Recovery Plan 
For
Canberra Spider Orchid
(Arachnorchis actensis)

Prepared under the provisions of the
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Prepared by Kevin Frawley for the ACT Department of Territory and Municipal Services.

Published by the ACT Department of Territory and Municipal Services, Canberra.

Adopted under the EPBC Act: July 2010

ISBN: 978-0-9806848-4-1

© Australian Capital Territory, (June, 2010)

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without the written permission from Customer Services and Information, ACT Department of Territory and Municipal Services, ACT Government, PO Box 158, Canberra ACT 2601.

Disclaimer:
The Australian Government, in partnership with the ACT Government, facilitates the publication of recovery plans to detail the actions needed for the conservation of threatened native wildlife. The attainment of objectives and the provision of funds may be subject to budgetary and other constraints affecting the parties involved, and may also be constrained by the need to address other conservation priorities. Approved recovery actions may be subject to modification due to changes in knowledge and changes in conservation status.

Citation:
This plan should be cited as follows: Frawley K 2010. National Recovery Plan for the Canberra Spider Orchid (Arachnorchis actensis). ACT Department of Territory and Municipal Services, Canberra.

Cover illustration: D. Rouse. Canberra Spider Orchid (Arachnorchis actensis).

A Recovery Plan adopted under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

Funding for the preparation of this plan was provided by the Australian Government.

1.	Species Information and General Requirements

1.1	Species Name and Description

Arachnorchis actensis (D.L.Jones & M.A.Clem.) D.L.Jones & M.A.Clem. (Canberra Spider Orchid) is endemic to the Australian Capital Territory and was originally described as Caladenia actensis (Jones and Clements 1999). A revision of the genus Caladenia has resulted in the species being renamed as Arachnorchis actensis (Jones et al. 2001).

Arachnorchis actensis is a terrestrial orchid that grows singly or in small groups to a height of 40 to 90 mm. The flowers are solitary (rarely two) 12–20 mm in diameter and the base colour is greenish, heavily marked with reddish crimson lines and suffusions. For a complete description refer to Jones and Clements (1999).

1.2	Conservation Status

The Canberra Spider Orchid is declared a Critically Endangered species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (6 June 2005). The species is also declared an Endangered species in the Australian Capital Territory under the Nature Conservation Act 1980 (ACT). This recovery plan has been prepared under the provisions of the EPBC Act taking into account the objects of that Act.

1.3	International Obligations

There are no international obligations in relation to this species.

1.4	Affected Interests

The known locations of the orchid were confined to the slopes of Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura (managed by the ACT Government). More recently, a population has been located in the Majura Valley (on land managed by the Department of Defence as Majura Field Firing Range). This recovery plan is focussed on the Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura populations; however, it would be relevant to any other populations in the ACT.
•	Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura. Both these locations are Public Land (Nature Reserve) under the Planning and Development Act 2007 (ACT). The areas are managed by the ACT Government as part of Canberra Nature Park. Prescribed management objectives for this land under the Act (Schedule 3) are: (a) to conserve the natural environment; and (b) to provide for public use of the area for recreation, education and research. Implementation of the recovery plan will involve Parks, Conservation and Lands (ACT Department of Territory and Municipal Services), but will have minimal impact on public recreational use of Canberra Nature Park.
•	Majura Field Firing Range. This is National Land located in the Majura Valley and managed by the Department of Defence. National Land is defined in the Australian Capital Territory (Planning and Land Management) Act 1988 (Cwlth) as land used by or on behalf of the Commonwealth and managed by the Commonwealth. Public access to Majura Field Firing Range is prohibited.

1.5	Role and Interests of Indigenous People

All Aboriginal signatories to the Agreement between the Territory Government and ACT Native Title Claim Groups were contacted and provided with a draft of the recovery plan (April 2007). None of the signatories made comment or expressed concern about the contents of the plan.

1.6	Benefits to Other Species/Ecological Communities

Actions to conserve the species will be undertaken in the context of the ecological community of which it is a part. Broader biodiversity benefits have not been identified at this stage. No adverse effects on other species or the ecological community as a whole are envisaged.

1.7	Social and Economic Impacts

No significant adverse social or economic impacts are envisaged from implementation of the recovery plan. The Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura populations are located in nature reserve areas in which nature conservation is a primary management objective (ACT Parks and Conservation Service 1999). 

2.	Distribution and Location of the Canberra Spider Orchid.

2.1	Distribution and Importance

Currently, the species is known from two separate populations totalling approximately 250 plants (2003 data) in a combined area of about five hectares on the lower western slopes of Mt Ainslie (30 plants) and Mt Majura (220 plants), in Canberra Nature Park. More recently the species has been located also in the Majura Valley. Arachnorchis actensis was previously recorded from a second site on Mt Ainslie (in the suburb of Campbell), as well as in the suburb of Aranda prior to its development. Extensive surveys in other suitable habitat in the ACT in spring 2003 failed to locate any plants (Milburn and Rouse 2004). 

Given that these are the only known locations of the species, they are considered to be important populations in terms of the EPBC Act. 

2.2	Habitat Critical to the Survival of the Species

At Ainslie–Majura, the Canberra Spider Orchid grows in transitional vegetation zones between Yellow Box – Red Gum Tableland Grassy Woodland (dominated by Eucalyptus blakelyi, E. melliodora and E. pauciflora) and Red Stringybark Tableland Grass/Shrub Forest (dominated by E. rossii) at an altitude of 645 to 745 m. The soils are shallow gravelly brown clay loam of volcanic origin. The known extant populations of the orchid occur only on dacitic ignimbrite of the Mt Ainslie Formation. Plants occur amid a groundcover of grasses, forbs and low shrubs, often among rocks. The major population on Mt Majura grows in open areas among rocks with partial shade from the north, in association with Allocasuarina verticillata (Milburn and Rouse 2004).

As these sites are the only habitat where the species is known to occur, they are considered habitat critical for the maintenance and recovery of the species. 

2.3	Mapping of Habitat Critical to the Survival of the Species

Locations of the populations of the Canberra Spider Orchid have been defined (GPS co-ordinates) and mapped (Milburn and Rouse 2004), but this information is not included in the recovery plan due to the need to protect the sites from unauthorised collection of plants.

3.	Known and Potential Threats

3.1	Ecology (relevant to threats)

Arachnorchis actensis is a seasonal perennial, its leaf appearing from a dormant underground tuber in late autumn or early winter following good rains. Flower buds appear in late winter or early spring and plants flower from late September to mid-October. Plants are insect pollinated, probably by a thynnid wasp species. Plants die down post-flowering and remain dormant over summer. Seeds require interactions with a mycorrhizal fungal host for germination. Mature plants probably are reliant also on a mycorrhizal fungal host to receive an adequate carbon and nutrient supply (Milburn and Rouse 2004).

3.2	Identification of Threats

Arachnorchis actensis has an extremely small population. Over a ten year period to 2003, the Ainslie–Majura population has averaged about 100 plants. Of these, only about one-third has borne flowers. The number of plants recorded in spring 2003 (approximately 250, being 235 mature and 40 possible juvenile plants) is the highest for the species. Atypically, in 2003, a very high proportion of the plants observed were flowering. The 2003 population number should be considered to be close to an upper limit for the Ainslie–Majura populations (Milburn and Rouse 2004).

The effects of fire on Arachnorchis actensis and/or its adaptation to a particular fire regime are unknown. Throughout Australia, the most important habitats for terrestrial orchids are burnt regularly, and for some species summer bushfires have become an integral part of their life cycle. Summer fires are known to stimulate flowering in the following spring for a number of Caladenia species (Jones 1988).

Arachnorchis actensis is highly vulnerable to disturbance due to its restricted distribution, small population, and characteristics of its life cycle (period of dormancy when its presence is not evident, short flowering period and association with soil fungi).

The populations of Arachnorchis actensis at Ainslie–Majura are not under immediate threat; however, potential threats are:

(a)	Recreational use (trampling and mechanical injury): Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura units of Canberra Nature Park are popular for recreation including walking, cycling and horse riding. Management provisions related to these activities are set out in the Canberra Nature Park Management Plan (ACT Parks and Conservation Service 1999). Arachnorchis actensis populations may be susceptible to trampling by recreational users moving off existing tracks or to disturbance related to track maintenance.
(b)	Infrastructure establishment and maintenance (mechanical injury): Planning provisions in the ACT allow for the establishment of utilities and infrastructure in the ‘Inner Hills’ areas. As well as a network of management (vehicle) and walking tracks, the Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura areas contain major powerlines and water reservoirs for urban reticulation. The largest grouping of plants (Mt Majura) is located near a cleared powerline easement. A potential threat to the populations is disturbance associated with the maintenance of infrastructure or the establishment of new facilities.
(c)	Weed invasion: Site conditions have probably contributed to a relatively low level of weed invasion of the existing Arachnorchis actensis populations. However, weed species are prevalent throughout the area, especially in the groundcover. Weed encroachment is a potential threat to the species and should be monitored and controlled.
(d)	Shading (tree and shrub cover): Some shrub cover is present at the sites of the Arachnorchis actensis populations. This comprises Acacia spp. (Mt Ainslie and the small population at Mt Majura) and Allocasuarina verticillata (the large population at Mt Majura). While this shrub cover results in sunny to part-shaded habitats, it is not known if increased shading due to shrub (or tree) growth is a threat to the species.
(e)	Herbicides: Herbicides used to treat shrub regrowth or weeds at the Arachnorchis actensis sites should not come into contact with the orchid plants.
(f)	Illegal collection: Though there is no evidence for this having occurred to date, it is a potential threat given the attractiveness of the plant, its limited numbers and proximity to urban Canberra.
(g)	Fire: It is likely that Arachnorchis actensis evolved with a late summer to early autumn fire regime (the naturally fire-prone period in the ACT), which corresponds with its dormant period. Fires from late autumn to early spring may affect its life cycle and reproductive capability. This is a matter warranting further investigation.
(h)	Herbivore grazing: High densities of eastern grey kangaroos and rabbits occur in the areas where Arachnorchis actensis occurs. Excessive grazing by rabbits, in particular, has been increasingly recognised as a threat to the remaining populations of the orchid. Rabbit proof fencing has been undertaken to protect both populations.
(i)	Soil pathogens: Dieback of vegetation has occurred in the area surrounding the Mt Ainslie orchid site, which may be due to the presence of soil pathogens (PJ Milburn, pers. comm.). If present, such pathogens have the potential to impact directly on the orchid population or indirectly, by changing their habitat.

3.3	Areas and Populations under Threat

The potential threats outlined in s. 3.2 apply to all the known occurrences of Arachnorchis actensis at Mt Ainslie and Mt Majura.

4.	Objectives, Performance Criteria and Actions

4.1	Conservation Objectives

The overall objective of this recovery plan is to preserve in perpetuity, in the wild, the only known populations of Arachnorchis actensis. 

A supporting objective is that the habitat of Arachnorchis actensis is conserved and managed so that natural ecological processes continue to operate.

Conservation of habitat involves, in particular, management actions to deal with or avoid the potential threats outlined above e.g. ensuring that the sites are not deleteriously affected by recreational activity or infrastructure works, weeds and shrub growth are controlled, and the sites are protected from potentially damaging fires.

While these objectives relate to the five year term of this recovery plan, they are long-term and ongoing. 

4.2	Performance Criteria

The following Performance Criteria are pertinent to the objectives in s. 4.1:

(a)	Populations of Arachnorchis actensis are monitored annually (see below) and are maintained. (Annual/ongoing)
(b)	Habitat conditions are monitored annually and are maintained or improved by management actions and avoidance of potential threats. (Annual/ongoing)

The species is monitored during the flowering season with counts of the numbers of plants occurring in the known population areas. Survey pegs have been placed at the sites for replication of the surveys in subsequent years. At the site of the largest population (Mt Majura), counting is conducted in defined one square metre quadrats.

The primary criterion for the success or failure of this recovery plan is the maintenance in situ of the populations of Arachnorchis actensis in the ACT.

4.3	Recovery and Threat Abatement Actions (including Management Practices)

Parks, Conservation and Lands in the ACT Department of Territory and Municipal Services has responsibility on ACT Government managed land for all the actions listed below.

Information: Survey, Monitoring, Research
1.	Maintain alertness to the possible presence of the species while conducting woodland surveys in appropriate habitat.
2.	Continue to monitor flowering of the orchid to provide information and guidance for management.
3.	Encourage and support research into the biology and ecology of the species, its optimum fire regime, the potential for the propagation of ex situ populations, and the effects of potential threats e.g. presence of soil pathogens.

Protection and Management
1.	Ensure that the orchid populations are protected from the impacts of recreation, infrastructure works and maintenance, and any other potentially damaging activity (e.g. fire fuel hazard reduction).
2.	Prepare a management plan for the species based on accurate mapping of the location of the plants.
3.	Coordinate management actions undertaken by Parks, Conservation and Lands.
4.	Undertake shrub and weed control in the orchid habitats as required. Provide advice to contractors and park staff on appropriate herbicide use at the sites. Herbicides should not come into contact with the orchid plants.
5.	Where herbivore grazing pressure is a threat, fence orchid sites. Otherwise, maintain a ‘low profile’ for the sites to avoid drawing attention to the orchid populations.
6.	Implement an appropriate fire regime for the species and its habitat, once the optimum fire regime has been determined. 
7.	Based on the results of research, evaluate and, if feasible, undertake the establishment of ex situ populations of the species.

5.	Duration of the Recovery Plan and Estimated Costs

The recovery plan is for a period of five years. The estimated costs of implementing actions outlined above are shown in Table 1.

Table 1	Estimated Costs of Implementing Actions Outlined in Recovery Plan

ACTION	EXPENSES	COST	RESPONSIBILITY	TIME FRAME	PRIOR-ITY	
Information		(Total for five years)				
1.	Surveys (alertness to presence)	Salary 2 (0.5 day p.a. for 5 yrs)	$750	Parks, Conservation and Lands (ACT)	Yr 1–5	High	
2.	Annual monitoring/reporting	Salary 2 (3 days p.a. for 5 yrs)	$4500	Parks, Conservation and Lands (ACT)	Yr 1–5	High	
3.	Encourage and support research (biology, ecology, optimum fire regime, propagation potential, effects of potential threats)	Yr 1–3:
Salary 1 (4 days p.a. for 3 yrs); Consultant (1.5 day p.a. for 3 yrs)
Yr 4–5:
Salary 1 (3 days p.a. for 2 yrs); Consultant (1 day p.a. for 2 yrs)	$5040
$4500
_____

$2520
$2000
	Parks, Conservation and Lands (ACT)	Yr 1–3 (Review)
Yr 4–5	Ongoing	
Protection and Management						
1.	Protection from damaging impacts	Salary 1,3 (1 day p.a. for 5 yrs)	$3225	Parks, Conservation and Lands (ACT)	Yr 1–5	High	
2.	Preparation of management plan	Salary 1 (4 days yr 3); consultant (2 days yr 3)	$3680	Parks, Conservation and Lands (ACT)	Yr 3	High	
3.	Coordination of management actions	Salary 1 (1 day p.a. for 5 yrs)	$2100	Parks, Conservation and Lands (ACT)	Yr 1–5	Ongoing	
4.	Shrub and weed control and advice re: herbicide use	Salary 3 (1 day p.a. for 5 yrs)	$1225	Parks, Conservation and Lands (ACT)	Yr 1–5	Ongoing	
5.	Fencing/ ‘low profile’	Fencing:
Salary 1 (0.5 day p.a. for 4yrs); Salary 3 (1 day p.a. for 5 yrs).
Construction and maintenance.	
$840
$1125

$5000	Parks, Conservation and Lands (ACT)	Yr 1–5	Ongoing	
6.	Implement an appropriate fire regime.	Salary 1,2,3 (1 day p.a. for 2 yrs)	$1890	Parks, Conservation and Lands (ACT)	Yr 4–5	High	
7.	Evaluate
/undertake the establishment of ex situ populations of the species.	Consultant (2 days); salary 1 (1 day p.a. for 4 yrs); salary 2 (2 days p.a. for 4 yrs)
Site works, maintenance:
To be determined	$6080

$4000	Parks, Conservation and Lands (ACT)	Yr 2–5	High	
TOTAL		$48 475		5 years		
Notes:
1	Salary based on ACT SOG ‘C’ ($420) per day.
2	Salary based on ACT PO 1 ($300) per day.
3	Salary based on ACT Ranger 1 ($225) per day.
Consultant fee based on $1000 per day.

6.	References

ACT Parks and Conservation Service 1999. Canberra Nature Park Management Plan (Environment ACT, Canberra).
Jones DL 1988. Native Orchids of Australia (Reed Books, Frenchs Forest, NSW).
Jones DL and Clements MA 1999. Caladenia actensis (Orchidaceae), a new species from the Australian Capital Territory, The Orchadian 12(11): 522–525.
Jones DL, Clements MA, Sharma IK and Mackenzie AM 2001. A new classification of Caladenia R.Br. (Orchidaceae), The Orchadian 13(9): 389–419.
Milburn PJ and Rouse DT 2004. Nomination of Arachnorchis actensis (D.L. Jones et M.A. Clements) D.L. Jones et M.A. Clements for consideration as an endangered species in the Australian Capital Territory under the Nature Conservation Act 1980 (A1980–20) (Unpublished, nomination to ACT Flora and Fauna Committee, Environment ACT, Canberra).