Swamp Honeypot

(Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa)

RECOVERY PLAN

Department of Environment and Conservation
Kensington

		

FOREWORD

Interim Recovery Plans (IRPs) are developed within the framework laid down in Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) Policy Statements Nos. 44 and 50. Note: the Department of CALM formally became the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) in July 2006. DEC will continue to adhere to these Policy Statements until they are revised and reissued. 

IRPs outline the recovery actions that are required to urgently address those threatening processes most affecting the ongoing survival of threatened taxa or ecological communities, and begin the recovery process.

DEC is committed to ensuring that Threatened taxa are conserved through the preparation and implementation of Recovery Plans (RPs) or IRPs, and by ensuring that conservation action commences as soon as possible and, in the case of Critically Endangered (CR) taxa, always within one year of endorsement of that rank by the Minister.

This IRP will operate from April 2008 to March 2013 but will remain in force until withdrawn or replaced. It is intended that, if the subspecies is still ranked Endangered this IRP will be reviewed after five years and the need for further recovery actions assessed.

This IRP was approved by the Director of Nature Conservation on 30 April 2008. The allocation of staff time and provision of funds identified in this IRP is dependent on budgetary and other constraints affecting DEC, as well as the need to address other priorities.

Information in this IRP was accurate at April 2008.

This IRP was prepared with financial support from the Australian Government to be adopted as a National Recovery Plan under the provisions of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).

IRP PREPARATION

This IRP was prepared by Robyn Luu1 and Andrew Brown2.

1Project Officer, Species and Communities Branch, DEC, PO Box 51 Wanneroo, 6946.
2Threatened Flora Coordinator, Species and Communities Branch, DEC, PO Box 51 Wanneroo, 6946.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The following people have provided assistance and advice in the preparation of this IRP:

Anne Cochrane	Senior Research Scientist, Science Division, DEC
Andrew Crawford	Technical Officer, Science Division, DEC
Aarron Grant	TEC Officer, Blackwood District, DEC
Greg Keighery	Principal Research Scientist,  Science Division, DEC
Janine Liddelow	Nature Conservation Officer,  Blackwood District, DEC
Amanda Shade	Horticulturalist, Botanic Gardens and Park Authority
Andrew Webb	Nature Conservation Officer,  Blackwood District, DEC
Craig Douglas	Project Officer, Species and Communities Branch, DEC

Thanks also to the staff of the W.A. Herbarium for providing access to Herbarium databases and specimen information, and DEC's Species and Communities Branch for assistance.

Cover photograph by Anne Cochrane.

CITATION

This Recovery Plan should be cited as:

Department of Environment and Conservation (2009).  Swamp honeypot (Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa) Recovery Plan, Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Australia.

SUMMARY

Scientific Name:	Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa 	Common Name:	Swamp honeypot	
Family:	Proteaceae	Flowering Period:	September	
DEC Region:	South West	DEC District:	Blackwood	
Shires:	Busselton, Augusta-Margaret River	Recovery Team:	South West Region Threatened Flora and Communities Recovery Team	

Illustrations and/or further information: Atkins, K. (2008) Declared Rare and Priority Flora List for Western Australia. Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Australia; Brown, A., Thomson-Dans, C. and Marchant, N. (Eds). (1998) Western Australia’s Threatened Flora. Department of Conservation and Land Management (now DEC), Western Australia; George, A.S. (1996) New taxa and a new infrageneric classification in Dryandra. Nuytsia 10(3), 399-400; Western Australian Herbarium (2008) FloraBase - Information on the Western Australian Flora. Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Australia. http://www.calm.wa.gov.au/science/.

Current status: Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa was declared as Rare Flora in November 1996 under the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 and is currently ranked as Endangered (EN) under World Conservation Union (IUCN 2001) Red List criterion A2c due to an estimated population size reduction of over 80% and a decline in the quality of habitat. The subspecies is listed as Endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The main threats are mineral exploration, changes to hydrology, dieback disease, grazing, trampling, weed invasion, road, track and firebreak maintenance, inappropriate fire regimes, powerline maintenance, recreational activities, gravel extraction and rubbish removal.

Description: Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa is a mounded shrub up to 1.5 m high and 1.5 m across, with long serrate-margined leaves that are similar to those of D. nivea. The flowers are variable, well hidden within the bush and yellowish-brown in colour. The style is maroon and the pollen presenter is green (Brown et al. 1998).

Habitat requirements: Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa occurs in two areas - near Busselton on the Swan Coastal Plain and on the Scott River Plain east of Augusta, growing in red, sandy, shallow loams over ironstone in thick scrub, in winter wet southern and Scott ironstones. 

Habitat critical to the survival of the subspecies, and important populations: Habitat critical to the survival of the subspecies includes the area of occupancy of important populations; areas of similar habitat surrounding important populations (i.e. clay over laterite in thick scrub, in winter wet southern ironstones – these provide potential habitat for natural range extension and is necessary to allow pollinators to move between populations); the local catchment of the surface and possibly ground waters that maintain the habitat of the subspecies; and additional occurrences of similar habitat that may contain the subspecies or be suitable sites for future translocations. 

Given that this subspecies is listed as Endangered it is considered that all known habitat for wild and translocated populations is habitat critical to its survival, and that all wild and translocated populations are important populations.

Benefits to other species/ecological communities: All populations are located within Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs). Other listed and priority flora also occur in the wider habitat of populations. Recovery actions implemented to improve the quality or security of the habitat of Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa are likely to improve the status of the TECs in which populations are located, as well as other rare and priority flora.

International Obligations: This plan is fully consistent with the aims and recommendations of the Convention on Biological Diversity that was ratified by Australia in June 1993, and will assist in implementing Australia’s responsibilities under that Convention. This IRP does not affect Australia’s obligations under other international agreements.

Role and interests of indigenous people: The Department of Indigenous Affairs Aboriginal Heritage Sites Register lists no sites of Aboriginal significance  at or near populations of the subspecies covered by this IRP. However, the involvement of the Indigenous community is currently being sought to determine whether there are any issues or interests identified in the Plan. If no role is identified for indigenous communities in the recovery of this subspecies, opportunities may exist through cultural interpretation and awareness of the species.

The advice of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) and Department of Indigenous Affairs is being sought to assist in the identification of potential indigenous management responsibilities for land occupied by threatened species, or groups with a cultural connection to land that is important for the species' conservation. 

Continued liaison between DEC and the indigenous community will identify areas in which collaboration will assist implementation of recovery actions.

Social and economic impacts: The implementation of this recovery plan has the potential to have some limited social and economic impact as some populations are located on private property. There are also mineral exploration and extraction leases over the area of land containing populations 4, 11, 14, 15, and subpopulations 8a and 16a of Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa. Recovery actions refer to continued liaison between stakeholders with regard to these areas.

Affected interests: Stakeholders potentially affected by the implementation of this plan include the Shires of Busselton and Augusta-Margaret River, WestNet Rail, Western Power and the owners of private land. 

Evaluation of the Plans Performance: DEC in conjunction with the South West Region Threatened Flora and Communities Recovery Team will evaluate the performance of this IRP. In addition to annual reporting on progress and evaluation against the criteria for success and failure, the plan will be reviewed following four years of implementation. 

Completed recovery actions

1.	Land managers have been notified of the location and threatened status of the subspecies.
2.	Declared Rare Flora (DRF) markers have been installed at populations 10 and 12 and at all other road side sites. 
3.	Dashboard stickers and posters describing the significance of DRF markers have been produced and distributed.
4.	Approximately 9.9 hectares of private property containing Subpopulation 6a was purchased by DEC in 1999 and is under the care, control and management of the Conservation Commission. This area has been fenced to prevent access by stock.
5.	One plant within Population 12 is located within an enclosure. This was built to protect other species of Declared Rare Flora against damage from roadworks.
6.	In 1998 and 2000 DEC conducted aerial spraying of phosphite over approximately 11 hectares of land in the southern ironstone community that contains Subpopulation 8a and also sprayed  Population 4 in March 2002. This has continued on an annual basis since 2003.
7.	The Botanic Gardens and Park Authority (BGPA) currently have 167 plants from four clones of Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa obtained from seed collected in 1995, 1996 and 1998.
8.	A research proposal for the rescue of four rare and endangered species at BHP Beenup minesite was developed by the BGPA in 2003 (Dixon et al. 2003). 
9.	A genetic study was undertaken by BGPA in 2002. Several populations from the southern ironstone and Scott River ironstone areas were sampled and DNA-finger printing performed.
10.	A translocation proposal aimed at re-introducing plants of Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa, Darwinia ferricola ms, Grevillea brachystylis subsp. australis and Lambertia orbifolia subsp. Scott River Plains was developed by the BGPA and BHP Billiton in 2003. 
11.	A fire response plan has been produced for the reserve containing Population 11 by staff from DEC’s Blackwood District and Emergency Response Planning completed for all other occurrences.
12.	Several collections of Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa seed has been made from populations 3a, 3b, 3c, 4, 5, 8, 9c, 9d and 11. These are stored in DEC’s TFSC at –18C and 4C.
13.	Liaison between local land owners and staff from DEC Blackwood District has occurred and a new route for moving cattle between properties has been devised to prevent damage to the habitat at Population 5.

Ongoing and future recovery actions

1.	The South West Region Threatened Flora and Communities Recovery Team (SWTFCRT) is overseeing the implementation of this IRP and will include information on progress in their annual report to DEC's Corporate Executive and funding bodies.
2.	Staff from DEC's Blackwood District regularly monitor populations of this subspecies.

IRP Objective: The objective of this IRP is to abate identified threats and maintain or enhance in situ populations to ensure the long-term preservation of the subspecies in the wild.

Recovery criteria
Criteria for success: The number of populations have increased and/or individuals within populations have increased by ten percent or more over the five year term of this plan.
Criteria for failure: The number of populations have decreased or individuals within populations have decreased by ten percent or more over the five year term of this plan.

Recovery actions

1.	Coordinate recovery actions	11.	Develop and implement a fire management strategy	
2.	Map habitat critical to the subspecies’ survival	12.	Maintain disease hygiene	
3.	Formally notify land owners and land managers	13.	Apply phosphite and monitor effects	
4.	Install and reassess position of Declared Rare Flora 	markers	14.	Develop a kangaroo management strategy	
5.	Undertake weed control	15.	Monitor populations	
6.	Assess if fencing is required for Subpopulation 17b	16.	Achieve long-term protection of habitat	
7.	Limit access to Subpopulation 8a	17.	Promote awareness	
8.	Rehabilitate habitat	18.	Obtain biological and ecological information	
9.	Conduct further surveys	19.	Conduct additional genetic and taxonomic studies	
10.	Remove rubbish from Population 14 and Subpopulation 8a
	20.	Review the IRP and assess the need for further recovery   actions	

1. 	BACKGROUND

History

The first known collection of Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa, housed at the Western Australian Herbarium, was made from east of Busselton in 1957 by R. Royce. Further collections have since been made, including a collection from Ruabon Nature Reserve in 1996 (Keighery et al. 1996). This population has yet to be relocated. Numerous surveys for the subspecies and other Scott River Plains endemics have since been undertaken by botanists and staff from DEC’s Blackwood District (Gibson et al. 2001; Keighery et al. 1996; Keighery and Robinson 1992; Robinson and Keighery 1997). However, as the ironstone soils in which the subspecies is endemic are highly restricted and have been massively impacted by land clearance, new populations are likely only to be found in remnants on private property. Currently, B. nivea subsp. uliginosa is known from 18 populations that together contain around 2000 plants.

Description

Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa is a mounded shrub, up to 1.5 m high by 1.5 m across, with long leaves that are similar to those of D. nivea. The flowers are variable, well hidden within the bush and yellowish-brown in colour. The style is maroon and the pollen presenter is green (Brown et al. 1998).

Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa is distinguished from D. nivea subsp. nivea by its larger size, mounded growth habit and longer leaves. D. nivea subsp. nivea is usually a sprawling, small shrub less than 1 m tall (Brown et al. 1998).

Distribution and habitat

Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa occurs in two areas - near Busselton on the Swan Coastal Plain and on the Scott River Plain east of Augusta. Habitat is clay over laterite in thick scrub, in winter wet southern and Scott ironstones (George 1996). 

Associated species in the southern ironstone populations include Kunzea micrantha, Pericalymma ellipticum, Aphelia cyperoides, Centrolepis aristata, Acacia stenoptera, Hakea varia, Hemiandra pungens, Viminaria juncea, Borya scirpoidea, Caladenia marginata, Caustis dioica, Centrolepis drummondiana, Dampiera linearis, Drosera glanduligera, D. rosulata, Desmocladus fasciculatus, Phyllangium paradoxum, Opercularia vaginata, Philydrella pygmaea, Utricularia multifida, Schoenus odontocarpus, Stylidium calcaratum, Thelymitra antennifera and Thysanotus thyrsoideus (Gibson et al. 1994).

Associated species in the Scott River Plains populations include Banksia littoralis, B. ilicifolia, B. grandis, Hakea prostrata, Xanthorrhoea preissii, Pimelea rosea, Isopogon formosus, Anthocercis littorea, Lysinema ciliatum, Melaleuca thymoides, Hibbertia stellaris, Viminaria juncea, Patersonia occidentalis, Lepidosperma sp. (Obbens and Coates 1997).

Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa occurs on two Threatened Ecological Communities (TECs) (English and Blyth 1999) - the ‘Scott River Ironstone Association’ and ‘Shrublands on southern Swan Coastal Plain Ironstones (Busselton area), Swan Coastal Plain Community type 10b (Gibson et al. 1994). The Busselton and Scott River ironstone soils are highly restricted in distribution. The Busselton ironstone community contains a total of 15 occurrences (140 hectares remaining uncleared) and the Scott River Plain area contains 38 occurrences (344 hectares remaining uncleared). This IRP will be implemented in conjunction with the IRPs for the 'Shrublands on southern Swan Coastal Plain Ironstones' (English 1999) and ‘Scott River Ironstone Association’ (Luu and English 2004).

Summary of population land vesting, purpose and tenure

Population	District	Shire	Vesting	Purpose	Manager	
1. 	SE of Augusta	Blackwood	Augusta-Margaret River	Conservation Commission of Western Australia
	National Park and Recreation	DEC	
2. 	E of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Conservation Commission of Western Australia	Conservation of Flora and Fauna	DEC	
3A. 	E of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Unvested Reserve	Road Reserve	Shire of Busselton	
3B. 	E of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Public Transport Authority	Rail Reserve	WestNet Rail	
3C. 	E of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Public Transport Authority	Rail Reserve	WestNet Rail	
4. 	SE of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Conservation Commission of Western Australia	State Forest	DEC	
5. 	SE of Augusta	Blackwood	Augusta-Margaret River	Unvested Reserve	Road Reserve	Shire of Augusta-Margaret River	
6A. 	W of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Freehold	Private Property	Landholders	
6B. 	W of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Unvested Reserve	Road Reserve	Shire of Busselton	
7A. 	W of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Freehold	Private Property	Landholders	
7B. 	W of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Conservation Commission of Western Australia 	State Forest	DEC	
8A. 	W of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Conservation Commission of Western Australia 	State Forest	DEC	
8B. 	W of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Freehold	Private Property	Landholders	
8C. 	W of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Freehold	Private Property	Landholders	
9A. 	E of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Unvested Reserve	Road Reserve	Shire of Busselton	
9B. 	E of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Public Transport Authority	Rail Reserve	WestNet Rail	
9C. 	E of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Freehold	Private Property	Landholders	
9D. 	E of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Freehold	Private Property	Landholders	
10. 	SE of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Unvested Reserve	Road Reserve	Shire of Busselton	
11. 	SE of Augusta	Blackwood	Busselton	Freehold	Private Property	Landholders	
12. 	SE of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Unvested Reserve	Road Reserve	Shire of Busselton	
13. 	W of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Unvested Reserve	Road Reserve	Shire of Busselton	
14. 	E of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Department of Land Information	Unallocated Crown Land	Shire of Busselton	
15. 	E of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Conservation Commission of Western Australia	State Forest	DEC	
16A. 	SE of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Conservation Commission of western Australia	State Forest	DEC	
16B. 	SE of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Conservation Commission of Western Australia	State Forest	DEC	
17A. 	W of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Unvested Reserve	Road Reserve	Shire of Busselton	
17B. 	W of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Freehold	Private Property	Landholders	
18. 	E of Busselton	Blackwood	Busselton	Unvested Reserve	Road Reserve	Shire of Busselton	
Populations in bold text are considered to be Important Populations. 

Biology and ecology

The subspecies is named from the Latin uliginosa (waterlogged) alluding to its winter-wet habitat (George 1996).

Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa seed may remain on the plant for a long time, although some follicles do open occasionally (Norrish 2003). Prescribed burns and wildfires that burnt populations and subpopulations in 1992, 1993 and 1999 (populations 4, 8 in 1992; subpopulations 3a, 3b, 9a, 9b, 9c and 9d in 1993; Population 15 and Subpopulation 16a in 1999), resulted in the death of adult plants and the subsequent germination of seedlings. 

Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa has populations in two widely separated areas (Beenup and Busselton). DNA-fingerprinting, performed by Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) found that a highly significant level of genetic differentiation existed between the Busselton and Beenup populations, warranting possible taxonomic recognition of plants from the two regions (Krauss and Alacs 2003).  

A study in germination response of a number of threatened Dryandra species found that there was an increase in the germination percent of Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa seed after storage for one year at -20ºC and at moisture content of 5±1%. This indicates that ex situ seed storage under low moisture and temperature conditions is a possible means of long term maintenance of threatened Dryandra seed (Cochrane et al. 2002).

Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa has been found to be susceptible to the plant pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi (dieback) following 66 individuals being tested (C. Crane personal communication).

A high level of insect predation on seed has been observed at populations 3, 4, 9, 11 in 1995, 1997 and 1998 (A. Cochrane personal observation).

Threats

The main threats are mineral exploration, changes to hydrology, dieback disease, grazing, trampling, weed invasion, road, track and firebreak maintenance, inappropriate fire regimes, powerline maintenance, recreational activities, gravel extraction and rubbish removal.

•	Mineral exploration and extraction leases exist over land containing populations 4, 11, 14, 15, and subpopulations 8a and 16a.

•	Changes to hydrology may become a threat to all populations as ground water extraction for agricultural, urban and other purposes is likely to result in a lowering of the water table. Adjacent mining also has the potential to alter hydrological processes and threaten the populations.

•	Dieback disease, which causes roots to rot and results in plants dying of drought stress, is a threat to all populations and testing has shown that both the subspecies and its ironstone habitat are susceptible. The presence of the disease and deaths caused by it has been confirmed at populations 4, 11 and 16.

•	Grazing and trampling by stock (cattle), rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and kangaroos is a threat to populations 5, 11 and 13 and subpopulations 6a, 7b and 8b. As well as grazing Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa plants animals impact on the habitat by digging, trampling and breaking foliage and also have the potential to spread dieback. An increased nutrient level in the soil from droppings is also likely and may encourage weed invasion. Grazing would have an impact on the establishment of young plants of D. nivea subsp. uliginosa thereby limiting natural recruitment.

•	Weed invasion is a threat to most populations. The major weeds include Babiana angustifolia, Watsonia sp., Eragrostis curvula (African lovegrass), Leptospermum laevigatum (Victorian tea-tree), Zantedeschia aethiopica (arum lily), Asparagus asparagoides (bridal creeper), Ehrharta sp. (veldt grass) and Sparaxis bulbifera (harlequin flower). Weeds suppress early plant growth by competing for soil moisture, nutrients and light. They also exacerbate grazing pressure and increase the fire hazard due to the easy ignition of high fuel loads that are produced annually by many weed species.

•	Road, track and firebreak maintenance activities threaten most populations. Threats include grading, chemical spraying, construction of drainage channels and the mowing of roadside vegetation. Several of these actions also encourage weed invasion.

•	Inappropriate fire regimes would affect the viability of the populations, as Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa appears to germinate from seed following fire. If this is the case, the soil seed bank would rapidly be depleted if fires recurred before regenerating or juvenile plants reached maturity and replenished the soil seed bank. However, occasional fires or other disturbances are likely to be required for the subspecies to propagate from soil stored seed.

•	Powerline maintenance is a potential threat to Population 5. Disturbance during maintenance may encourage weed invasion and also directly damage plants. The relevant authority will be notified of the population.

•	Recreational activities such as illegal firewood cutting and collection (Population 14 and Subpopulation 8a), and recreational motorbike and 4x4 vehicle use (Population 14) are a threat to the subspecies. These activities increase the risk of damaging the subspecies through trampling, as well as increase the spread of dieback disease through the area. A works submission between the Department of Planning and Infrastructure and DEC is in place to reduce access to the area containing Population 14, to prevent further impacts from recreational use.

•	Gravel extraction may be a future threat to Population 14. The taxon may be damaged or completely removed during this process, and the risk of increasing the spread of dieback disease through the area is increased.

•	Rubbish dumping is a threat to Population 14 and Subpopulation 8a. While being unsightly, it possibly may contribute to more rubbish at the site. It also encourages weeds and provides habitat for rabbits.

Summary of population information and threats

Pop. No. & Location	Land Status	Year/No. plants	Condition	Threats	
1. 	SE of Augusta	National Park	1990        0			
2. 	E of Busselton	Nature Reserve	2000	0			
3A. 	E of Busselton	Shire Road Reserve	1995	*100 (20+)
1997	*100+	Moderate	Road maintenance, dieback, weeds, inappropriate fire regimes, hydrological changes	
3B. 	E of Busselton	Rail Reserve	1995	*100+ (20+)
1997	*100+	Moderate	Dieback, weeds, inappropriate fire regimes, hydrological changes	
3C. 	E of Busselton	Rail Reserve	2000	26 (3) [5]
	Healthy	Dieback, weeds, firebreak maintenance, inappropriate fire regimes, hydrological changes	
4. 	SE of Busselton	State Forest	1995	100+ (50) [20]
1996	100+
2002	100+ [10]	Poor	Mining, dieback, weeds, inappropriate fire regimes, firebreak maintenance	
5. 	SE of Augusta	Shire Road Reserve	1995	150
1996	100+
2003	300+	Healthy	Road maintenance, stock disturbance, weeds, dieback, inappropriate fire regimes, hydrological changes, powerline maintenance	
6A. 	W of Busselton	Nature Reserve	1995	10+
1997	*100+
2003	280+ [50-100]
2006        100	Healthy	Dieback, inappropriate fire regimes, grazing (kangaroos), weeds, hydrological changes	
6B. 	W of Busselton	Shire Road Reserve	1997	7
2003	10
2006        30	Poor	Road maintenance, dieback, inappropriate fire regimes, weeds, hydrological changes	
7A. 	W of Busselton	Private Property	1995	0
2003	0	Cleared		
7B. 	W of Busselton	State Forest	1996	0
2003	(10?)	Cleared (but regenerating)	Firebreak maintenance, dieback, grazing, inappropriate fire regimes, hydrological changes	
8A. 	W of Busselton	State Forest	1995	200+ (50+)
1996	100+
1998	100+ [100+]
2003        0	Moderate	Mining, dieback, inappropriate fire regimes, rubbish dumping, hydrological changes, illegal firewood collection	
8B. 	W of Busselton	Private Property	1997	0
	Previously cleared	Grazing (cattle), weeds, dieback	
8C. 	W of Busselton	Private Property	1995        0	none seen		
9A. 	E of Busselton	Shire Road Reserve	1995	*200+ (100+)
1997	*100+
2007        20	Moderate	Road maintenance, dieback, inappropriate fire regimes, hydrological changes
	
9B. 	E of Busselton	Rail Reserve	1995	*200+ (100+)
1997	*100+
2007        0	none seen	Dieback, inappropriate fire regimes, hydrological changes	
9C. 	E of Busselton	Private Property	1995	*200+ (100+)
2007        0	none seen	Dieback, inappropriate fire regimes, hydrological changes	
9D. 	E of Busselton	Private Property	1995	*200+ (100+)
2007         0	none seen	Dieback, inappropriate fire regimes, hydrological changes	
10. 	SE of Busselton	Shire Road Reserve	1996	6 (2)
1997	6 [2]
2003	6	Poor	Road maintenance, weeds, dieback, inappropriate fire regimes, hydrological changes	
11. 	SE of Augusta	Private Property	2003	95 [16]
2006        30	Moderate	Mining, grazing (kangaroos), inappropriate fire regimes, dieback, weeds (minor), hydrological changes	
12. 	SE of Busselton	Shire Road Reserve	1996	3 (8)
2000	2
2003        0	not seen	Road maintenance, dieback, weeds, inappropriate fire regimes, hydrological changes	
13. 	W of Busselton	Shire Road Reserve	1997	15
2000	10+
2003	37	Moderate	Weeds, road maintenance, stock disturbance, inappropriate fire regimes, dieback, hydrological changes	
14. 	E of Busselton	Unallocated Crown Land	1998	50+(4+) [1]	Moderate	Mining, gravel extraction, dieback, rubbish dumping, inappropriate fire regimes, hydrological changes, illegal firewood collection, recreational use	
15. 	E of Busselton	State Forest	1999	2 (8) [9]
2007        10
	Healthy	Mining, dieback, inappropriate fire regimes, hydrological changes	
16A. 	SE of Busselton	State Forest	1999	14 (12) [10]
2001	14 (50+)	Moderate	Mining, dieback, inappropriate fire regimes, hydrological changes	
16B. 	SE of Busselton	State Forest	2002	5	Moderate	Dieback, inappropriate fire regimes, hydrological changes	
17A. 	W of Busselton	Shire Road Reserve	2002	40+
2003	79 [24]	Moderate	Road maintenance, inappropriate fire regimes, weeds, dieback, hydrological changes	
17B. 	W of Busselton	Private Property	2003	2	Moderate	Dieback, inappropriate fire regimes, hydrological changes	
18. 	E of Busselton	Shire Road Reserve	2003	25+	Moderate	Road maintenance, dieback, weeds, inappropriate fire regimes, hydrological changes	
Populations in bold text are considered to be Important Populations, Note: * = total for both subpopulations, ( ) = number of seedlings, [ ] = number dead

Guide for decision-makers

The above table provides details of current and possible future threats to Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa. Proposed actions in the immediate vicinity of populations or within the defined habitat critical to the survival of Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa require assessment for the potential for a significant level of impact.

Habitat critical to the survival of the subspecies, and important populations

Habitat critical to the survival of the subspecies includes the area of occupancy of important populations, areas of similar habitat that surround populations (i.e. clay over laterite in thick scrub in winter wet southern and Scott ironstones) that provide potential habitat for natural range extension and are necessary to allow pollinators to move between populations, the local catchment of the surface and possibly ground waters that maintain the habitat of the subspecies and additional occurrences of similar habitat that may contain the subspecies or be suitable sites for future translocations. 

Given that this subspecies is listed as Endangered it is considered that all known habitat for wild and translocated populations is habitat critical to its survival, and that all wild and translocated populations are important populations.
Benefits to other species/ecological communities

Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa is endemic to the ‘Shrublands on southern Swan Coastal Plain Ironstones (Busselton area), Swan Coastal Plain Community type 10b, Gibson et al. 1994’. This community is listed as Critically Endangered in Western Australia and Endangered under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). The subspecies also occurs in the TEC ‘Scott River Ironstone Association’ Threatened Ecological Community (TEC), which is listed as Endangered in Western Australia. Other listed and priority flora also occur in the wider habitat of the populations are listed in the table below.

Listed species associated with Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa
Species	Priority ranking
Western Australia	Wildlife Conservation Act 1950	Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999	
Andersonia ferricola	Priority 1			
Calothamnus crassus	Priority 4			
Chamelaucium roycei ms		Vulnerable	Vulnerable	
Chordifex isomorphus	Priority 4			
Darwinia ferricola ms		Endangered	Endangered	
Darwinia sp. Williamson		Critically Endangered	Endangered	
Banksia squarrosa subsp. argillacea		Endangered	Vulnerable	
Gastrolobium modestum		Vulnerable	Vulnerable	
Gastrolobium papilio		Critically Endangered	Endangered	
Grevillea brachystylis subsp. australis		Endangered	Vulnerable	
Grevillea elongata		Endangered	Vulnerable	
Grevillea manglesioides subsp. ferricola	Priority 2			
Grevillea maccutcheonii		Critically Endangered	Endangered	
Hakea oldfieldii	Priority 3			
Hakea tuberculata	Priority 3			
Lambertia echinata subsp. occidentalis		Critically Endangered	Endangered	
Lambertia orbifolia subsp. Scott River Plains		Endangered	Endangered	
Loxocarya magna	Priority 3			
Petrophile latericola		Critically Endangered	Endangered	
 
Recovery actions implemented to improve the quality or security of the habitat of populations of Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa are likely to improve the status of the TEC in which the populations are located, as well other rare and priority flora.

International Obligations

This plan is fully consistent with the aims and recommendations of the Convention on Biological Diversity, ratified by Australia in June 1993, and will assist in implementing Australia’s responsibilities under that convention. The subspecies is not specifically listed under any international treaty, and therefore this plan does not affect Australia’s obligations under any other international agreements.

Role and interests of indigenous people

The Department of Indigenous Affairs Aboriginal Heritage Sites Register lists no sites of Aboriginal significance at or near populations of the subspecies that is covered by this IRP. However, the involvement of the Indigenous community is currently being sought to determine whether there are any issues or interests identified in the Plan. If no role is identified for indigenous communities in the recovery of this subspecies, opportunities may exist through cultural interpretation and awareness of the species.

The advice of the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council (SWALSC) and Department of Indigenous Affairs is being sought to assist in the identification of potential indigenous management responsibilities for land occupied by threatened species, or groups with a cultural connection to land that is important for the species' conservation. 

Continued liaison between DEC and the indigenous community will identify areas in which collaboration will assist implementation of recovery actions.

Social and economic impacts

The implementation of this recovery plan is unlikely to cause significant adverse social or economic impacts. However, as some populations are located on private property and in areas leased for mining activities (populations 4, 11, 14, 15 and subpopulations 8a, 16a), their protection may potentially affect farming and mining activities. Actions will involve liaison and cooperation with all stakeholders with regard to these areas.

Affected interests

Stakeholders potentially affected by the implementation of this plan include the Shires of Busselton and Augusta-Margaret River as the manager of the road reserve habitat of populations 5, 10, 12, 13, and 18, and subpopulations 3a, 6b, 9a and 17a. WestNet Rail as the manager of rail reserves containing subpopulations 3b, 3c and 9b; Western Power as the manager of the power line that intersects Population 5; and the owners of private land that contains Population 11 and subpopulations 8b, 8c, 9c, 9d and 17b. 

Evaluation of the Plans Performance

DEC in conjunction with the South West Region Threatened Flora and Communities Recovery Team will evaluate the performance of this IRP. In addition to annual reporting on progress and evaluation against the criteria for success and failure, the plan will be reviewed within five years of implementation.

2.	RECOVERY OBJECTIVE AND CRITERIA

IRP Objective: The objective of this IRP is to abate identified threats and maintain or enhance in situ populations to ensure the long-term preservation of the subspecies in the wild.

Recovery criteria

Criteria for success: The number of populations have increased and/or individuals within populations have increased by ten percent or more over the five year term of this plan.

Criteria for failure: The number of populations have decreased or individuals within populations have decreased by ten percent or more over the five year term of this plan.

3.	RECOVERY ACTIONS

Completed recovery actions

Relevant land managers have been formally notified of the presence and threatened nature of Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa on their land. The notification details the Declared Rare status of the subspecies and the associated legal responsibilities.

Declared Rare Flora (DRF) markers have been installed at populations 10 and 12. These serve to alert people working in the vicinity to the presence of the DRF and the need to avoid work that may damage plants or their habitat. Dashboard stickers and posters describing the significance of DRF markers have been produced and distributed.

Approximately 9.9 hectares of private property containing Subpopulation 6a was purchased by DEC in 1999 and is under the care, control and management of the Conservation Commission of Western Australia. This area has been fenced to prevent access by stock.

Subpopulation 8c was fenced by the landowner to prevent the subspecies unintentionally being destroyed during gravel extraction works.

One plant within Population 12 is located in an enclosure. This was built to protect other species of Declared Rare Flora against damage from roadworks. Another plant is located outside the enclosure.

In 1998 and 2000 DEC undertook aerial spraying of phosphite over approximately 11 hectares of the southern ironstone community that contains Subpopulation 8a and in March 2002 also sprayed Population 4. An aerial spraying program of a number of populations of the subspecies was undertaken between March 2002 and March 2005 with most sites sprayed every year.

The Botanic Gardens and Park Authority (BGPA) currently have 167 plants from four clones of Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa, with plants grown from seed collected in 1995, 1996 and 1998 (A. Shade personal communication).

A research proposal for the rescue of four rare and endangered species at BHP Beenup Mine site was developed by the BGPA in 2003 (Dixon et al. 2003). This proposal is a pilot study and aims to:

•	contribute to a better understanding of post mining rehabilitation;
•	increase biodiversity within the site;
•	contribute to the knowledge base of rare and endangered species through genetic analysis, propagation research and cultural techniques;
•	improve understanding of the biology and plants;
•	reduce the threat of extinction by learning how to establish new populations in post-mining situations or pre‑mined areas.

As part of this research project, a genetic study was also undertaken by BGPA in 2002. Several populations from both the southern ironstone and Scott River ironstone areas were sampled and DNA-fingerprinting was performed (Krauss and Alacs 2003).

A translocation proposal aimed at re-introducing plants of Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa, Darwinia ferricola ms, Grevillea brachystylis subsp. australis and Lambertia orbifolia subsp. Scott River Plains was developed by the BGPA and BHP Billiton in 2003. One hundred and sixty plants from two populations were planted on a previously mined area and surrounds in July 2003. Soil type and irrigation were included as two variables in the experimental design. The site was also fenced to reduce the threat of grazing by rabbits and kangaroos. Monitoring will include the number of surviving plants, height and width of crown, reproductive state, number of inflorescences and fruits, presence of second generation plants and general health of plants (Norrish 2003).

A fire response plan has been produced for the reserve containing Population 11 by staff from DEC’s Blackwood District. 

There have been a number of seed collections made from Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa, including 560 from subpopulations 3a, 3b and 3c in February 1995, 3703 from Population 4 between December 1994 and January 1996, 1614 from Population 5 in February 1995, 881 from Population 8 in February and April 1997, 1072 from subpopulations 9c and 9d in February 1998 and 420 from Population 11 in February 1997. All are stored in DEC’s TFSC at –18C and 4C. The TFSC test the viability of the seed initially and after one year in storage. The initial germination rate of D. nivea subsp. uliginosa seed was found to range from 70 to 98%, and after one year in storage from 55 to 100% (A. Cochrane unpublished data). A small amount of seed (140) from Population 8 was transferred to the BGPA in 1998 for storage.

Liaison between local land owners and staff from DEC’s Blackwood District has occurred and a new route for moving cattle between properties has been devised to prevent damage to the habitat of Population 5.

Ongoing and future recovery actions

The South West Region Threatened Flora and Communities Recovery Team (SWTFCRT) is overseeing the implementation of this IRP and will include information on progress in their annual report to DEC's Corporate Executive and funding bodies.

Staff from DEC's Blackwood District regularly monitor populations of this subspecies.

Where populations occur on lands other than those managed by DEC, permission has been or will be sought from appropriate land managers prior to recovery actions being undertaken.

1.	Coordinate recovery actions

The South West Region Threatened Flora and Communities Recovery Team (SWRTFCRT) will continue to coordinate recovery actions for Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa and other Declared Rare Flora and threatened ecological communities in their region. They will include information on progress in their annual report to DEC’s Corporate Executive and funding bodies.

Action:	Coordinate recovery actions
Responsibility:	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT
Cost:		$2,100 per year

2.	Map habitat critical to the subspecies’ survival

Although this habitat is described in Section 1, it has not yet been fully mapped and this will be addressed under this action. If additional populations are located, their habitat will also be determined and mapped.

Action:	Map habitat critical to the subspecies’ survival
Responsibility:	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT
Cost:		$4,000 in the first year	

3.	Formally notify land owners and land managers

Land owners adjacent to land containing populations 10 and 13 and Subpopulation 6b, need to be formally notified of the presence of Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa. In addition, Western Power will also be notified as the subspecies is located under a powerline on an access track.

Action:	Formally notify land owners and land managers
Responsibility:	DEC (Species and Communities Branch)
Cost:		$500 in first year

4.	Install and reassess position of Declared Rare Flora markers

Declared Rare Flora (DRF) markers are required for all road reserve populations and the firebreak at Subpopulation 7b. Their positioning may also need reassessing to ensure that all plants are covered. The purpose of DRF markers is to alert road and other workers to the presence of DRF.

Action:	Install and reassess position of DRF markers
Responsibility:	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT
Cost:		$700 in first year

5.	Undertake weed control

Weed control will be undertaken in consultation with the land managers. Appropriate methods of weed control are found in Brown and Brooks (2002) and may include hand weeding or localised application of herbicide. All weed control actions including details of method, timing and success of the treatment against weeds will be recorded in district weed databases.  Routine inspections will monitor the effect on Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa and associated native plant species. It is anticipated that native species will regenerate after weed competition is removed.

Action:	Undertake weed control
Responsibility:	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT
Cost:	$1,600 per year

6.	Assess if fencing is required for Subpopulation 17b

If fencing is required for Subpopulation 17b on private property, an agreement with the owners will be sought and will include a buffer of surrounding habitat to protect Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa from potential grazing and other disturbances. Funding assistance for this fencing may be obtained through the Remnant Vegetation Protection Scheme as part of the covenanting process.

Action:	Assess if fencing is required for Subpopulation 17b 
Responsibility:	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT
Cost:	$3,000 in first year

7.	Limit access to Subpopulation 8a 

To limit access, gates need to be installed at entry points into State Forest containing Subpopulation 8a.
 
Action:	Limit access to Subpopulation 8a
Responsibility:	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT
Cost:	$3,000 in first year

8.	Rehabilitate habitat

The habitat containing Population 14 should be deep ripped and allowed to regenerate naturally.

Action:	Rehabilitate habitat
Responsibility:	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT
Cost:		$1,500 in first year

9.	Conduct further surveys

Further surveys by DEC staff and community volunteers will be conducted during the flowering period of this subspecies (September). Records of areas surveyed will be sent to Species and Communities Branch and retained at the District even if the subspecies is not found.

Action:	Conduct further surveys 
Responsibility:	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT
Cost:	$2,600 per year

10.	Remove rubbish from Population 14 and Subpopulation 8a

Garden waste and other rubbish has been dumped at Population 14 and Subpopulation 8a. Rubbish removal will need to be carried out by a contractor and/or DEC staff during summer to avoid spreading disease and increase soil disturbance, with careful supervision from DEC Blackwood District staff to ensure that disturbance to surrounding plants is minimized. Signs to warn the public about the illegality of rubbish dumping will be erected where needed. 

Action:	Remove rubbish from Population 14 and Subpopulation 8a
Responsibility:	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT
Cost:	$10,000 in the first year

11.	Develop and implement a fire management strategy

Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa appears to be an obligate seeder, with germination occurring following fire. Fire will be prevented from occurring in the habitat of populations, except where it is being used experimentally as a recovery tool. A fire management strategy will be developed by the completion date of this plan that recommends fire frequency, intensity, season, and control measures.

Action:	Develop and implement a fire management strategy
Responsibility:	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT
Cost:		$2,500 in first year and $1,000 in subsequent years

12.	Maintain disease hygiene

The ironstone habitat in which Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa occurs is inundated over the winter months and favours the establishment and spread of Phytophthora. Many plant species in the ironstone community, including D. nivea subsp. uliginosa, are presumed to be susceptible to this disease. Dieback hygiene (outlined in CALM 2003) will therefore be followed for activities such as installation and maintenance of firebreaks and walking into the population in wet soil conditions. Purpose built signs advising of the dieback risk and high conservation values of the sites will be installed where required. 

Action:	Maintain disease hygiene 
Responsibility:	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT
Cost:		$800 per year

13.	Apply phosphite and monitor effects

Phosphite will be applied to areas where dieback is present and has the potential to threaten the Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa. The impact of the application of phosphite on the subspecies and in the control of Phytophthora spp. will be monitored.

Action:	Apply phosphite and monitor effects
Responsibility:	DEC (Blackwood District, Dieback Disease Coordinator) through the SWRTFCRT
Cost:		$55,200 in first, third and fifth years ($345/ha x 160 ha for southern and Scott ironstone)

14.	Develop and implement a kangaroo management strategy

A management strategy will be developed in areas where kangaroos are having an impact on populations of Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa through trampling and breaking of foliage. The strategy will include a survey to determine kangaroo density, monitoring of impacts on the subspecies, and recommendations to reduce the impact.

Action:	Develop and implement a kangaroo management strategy
Responsibility:	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT
Cost:	$2,000 in first year (cost of monitoring included under action 15)

15.	Monitor populations

Annual monitoring of factors such as habitat degradation (including weed invasion and plant diseases), population stability (expansion or decline), pollinator activity, grazing, seed production, recruitment, longevity and predation is essential. All populations will be inspected annually with special attention given to impacts from changes to hydrology. 

Action:	Monitor populations
Responsibility:	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT
Cost:	$2,000 per year

16.	Achieve long-term protection of habitat

Ways and means of improving the security of populations and their habitat will be investigated. On private land, this may include conservation covenants with a range of agencies, or registration through the Land for Wildlife Scheme.

Action:	Achieve long-term protection of habitat
Responsibility:	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT
Cost:		$1,500 per year

17.	Promote awareness

The importance of biodiversity conservation and the need for the long-term protection of wild populations of Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa will be promoted to the community through poster displays and the local print and electronic media. Formal links with local naturalist groups and interested individuals will also be encouraged. An information sheet will be produced, and will include a description of the plant, its habitat, threats, recovery actions and photos. This will be distributed to the public through DEC’s Blackwood District Office and at the offices and libraries of the Shires of Busselton and Augusta-Margaret River. Such information distribution may lead to the discovery of new populations.

Action:	Promote awareness
Responsibility:	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT
Cost:		$1,300 in first year; $600 per year thereafter

18.	Obtain biological and ecological information

Improved knowledge of the biology and ecology of Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa will provide a scientific basis for its management in the wild. An understanding of the following is necessary for effective management:

1.	Soil seed bank dynamics, including seedbank location and viability.
2.	The role of various disturbances (including fire), competition, rainfall and grazing in germination and recruitment.
3.	The pollination biology of the subspecies.
4.	The requirements of pollinators.
5.	The reproductive strategies, phenology and seasonal growth of the subspecies.
6.	The population genetic structure, levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size.
7.	Investigation of the impacts of dieback disease and control techniques on Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa and its habitat.

Action:	Obtain biological and ecological information
Responsibility:	DEC (Science Division, Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT
Cost:		$12,500 pa for three years

19.	Conduct additional genetic and taxonomic studies

Rapid DNA analysis of Banksia nivea subsp. uliginosa shows that a significant level of genetic differentiation exists between the Busselton and Beenup populations (Krauss and Alacs 2003). Additional genetic and taxonomic studies are required.

Action:	Conduct additional genetic and taxonomic studies
Responsibility:	DEC (Science Division) through the SWRTFCRT
Cost:		$10,000 in first year

20.	Review the IRP and assess the need for further recovery actions

At the end of the five-year term this IRP will be reviewed and the need for further recovery actions assessed. 

Action:	Review the IRP and assess the need for further recovery actions
Responsibility:	DEC (Species and Communities Branch, Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT
Cost:		$4,000 in the fifth year (if required)

Summary of recovery actions

Recovery Actions	Priority	Responsibility	Completion date	
Coordinate recovery actions	High	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT	2013	
Map habitat critical to the subspecies’ survival	Med	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT	2008-09	
Formally notify land owners and land managers	High	DEC (Species and Communities Branch)	2008-09	
Install and reassess position of Declared Rare Flora markers	High	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT
	2008-09	
Undertake weed control	High	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT	2013	
Assess if fencing is required for Subpopulation 17b	High	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT	2008-09	
Limit access to Subpopulation 8a	High	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT	2008-09	
Rehabilitate habitat	Med	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT	2008-09	
Conduct further surveys	High	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT	Ongoing	
Remove rubbish from Population 14 and Subpopulation 8a	Med	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT	2008-09	
Develop and implement a fire management strategy	High	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT	Develop by 2008 with implementation ongoing	
Maintain disease hygiene	High	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT	Ongoing	
Apply phosphite and monitor effects	High	DEC (Blackwood District, Dieback Disease Coordinator) through the SWRTFCRT	2013	
Develop a kangaroo management strategy	High	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT	2010	
Monitor populations	High	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT	Ongoing	
Achieve long-term protection of habitat	Medium	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT	Ongoing until achieved	
Promote awareness	Medium	DEC (Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT	Ongoing	
Obtain biological and ecological information	Medium	DEC (Science Division, Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT	2010	
Conduct additional genetic and taxonomic studies	High	DEC (Science Division) through the SWRTFCRT	2008-09	
Review the IRP and assess the need for further recovery   actions	Medium	DEC (Species and Communities Branch, Blackwood District) through the SWRTFCRT	2013	

4.	TERM OF PLAN

Western Australia

This IRP will operate from April 2008 to March 2013 but will remain in force until withdrawn or replaced. If the subspecies is still ranked Endangered after five years, the need for further recovery actions and an update of this IRP will be assessed.

Commonwealth

In accordance with the provisions of the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) this adopted recovery plan will remain in force until revoked.  

The recovery plan must be reviewed at intervals of not longer than five years.

5.	REFERENCES

Atkins, K. (2008) Declared Rare and Priority Flora List for Western Australia. Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Australia.
Brown, A., Thomson-Dans, C. and Marchant, N. (Eds). (1998) Western Australia’s Threatened Flora. Department of Conservation and Land Management (now DEC), Perth, Western Australia.
Brown, K. and Brooks, K. (2002) Bushland weeds; a practical guide to their management. Environmental Weeds Action Network (Inc), Western Australia.
Cochrane, A., Brown, K. and Kelly, A. (2002) Low temperature and low moisture storage of seeds of rare and threatened taxa in the endemic Western Australian genus Dryandra (R.Br.) (Proteaceae). Conservation Science Western Australia 4(1), 1-12.
Department of Conservation and Land Management (2003) Phytophthora cinnamomi and disease caused by it Volume 1 – Management Guidelines. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Western Australia.
Department of Conservation and Land Management (1994) Policy Statement No. 50 Setting Priorities for the Conservation of Western Australia’s Threatened Flora and Fauna. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Western Australia.
Department of Conservation and Land Management (1992) Policy Statement No. 44 Wildlife Management Programs. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Western Australia.
Dixon, K.D., Dixon, B. and Krauss, S. (2003) Kings Park and Botanic Garden (BGPA) Science Directorate research proposal for the rescue of four rare and endangered species at BHP Beenup minesite. Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority, Perth.
English, V. (1999) Shrubland Association on southern Swan Coastal Plain ironstone (Busselton area) (southern ironstone association). Interim Recovery Plan Number 44, 1999-2002. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Western Australia.
English, V. and Blyth, J. (1999) Development and application of procedures to identify and conserve threatened ecological communities in the South-west Botanical Province of Western Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology 5, 124-138. 
George, A.S. (1996) New taxa and a new infrageneric classification in Dryandra. Nuytsia 10(3), 399-400.
Gibson, N., Keighery, B., Keighery, G., Burbidge, A and Lyons, M. (1994) A floristic survey of the Southern Swan Coastal Plain. Unpublished report for the Australian Heritage Commission prepared by Department of Conservation and Land Management and the Conservation Council of Western Australia (Inc.). 
Gibson, N., Keighery, G. and Keighery, B. (2000) Threatened plant communities of Western Australia. 1. The ironstone communities of the Swan and Scott Coastal Plains. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia 83, 1-11.
Gibson, N., Keighery, G.J. and Lyons, M.N. (2001) Vascular flora of Scott National Park, Camping Reserve 12951 and Gingilup Swamps Nature Reserve, Western Australia. CALMScience 3(4), 411-432.
Keighery, G.J., Keighery, B.J. and Gibson, N. (1996) Floristics of reserves and bushland areas in the Busselton region (System 1). Part III: Floristics of Ruabon Nature Reserve. Wildflower Society of WA (Inc.), Nedlands.
Keighery, G. and Robinson, C. (1992) A survey of Declared Rare flora and other plants in need of special protection of the Scott Plains. A report to the Australia National Parks and Wildlife Service prepared by Department of Conservation and Land Management (now DEC), Perth, Western Australia.
Krauss, S. and Alacs, E. (2003) Population genetic analysis of the DRF Dryandra nivea subsp. uliginosa and Grevillea brachystylis subsp. australis. BGPA Genetics Laboratory report No. 16.
Luu, R. and English, V. (2004) Scott River Ironstone Association. Draft Interim Recovery Plan, 2004-2009. Department of Conservation and Land Management (now DEC), Perth, Western Australia.
Norrish, R. (2003) Translocation proposal for four species of Declared Rare Flora from the Scott Coastal Plain Ironstone Communities to the BHP Billiton Beenup Rehabilitation Project. GHD Pty Ltd, Bunbury.
Obbens, F.J. and Coates, D.J. (1997) Conservation Biology and Management of Endangered Lambertia Species. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Western Australia.
Robinson, C. and Keighery, G. (1997) Vegetation and flora of Scott National Park and adjacent recreation reserves. The Western Australian Naturalist 21(4), 213-233.
Western Australian Herbarium (1998) FloraBase – Information on the Western Australian Flora. Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Australia. http://www.calm.wa.gov.au/science/
World Conservation Union (2001) IUCN red list categories 3.1 prepared by the IUCN Species Survival Commission, as approved by the 51st meeting of the IUCN Council. Gland, Switzerland.

6.	TAXONOMIC DESCRIPTION

George, A.S. (1996) New taxa and a new infrageneric classification in Dryandra. Nuytsia 10(3), 399-400.

Banksia nivea (Labill.) R.Br. subsp. nivea A.S. George is a dense shrub to 1.5m tall. Leaves deeply pinnatipartite; lamina 20-45cm long, 7-10mm wide; lobes 60-80 each side, obliquely triangular, obtuse, the upper margin convex, lower convex or shallowly S-shaped; sinuses curved-V-shaped, 2-5mm across, the margins contiguous in lower half; petiole 1-3cm long. Inflorescence terminal; involucral bracts ovate to oblong, sparsely pubescent to glabrous except ciliate margins, the innermost ones to 20mm long; receptacle rounded; flowers c.70 per head; floral bracts linear, obtuse, 4-5mm long, white-hirsute, the apex papillose. Perianth 29-38mm long, hirsute; limb 3mm long, coarsely hirsute. Pistil 41-45mm long, glabrous; pollen presenter not thickened, 0.7-0.9mm long.

SUMMARY OF RECOVERY ACTIONS AND COSTS 

	Year 1	Year 2	Year 3	Year 4	Year 5	
Recovery Action	DEC	Other	Ext.	DEC	Other	Ext.	DEC	Other	Ext.	DEC	Other	Ext.	DEC	Other	Ext.	
																
Coordinate recovery actions	1400	300	400	1400	300	400	1400	300	400	1400	300	400	1400	300	400	
Map habitat critical to the subspecies’ survival	1000		3000													
Formally notify land owners and land managers	500															
Install and reassess position of Declared Rare Flora markers	200		500													
Undertake weed control	1000		600	1000		600	1000		600	1000		600	1000		600	
Assess if fencing is required for Subpopulation 17b	1500		1500													
Limit access to Subpopulation 8a	2000		1000													
Rehabilitate habitat	1500															
Conduct further surveys	1000	500	1100	1000	500	1100	1000	500	1100	1000	500	1100	1000	500	1100	
Remove rubbish from Population 14 and Subpopulation 8a	500		9500													
Develop and implement a fire management strategy	1400		1100	200		800	200		800	200		800	200		800	
Maintain disease hygiene	200		600	200		600	200		600	200		600	200		600	
Apply phosphite and monitor effects			55200						55200						55200	
Develop a kangaroo management strategy	1500		500													
Monitor populations	1000		1000	1000		1000	1000		1000	1000		1000	1000		1000	
Achieve long-term protection of habitat	1000		500	1000		500	1000		500	1000		500	1000		500	
Promote awareness	600		700	600			600			600			600			
Obtain biological and ecological information	5000		7500	5000		7500	5000		7500							
Conduct additional genetic and taxonomic studies	5000		5000													
Review the plan and assess the need for further recovery actions													1000		3000	
																
Total	26300	800	89700	11400	800	12500	11400	800	67700	6400	800	5000	7400	800	63200	
																
Yearly Total	116,800	24,700	79,900	12,200	71,400	
																
Ext. = External funding (funding to be sought). Other = funds contributed by in-kind contribution and BGPA. 

Total DEC: 	$62,900
Total Other:	$4,000
Total External Funding:	$238,100
TOTAL COSTS:	$305,000