Translocation of Plains Rice-flower (Pimelea spinescens ssp. spinescens), Laverton, Victoria

Abstract

Summary The Department of Defence established three reserves at Laverton Airbase (now the Westpoint Business Park) prior to its sale to conserve nationally significant species and grassland values. These reserves excluded approximately 30 per cent of the largest known population of Plains Rice-flower (Pimelea spinescens ssp. spinescens), an endangered Victorian endemic. These plants were not included in a reserve because they occurred in a small area relatively remote from intact grassland. Rather than accepting the eventual destruction of these plants, two translocation techniques were used to salvage as many plants as possible outside the reserves before the sale of the property was complete. First, a nursery population of approximately 100 plants was established from cuttings for later replanting into the reserves. Second, plants were excavated within blocks of soil and moved into a nearby reserve using two techniques. Plants were moved either in a specially constructed steel box or by using a tree spade. These methods moved a total of 93 and 129 plants, respectively. After approximately 2 years, the survival of the translocated plants was > 60% and the process was considered successful. Translocation using the steel box was relatively inefficient and generated a considerable amount of soil disturbance. Use of the tree spade was the preferred technique. Ongoing ecological management of the site follows an established management plan and is considered essential for the long-term survival of the translocated plants and other nationally significant conservation values present.