additional populations. At least two new populations (preferably four) will need to be established in suitable habitat in secure, unpublicised locations on private or public land. This objective will involve development of a Habitat Suitability Index to rank and select suitable reintroduction sites, preparation and implementation of a reintroduction plan, and monitoring of outcomes. Reintroduction is dependent upon seed collection for direct seeding trials and successful propagation of sufficient numbers of seedlings and tubers for reintroduction trials. If sufficient numbers of seedlings become available, it may be possible to incorporate experimental design to test variables likely to affect plant establishment in a new environment.

5.5.1 Action 5.1 Prepare a Habitat Suitability Index

A Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) (USFWS 1981; Houston et al 1986) will be developed to enable systematic and objective assessment and selection of suitable reintroduction sites for the Frankston Spider-orchid. The HSI will include assessment of variables such as site size, habitat structure, threats, management, land tenure and security. Knowledge of recent populations and information from herbarium specimens suggests that areas of either heathy woodland or grassy woodland should be considered as potential reintroduction sites. Detailed comparisons with known sites will be undertaken, especially with regard to soil characteristics, as the soil type may also be limiting. The HSI will be developed by a specialist contractor under contract to NRE. ESP funding is sought to cover the costs of the contractor.

Responsibility: NRE, Contractor

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
NRE-FFP 0 2 000 0 0 0 2 000
ESP 0 5 000 0 0 0 5 000
Total 0 7 000 0 0 0 7 000

5.5.2 Action 5.2 Search local habitat for the Frankston Spider-orchid

Likely habitat within and near the range of the Frankston Spider-orchid will be searched systematically. Although some searching has been undertaken over the last couple of years, no additional populations have been located, although it is very easy to miss small numbers of plants, especially when not in flower. The work will also involve a survey of sites from which the species was previously recorded to assess their potential for reintroduction. The assistance of orchid enthusiasts and field naturalists will be sought to participate in the surveys, and the plight of the Frankston Spider-orchid will be publicised amongst landowners with potential habitat on their properties. NRE and SPIFFA will coordinate the action.

Responsibility: NRE, SPIFFA

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
SPIFFA 200 500 200   0 900
MPSC 200 500 200   0 900
NRE-PPR 250 1500 250   0 2000
ESP 0 0 0   0 0
Total 650 2500 650   0 3800

5.5.3 Action 5.3 Assess potential reintroduction sites for the Frankston Spider-orchid

Although almost all suitable habitat for the Frankston Spider-orchid has long since been lost to urban development, there are a number of reserves within the former range of the Frankston Spider-orchid, as well as some private land, that contain potentially suitable habitat. The Frankston North population of C. robinsonii occurred within 100 metres of 'The Pines Flora and Fauna Reserve'. Many of the local reserves have active community groups involved in their management, which will be important in any proposal for reintroductions. Potential sites will be assessed for suitability for reintroduction of C. robinsonii, using the HSI developed under Action 5.1. The project will be ESP funding is sought to enable the appointment of a specialist contractor to undertake the assessment.

Responsibility: NRE

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
NRE-PPR 0 0 1 000 0 0 1 000
ESP 0 0 3 000 0 0 3 000
Total 0 0 4 000 0 0 4 000

5.5.4 Action 5.4 Prepare a reintroduction management plan

A reintroduction plan will be prepared, detailing any preparation of cultivated plants prior to reintroduction, methods of reintroduction (including using seed, tubers, seedlings or mature plants), timing, numbers of plants, experimental design, permanent marking grids and photopoints, monitoring techniques and frequency and other information as required. The action requires the successful integration of horticultural and ecological experience, and will be undertaken by a specialist contractor, under contract to NRE. ESP funding is sought to cover the costs of appointing a contractor to undertake the action.

Responsibility :NRE, Contractor

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
NRE-FFP 0 0 2 000 0 0 2 000
ESP 0 0 5 000 0 0 5 000
Total 0 0 7 000 0 0 7 000

5.6 Objective 6 Investigate the biology and ecology of the Frankston Spider-orchid

Virtually nothing is known of the biology and ecology of the Frankston Spider-orchid, and with so few plants in the wild, there is little opportunity to implement any meaningful ecological research on the species. However, if recovery actions do result in an increase in plant numbers or the establishment of new populations, there is the opportunity to initiate research into the biology and ecology of the species and to understand aspects of its life history. Knowledge of factors influencing seed germination and flowering, mycorrhizal requirements, age to reproductive maturity and pollination agents will assist in more effective recovery management. A population of the species in cultivation will also be an important adjunct in any ecological research work. The work can only proceed when sufficient numbers of plants and populations exist in the wild. Priority areas for research include features of life history and reproductive strategy, such as optimum conditions for seedling establishment, mycorrhizal associations and ecological tolerances. Actions 6.1 - 6.3 together may constitute a useful post-graduate project (possibly in association with work on other threatened species of spider-orchids), or contractors with specialist skills may undertake individual actions. Actions are proposed to commence in Year Five of the recovery program, as it is unlikely that sufficient plants will be available in cultivation and in the wild for research any earlier (it might be possible to commence some actions earlier, depending on the outcome of other recovery actions). Outcomes of monitoring work (Action 3.2) will also provide valuable information for the achievement of this objective.

5.6.1 Action 6.1 Identify the pollinator and determine natural pollination levels

Natural pollination levels and the identity of the pollinator will be determined to assist in recovery management of the field population of the Frankston Spider-orchid. The project will have important management implications, such as determining the number of flowers in a group required to attract the pollinator and effect pollination. The work will be managed under contract to NRE. ESP funding is sought to enable the appointment of a specialist contractor for the project.

Responsibility: NRE

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
NRE-FFP 0 0 0 0 500 500
ESP 0 0 0 0 5 000 5 000
Total 0 0 0 0 5 500 5 500

5.6.2 Action 6.2 Investigate seed germination and seedling establishment

Rates of seed germination under the range of conditions likely to be found in nature and factors effecting seedling establishment will be investigated. This work will be important in developing actions designed to optimise recruitment to existing populations and establishing new populations of the Frankston Spider-orchid. The work will be managed under contract to NRE. ESP funding is sought to enable the appointment of a specialist contractor for the project.

Responsibility: NRE

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
NRE-FFP 0 0 0 0 500 500
ESP 0 0 0 0 5 000 5 000
Total 0 0 0 0 5 500 5 500

5.6.3 Action 6.3 Determine the ecological tolerances of the Frankston Spider-orchid

When sufficient numbers of plants become available either through cultivation or increase in field populations, experimental work to determine ecological tolerances, particularly soil type and structure and habitat preferences will be undertaken. This action will assist in ongoing field management of populations, particularly in identifying and managing reintroduced populations. The project lends itself to experimental design and manipulation and could form a suitable project for post-graduate research through a tertiary institution. The work will be managed under contract to NRE. ESP funding is sought to enable the appointment of a specialist contractor for the project.

Responsibility: NRE, University Contractor

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
NRE-FFP 0 0 0 0 500 500
ESP 0 0 0 0 5 000 5 000
Total 0 0 0 0 5 500 5 500

5.7 Objective 7 Manage the recovery program for the Frankston Spider-orchid

Recovery of the Frankston Spider-orchid will be a complex, difficult operation involving a high degree of complexity and uncertainty, and many different disciplines will be required for effective implementation of the Recovery Plan. Recovery program planning and management needs to be addressed to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the recovery program, through communication and coordination amongst all participants.

5.7.1 Action 7.1 Establish the Frankston Spider-orchid Recovery Team

The past arrangements with the Shire of Mornington Peninsula, SPIFFA, the Reserve Friends Group and NRE Port Phillip Region have been formalised with the formation of the Frankston Spider-orchid Recovery Team. The group can be joined by specialist contractors working on aspects of the recovery program. The Recovery Team will coordinate and maintain day to day operational implementation of the Recovery Plan, and develop targets and performance measures for actions under the Plan. NRE Port Phillip Region flora and fauna planners will facilitate the team, with representatives of local community groups, land managers, specialist botanists and contractors on specific tasks for implementing the recovery program. The Recovery Team will be operating under the umbrella of the Threatened Orchid Recovery Team established by NRE. Member organisations and agencies will be responsible for covering their own costs of participation in the recovery team.

Responsibility: NRE, FSOWG

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
NRE-PPR 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 1 000 5 000
FSOWG 5 000 5 000 5 000 5 000 5 000 25 000
ESP 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 6 000 6 000 6 000 6 000 6 000 30 000

5.7.2 Action 7.2 Undertake recovery program review and evaluation

Regular review and evaluation are essential components of effective program management, particularly where dealing with issues of considerable complexity and uncertainty. Reviews are important to identify if recovery objectives are being met, and to rapidly identify and solve problems. A formal review and evaluation, involving all participants, will be held annually, and member agencies and organisations will meet costs.

Responsibility: FSOWG, TORT

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
FSOWG 0 0 1 000 1 000 1 000 3 000
ESP 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 1 000 1 000 1 000 3 000

5.7.3 Action 7.3 Prepare the FFG Action Statement for the Frankston Spider-orchid

An Action Statement for the Frankston Spider-orchid under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 will be prepared. The Action Statement will be an abbreviated version of the Recovery Plan and will fill a need for public information on the species and recovery actions. The costs of preparing and publishing the Action Statement will be met by NRE.

Responsibility:NRE

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
NRE-PPR 0 2 000 0 0 0 2 000
NRE-FFP 0 500 0 0 0 500
ESP 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 2 500 0 0 0 2 500

5.7.4 Action 7.4 Prepare recovery program termination criteria

Termination criteria will be developed for the recovery program, to determine when the recovery program should finish, when the species is considered recovered or when recovery efforts cease because recovery is considered no longer possible. This will include the development of success and failure criteria for various recovery actions such as cultivation and reintroduction. The Recovery Team member agencies and organisations will meet costs.

Responsibility:TORT

Source 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Total
TORT 0 0 0 0 1 000 1 000
ESP 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0 0 1 000 1 000

6 Bibliography

Atkins, K., Benson, J., Dixon, K., Gilfedder, L., Jusaitis, M., Matthes, M. and Rossetto, M. 1997. Guidelines for the Translocation of Threatened Plants in Australia. Australian Network for Plant Conservation, Canberra.

Backhouse, G.N. and Jeanes, J.A. 1995. The Orchids of Victoria. The Meigunyah Press, Melbourne.

Bower, C.C. 1996. Demonstration of pollinator-mediated reproductive isolation in sexually deceptive species of Chiloglottis (Orchidaceae: Caladeniinae). Australian Journal of Botany 44: 15-33.

Briggs, J.D and Leigh, J.H. 1995. Rare or Threatened Australian Plants. 1995 Revised edition. CSIRO Publications, Melbourne.

Calvo, R.N. 1993. Evolutionary demography of orchids: Intensity and frequency of pollination and the cost of fruiting. Ecology: 74(4): 1033-42.

Carr, G.W. 1991. New taxa in Caladenia R. Br., Chiloglottis R. Br. and Gastrodia R. Br. (Orchidaceae) from south eastern Australia. Miscellaneous Paper No. 1, Indigenous Flora and Fauna Association.

Carr, G.W. 1993. Exotic flora of Victoria and its impact on indigenous biota. pp. 256-297 in Flora of Victoria (Volume 1: Introduction). Reed, Melbourne.

Carr, G.W., Yugovic, J.V., and Robinson, K.E. 1992. Environmental Weed Invasions in Victoria. Conservation and Management Implications. Department of Conservation and Environment with Ecological Horticulture Pty Ltd, Melbourne.

Cropper, S.C. 1993. Management of Endangered Plants. CSIRO Publications, Melbourne.

Gordes, C. & Gordes, F. April 1994 (unpubl.). Save the Bush Management Plan for Frankston Spider Orchid (Caladenia robinsonii) and Widdop Reserve, Rosebud.

Gullan, P.K., Cheal, D.C. and Walsh, N.G. 1990. Rare or Threatened Plants in Victoria. Department of Conservation and Environment, Melbourne.

Houston, B.R., Clark, T.W. and Minta, S.C. 1986. Habitat suitability index model for the black-footed ferret: a method to locate transplant sites. Great Basin Naturalist Memoirs 8: 99-114.

IUCN/SSC Orchid Specialist Group 1996. Orchids - Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan. IUCN, Gland

Jones, L.J. 1988. Native Orchids of Australia. Reed, Melbourne.

Muir, A.M., Edwards, S.A. and Dickins J.M. 1995. Description and Conservation Status of the Vegetation of the Box-Ironbark Ecosystem in Victoria. Flora & Fauna Technical Report No. 136. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Melbourne.

Nicholls, W.H. 1969. Orchids of Australia ed by D. Jones and B. Muir. Thomas Nelson, Melbourne.

Ross, J.H. 1990. A Census of the Vascular Plants of Victoria (3rd edition). National Herbarium of Victoria, Melbourne.

Schaffer, M.C. 1981. Minimum Population Sizes for Conservation. Bioscience, 31(2): 131-3.

Scientific Advisory Committee 1992. Final recommendation on a nomination for listing: Caladenia robinsonii (Frankston Spider-orchid) Nomination No. 249. Department of Conservation and Environment.

Touchell, D.H., Richardson, M., and Dixon, K.W. (eds) 1997. Germplasm Conservation Guidelines for Australia. Australian Network for Plant Conservation, Canberra.

USFWS 1981. Standards for the development of habitat suitability index models. United Sates Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of Ecological Services Manual 103.

Walsh, N.G. and Entwisle, T.J. (eds) 1994. Flora of Victoria Vol 2. Inkata, Melbourne.

Wark, M.C. 1996. Regeneration of Heath and Heath Woodland in the North-Eastern Otway Ranges three to ten years after the wildfire of February 1983. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 108 (2): 121-142.

7 Implementation Schedule

Implementation Schedule

8 Appendix 4

Relationship between Goals, Criteria, Objectives and Actions for Recovery of the Frankston Spider-orchid Caladenia robinsonii

Goal (short-term)

  

Criteria

  

Objectives

  

Actions

To substantially reduce extinction risk by increasing plant numbers, establishing in cultivation, and undertaking reintroductions

®
  1. Maintaining the wild population with at least 500 plants.

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1 Manage reserve

  

1.1 Fire management plan
1.2 Prevent Cinnamon fungus
1.3 Reserve management plan
1.4 Inform community
1.5 Critical Habitat Determination
1.6 Public Auth. Mgt. Agreement
     

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2 Control weeds, predators

  

2.1 Weed control
2.2 Weed strategy
2.3 External weeds
2.4 Animal pest control
     

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3 Increase numbers of orchids

  

3.1 Leaf identification
3.2 Monitoring program
3.3 Hand pollination
 

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  1. Developing successful propagation techniques, establishing an ex situ collection in cultivation and providing plants for reintroduction

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4 Establish in cultivation

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4.1 Cultivation mgt plan
4.2 Mycorrhizal fungus
4.3 In vitro propagation
4.4 Seedling cultivation
4.5 Database
 

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  1. Commencing preparations for reintroduction of plants to establish at least one new population

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5 Establish new populations

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5.1 Habitat Suitability Index
5.2 Searches
5.3 Assess reintroduction sites
5.4 Reintroduction mgt plan
 

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A. + B. + C.

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6 Investigate biology, ecology

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6.1 Pollinator, pollination
6.2 Seed germination, establishment
6.3 Ecological tolerances
     

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7 Manage recovery program

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7.1 Working Group
7.2 Undertake review and evaluation
7.3 FFG Action Statement
7.4 Termination criteria

Copyright

© The Director, Environment Australia, GPO Box 636, Canberra, ACT 2601 1999.

This publication is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying or other, without the prior permission of the Director, Environment Australia.

Disclaimer

The opinions expressed in this document are the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Environment Australia, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria, or Parks Victoria.

Citation

Bramwells, H., Backhouse, G., Musker, R., Walker, G. and Lester, K. 1999. Recovery Plan for the Frankston Spider-orchid Caladenia robinsonii G.W. Carr (Orchidaceae: Caladeniinae) 1998 - 2002. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne.

The Environment Australia Biodiversity Group, Threatened Species and Communities Section funded the preparation of this Plan.

A Recovery Plan prepared under the Commonwealth Endangered Species Protection Act 1992.