Journal article
A comprehensive approach to assessing the future persistence of the endangered rainforest tree, Macadamia jansenii (Proteaceae) and the impact of fire
Australian Journal of Botany, Vol.69(5), pp.285-300
2021
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Abstract
The Endangered Macadamia jansenii (C.L. Gross & P.H. Western, 1992) was known only from one small populationand a reintroduction program was implemented from 2009 to increase the number of populations. Recently, new subpopulations were discovered. However, in 2019, fire directly affected M. jansenii and the surrounding habitat. This study aimed to examine the abundance and distribution of M. jansenii in the wild pre- and post-fire, as well as to assess the success of the reintroduction program and species population viability. We undertook genetic analysis, population viability analysis (PVA) and updated the existing habitat models. The known wild M. jansenii population increased in abundance from 59 in a single population to 200 individuals (including seedlings), across three subpopulations. Results from the post-fire survey suggest that 83% of the wild plants have survived, with many plants resprouting. The newly discovered subpopulations were within predicted suitable habitat in the Bulburin National Park. These subpopulations are genetically similar to the original known population. Novel alleles suggest the potential for more plants to be located. The reintroduction program successfully established 20 individuals. PVA results indicate that even with the effects of fire, the species is unlikely to become extinct in the next 150 years.
Details
- Title
- A comprehensive approach to assessing the future persistence of the endangered rainforest tree, Macadamia jansenii (Proteaceae) and the impact of fire
- Creators
- Glenn Hayward - University of the Sunshine CoastCatherine Nock - Southern Cross UniversityYoko Shimizu - University of the Sunshine CoastAlison Shapcott - University of the Sunshine Coast
- Publication Details
- Australian Journal of Botany, Vol.69(5), pp.285-300
- Publisher
- CSIRO Publishing
- Grant note
- The project has been funded with both cash and in-kind contributions from a variety of sources over the years, including from The University Sunshine Coast, The Gidarjil Development Corporation, The Mohammed Bin Zayed Conservation Fund, The Macadamia Conservation Committee, Queensland Department of Environment and Science Bushfire Recovery Program and supported by the Australian Government’s Bushfire recovery package for wildlife and their habitat.
- Identifiers
- 991012948481002368
- Copyright
- Journal compilation © CSIRO 2021
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; School of Environment, Science and Engineering; Science; Southern Cross Plant Science
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article