INTERIM RECOVERY PLAN NO. 142

WHORLED EREMOPHILA

(EREMOPHILA VERTICILLATA) INTERIM RECOVERY PLAN
2003-2008

Robyn Phillimore and Andrew Brown

Photograph: S. Hopper
July 2003

Department of Conservation and Land Management
Western Australian Threatened Species and Communities Unit (WATSCU) PO Box 51, Wanneroo, WA 6946

FOREWORD

Interim Recovery Plans (IRPs) are developed within the framework laid down in Department of Conservation and Land Management (the Department) Policy Statements Nos. 44 and 50.

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.

The Department is committed to ensuring that Critically Endangered taxa are conserved through the preparation and implementation  of Recovery Plans or Interim Recovery Plans and by ensuring that conservation action commences as soon as possible and always within one year of endorsement of that rank by the Minister.

This Interim Recovery Plan, which replaces IRP 99 (2001- 2004), will operate from July 2003 to June 2008 but will remain  in force  until  withdrawn  or replaced.  It is intended  that,  if the taxon  is still ranked  Critically Endangered, this IRP will be reviewed after five years and the need for a full Recovery Plan will be assessed.

This IRP was approved by the Director of Nature Conservation  on 21 July, 2003. The provision of funds identified  in  this  Interim  Recovery  Plan  is  dependent  on  budgetary  and  other  constraints  affecting  the Department, as well as the need to address other priorities.

Information in this IRP was accurate at July 2003.

SUMMARY
Scientific Name:  Eremophila verticillata 	Common Name:  Whorled Eremophila Family:  Myoporaceae 	Flowering Period:  October to January Departmental Region:  Wheatbelt 	Departmental Districts: Katanning, Narrogin
Shire:  Lake Grace 	Recovery Teams:  Katanning & Narrogin Districts Threatened Flora
Recovery Teams (KDTFRT, NDTFRT)

Illustrations  and/or  further  information:  Brown,  A.,  Thomson-Dans,  C.  and  Marchant,  N.  (Eds).  (1998).   Western Australia’s  Threatened  Flora . Department  of Conservation  and Land  Management,  Western  Australia;  Chinnock,  R.J. (1986). Fiv e endangered new species of Myoporaceae from south-western Australia. Nuytsia 5(3), 391-400; Richmond, G. and  Coates,  D.  (1995).  Population  dynamics,  seed  biology  and  conservation  of  six  endangered   Eremophila species. Unpublished  report,  Australian  Nature  Conservation  Agency,  Canberra  and  Department  of  Conservation  and  Land Management, Western Australia.

Current  status:  Eremophila  verticillata  was  declared  as  Rare  Flora  in  September  1987  and  ranked  as  Critically Endangered  in September  1998. The species currently meets World Conservation Union Red List Category ‘CR’ under criteria A2c, B1a,b(ii,v)+2a,b(ii,iv)  and C1  due its small area of occupancy, low number of plants and a decline in the number  of  populations,  area  of  occupancy  and  extent  and  quality  of  habitat  (IUCN  2000).  Threats  include  mining (extraction of dolomite), poor recruitment, competition from associated native species and weeds, vehicle damage, rising salinity, road maintenance and inappropriate fire regimes.

Distribution  and habitat:  Eremophila  verticillata  is endemic  to Western  Australia  where  it is confined  to the Lake Cobham  area.  The  species  grows  on  powdery  brown  loam  over  dolomite  in  open  low  Eucalyptus woodland  of   E. longicornis (Morrell),  E. annulata  and  E. flocktoniae  (Merrit)  in as sociation with  Maireana  erioclada and  Threlkeldia diffusa (Chinnock 1986).

Critical habitat: The critical habitat for  Eremophila verticillata comprises the area of occupancy of known populations; similar habitat within 200 metres of known populations; corridors of remnant vegetation that link populations; additional nearby occurrences of similar habitat that are not known to contain the species but may have done so in the past and may be suitable for translocations; and the local catchment for surface and ground waters that provide habitat for the species.

Habitat  critical  to  the  survival  of  the  subspecies,  and  important  populations:  Given that this species  is listed as
Critically Endangered it is considered that all known habitat containing wild and translocated populations is habitat critical.

Benefits to other species/ecological communities: Recovery actions implemented to improve the quality or security of the habitat of Eremophila verticillata will also improve the status of remnant vegetation in which it is located.

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. However, as Eremophila verticillata is not listed under any international agreement, the implementation of other international environmental responsibilities is not affected by this plan.

Role and interests  of indigenous  people:  There  are  no known  indigenous  communities  interested  or involved  in the management  of areas  affected  by this plan.  Therefore  no role has been  identified  for indigenous  communities  in the recovery of this species.

Social and economic impacts: The implementation of this recovery plan is unlikely to cause significant adverse social and economic impacts. However, a mining lease near the area of one population does not expire until 2004 and it is possible that the protection of this species will have some minimal impact on the extraction of dolomite.

Evaluation of the Plans Performance:  The Department of Conservation and Land Management, in conjunction with the Recovery  Team  will  evaluate  the  performance  of  this  IRP.  The  plan  is  to  be  reviewed  within  five  years  of  its implementation.

Existing Recovery Actions : The following recovery actions have been or are currently being implemented -
1. 	Land managers have been made aware of the threatened nature of Eremophila verticillata and its location.
2. 	Declared Rare Flora (DRF) markers are installed at population 1.
3. 	Dashboard  stickers  and  posters  that  illustrate  DRF  markers  and  describe  their  purpose  have  been  produced  and distributed.
4. 	In June 1994, staff from DCLM’s Science Division and Katanning District conducted an experimental regeneration burn (to promote germination of soil-stored seed) on 10 mature senescing Eremophila verticillata plants at Population
1.
5. 	Approximately 646 seeds were collected from Population 1 in March and April 2000, and 2954 seeds in March 2000.
These are stored in DCLM’s Threatened Flora Seed Centre (TFSC) at –18 C.

6. 	The Botanic Garden and Parks Authority currently have seven plants of Eremophila verticillata in cultivation, all from cuttings.
7. 	The Katanning and Narrogin Districts Threatened Flora Recovery  Teams are overseeing the implementation  of this IRP and will include  information  on progress  in their annual  report  to DCLM’s  Corporate  Executive  and funding bodies.
8. 	Departmental staff from Katanning and Narrogin District offices regularly monitor both presumed extinct and extant
populations.

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

Recovery crite ria
Criteria for success: The number of individuals within populations and/or the number of populations have increased by
10% or more.
Criteria for failure:  The number of individuals within populations and/or the number of populations have decreased by
10% or more.

Recovery actions
1. 	Coordinate recovery actions. 	9. 	Develop and implement a translocation proposal.
2. 	Stimulate germination of the soil seed bank. 	10. 	Develop and implement a fire management strategy.
3. 	Conduct further surveys. 	11. 	Continue liaison with land ma nagers .

4. 	Undertake weed control using proven, best practice methods.
5. 	Vest unallocated Crown land in the Conservation
Commission as a Class A reserve.

12. 	Fencing.

13. 	Monitor populations.

6. 	Rehabilitate habitat. 	14. 	Promote awareness.
7. 	Collect seed and cutting materia l. 	15. 	Obtain biological and ecological information.
8. 	Propagate plants for future translocation. 	16. 	Write a full Recovery Plan.

1.	BACKGROUND

History

J.  Wrigley  made  the  first  known  collection  of  Eremophila  verticillata  (housed  at  the  South  Australian
Herbarium) from near Newdegate in 1968. In 1980, P. Luscombe made a collection of the species (Population
4), which  is also  housed  at the South  Australian  Herbarium,  from  private  property  between  Kalgarin  and
Pingaring. Although this second population was found  on a similar soil type and geological formation as the first, plants were morphologically  slightly different, with very hairy branches and leaves that were grey in appearance (personal communication  B. Chinnock1). The plants were located in an area of land that, at the time, was being prepared for cropping and which resulted in the destruction of the population. No plants have been located in that area since.

In 1987 a population consisting of around 2000 plants (Population 2) was discovered by DCLM staff from Katanning  District.  The population  was located  in a strip of topsoil  that had been redistributed  following dolomite mining. At the time, the site was under a mining and grazing lease. The grazing lease expired in December  1989  and  has not been  renewed.  The mining  lease  is still current  and expires  in 2004,  but is renewable.

Eremophila verticillata is currently known from two extant populations containing a total of around 567 mature plants. Surveys for plants in the area of three old populations (Populations 3, 4 and 5) have proven unsuccessful and all three are currently presumed extinct.

Description

Eremophila verticillata is a small shrub to 1 m high and 80 cm across. Its erect or spreading branches are nearly cylindrical  in cross-section.  The lower section of the branches may be bare of leaves on mature plants. The leaves are fleshy, stalkless, green to purplish, in whorls of 3 and are pressed against the branches. They are a narrow oblong in shape, 2.5 to 6 cm long by 1 mm wide. The flowers are  tubular, violet and have a white interior with purple spots. The outside of the corolla is covered with soft hairs. The fruits are dry, egg-shaped, 2 to 3 mm long by 1 to 2.5 mm wide, beaked, slightly separated at the apex and covered with feather-like hairs (Brown et al. 1998).

Eremophila verticillata is closely related to E. ternifolia but differs in its smaller, narrower, appressed leaves and different shaped fruit, in which the carpels are neither unequal or free in the upper half (Chinnock 1986).

Dis tribution and habitat

Eremophila verticillata  is endemic to Western Australia where it is apparently confined to the Lake Cobham area.  Habitat  is powdery  brown  loam  over  dolomite  in open  low  Eucalyptus woodland of  E.  longicornis (Morrell), E. annulata and E. flocktoniae (Merrit) over Maireana erioclada and Threlkeldia diffusa (Chinnock
1986). Other associated species include Melaleuca thyoides, Dodonaea concinna and Enchylaena tomentosa.

Biology and ecology

Eremophila  is endemic to Australia and is represented in all mainland States. Currently, there are some two hundred named species and many unnamed ones. While most occur in semi-arid and arid regions, they are found in a range of habitats over a wide area. Eremophila  species are not found in the high rainfall south-west corner of Western Australia. The plants are commonly referred to as emu bushes or poverty bushes.

The pollinator of  Eremophila verticillata is unknown, although cabbage butterflies (Pieris rapae) have been observed feeding on the flowers.

A prescribed burn was undertaken at Population 1 by Departmental Science Division and Katanning District staff in 1994, as part of a study on six Eremophila species. Ten mature, senescing plants were burnt. Monitoring

1  Bob Chinnock, Botanist, The Botanic Gardens of Adelaide and State Herbarium

of the burn site in June 1995 by staff from DCLM’s Katanning District recorded 13 seedlings with an average height of 5 cm, most occurred close to parent plants. One seedling was located 13 m away from the nearest possible parent, but was still within the burn area. Seven plants currently  remain at this site. No epicormic growth was observed, suggesting that the species is killed by fire and regenerates only from soil-stored seed. A visual assessment of the relative density of the starch grains within the roots did, however, result in a visual starch rating of six, suggesting the species may also possess some characteristics of a resprouter (Richmond and Coates 1995).

Threats

Eremophila verticillata was declared as Rare Flora in September 1987 and ranked as Critically Endangered In September 1998. It currently meets World Conservation Union Red List Category ‘CR’ under criteria  A2c, B1a,b(ii,v)+2a,b(ii,iv) and C1 due to its small area of occupancy, low number of plants, a decline in the number of populations and a decline in area and qualit y of habitat (IUCN 2000). The main threats are mining (extraction of dolomite), poor recruitment, competition from associated native species and weeds, vehicle damage, salinity, road maintenance and inappropriate fire regimes.

Extraction of dolomite is a possible future threat to one population of Eremophila verticillata . The mining lease on the area of Population 2 expires in 2004 and is renewable.

Poor regeneration, due to lack of appropriate disturbance, threatens both populations. Mature plants are beginning to senesce and very few young plants have been observed in recent years.

Competition from a dodder species (Cassytha sp.) is a minor threat to Population 2. Dodder covers some adult plants, competes for light, nutrients and possibly pollinators and physically restricts the Eremophila .

Vehicular damage has occurred to some plants at Population 2. The placement of a barrier at the site was deemed impractical due to the likelihood of vehicles driving around it. Liaison will continue to ensure that further damage does not occur (Recovery Action 11). If deemed necessary, fencing will be considered.

Weed invasion is a major threat to Population 2 and a minor threat to Population 1. The area containing Population 2 has been mined in the past and has been part of a grazing lease. The resulting disturbance has encouraged a proliferation of weeds at the site. 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.

Salinity is a possible future threat. Both populations occur near a salt lake and some signs of increasing salinity, including the death of some native vegetation and an increase in salt-tolerant species, is evident. Monitoring of both populations is required.

Road maintenance  is a possible future threat to Population 1. Construction of drainage channels, soil movement and road widening may impact on the population. Relevant land managers have been informed of the location of the population and the threatened status of the species.

Inappropriate fire regimes may affect the long-term viability of populations. Adult plants of Eremophila verticillata are likely to be killed by fire, with recruitment from soil-stored seed. The soil seed bank would be depleted if fires occur before these juvenile plants reach maturity. Appropriate fires that occur a number of years apart are likely to be required for the species to regenerate. Further investigation is required and will be addressed in Recovery Action 15.

Summary of population information and threats

Pop. No. & Location	Land Status	Year/No. plants	Condition	Threats	
1. W of Lake Cobham	Unallocated
Crown Land	1980	60
2001	7	Moderate	Road maintenance, mining, salinity,
weeds, inappropriate fire regimes	
2. NW of Lake Cobham	Unallocated
Crown Land	1991	2000
2000	560+ [80+ dead]	Moderate	Weeds, mining, competition, senescence
and poor recruitment, salinity,
inappropriate fire regimes	
3. NW of Lake Cobham	Unallocated
Crown Land	1980	3
1986	0	Presumed
extinct		
4. S of Karlgarin	Private Property	1980	1 hectare of
healthy plants
2000	0	Presumed
extinct		
5. E of Newdegate	Unallocated
Crown Land	Unknown	Presumed
extinct		

Critical habitat

Critical  habitat  is habitat  identified  as being critical  to the survival  of a listed threatened  species  or listed threatened   ecological   community.   Habitat   is  defined   as  the  biophysical   medium   or  media  occupied (continuously,  periodically  or  occasionally)  by  an  organism  or  group  of  organisms  or  once  occupied (continuously, periodically or occasionally) by an organism, or group of organisms, and into which organisms of that kind have the potential to be reintroduced. (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act
1999 (EPBC Act)).

The critical habitat for Eremophila verticillata comprises:
the area of occupancy of the known populations,
areas of similar habitat ie. powdery brown loam in open low  Eucalyptus woodland of E. longicornis, E. annulata and E. flocktoniae, within 200 metres of known populations (these provide potential habitat for natural recruitment),
corridors of remnant vegetation  that link populations  (these are necessary to allow pollinators  to move between populations),
the local catchment which provides the correct water table for the species (the species occurs adjacent to a lake and is dependent on maintenance of local surface hydrology),
additional occurrences of similar habitat, ie. powdery brown loam in open low Eucalyptus woodland of E. longicornis,  E. annulata and  E. flocktoniae  that do not currently  contain  the species  (these  represents possible future translocation sites).

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

Given  that this species  is listed  as threatened  it is considered  that all known habitat is habitat critical. In addition, all populations, including translocated populations, are considered important to the survival of the species.

Benefits to other species/ecological communities

All populations are located within an area of  low Eucalyptus woodland  adjacent to a small lake. Recovery actions implemented to improve the quality or security of the habitat of Eremophila verticillata populations will improve the status of the remnant vegetation in which the populations are located.

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. However, as Eremophila verticillata is not listed under any international agreement, the implementation of other international environmental responsibilities is not affected by this plan.

Role and interests of indigenous people

There are no known indigenous communities interested or involved in the management of areas affected by this

plan. Therefore no role has been identified for indigenous communities in the recovery of this species.

Social and economic impacts

The implementation of this recovery plan is unlikely to cause significant adverse social and economic impacts. However, a current mining lease near the area of one population expires in 2004, but is renewable, and it is possible that the protection of this species will have some minimal impact on the extraction of dolomite.

Evaluation of the Plan’s Performance

The Department of Conservation and Land Management, in conjunction with the Katanning District Threatened Flora Recovery Team will evaluate the performance of this Interim  Recovery Plan. The plan is to be reviewed within five years of its implementation.  Any changes to management / recovery actions will be documented accordingly.

Guide for decision-makers

Section 1 provides details of current and possible future threats. Developments  or on-ground works in the immediate vicinity of the population or within the defined critical habitat of  Eremophila verticillata  require assessment. No developments should be approved unless the proponents can demonstrate that they will not have a significant impact on the species, or its habitat or potential habitat, or the local surface and ground water hydrology.

2. 	RECOVERY OBJECTIVE AND CRITERIA Objectives
The objective  of this Interim  Recovery  Plan is to abate  identified  threats  and maintain or enhance  in situ
populations to ensure the long-term preservation of the species in the wild.

Criteria for success: The number of individuals within populations and/or the number of populations have increased by 10% or more.
Criteria for failure: The number of individuals within populations and/or the number of populations have decreased by 10% or more.

3.	RECOVERY ACTIONS

Existing recovery actions

The Shire of Lake Grace, private property owners, the mining lessee, Department of Land Administration and Department  of Minerals  and Energy  have  been  formally  notified  of the presence  and threatened  status  of Eremophila verticillata . The notification details the Declared Rare status of the taxon and associated legal responsibilities.

Declared Rare Flora (DRF) markers have been installed at Population 1. These alert workers to the presence of threatened flora and help prevent accidental damage during maintenance works. An awareness of the markers is being promoted to relevant bodies through dashboard stickers and posters. These illustrate DRF markers, inform of their purpose and provide a contact telephone number if such a marker is encountered.

Staff from DCLM’s Science Division and Katanning District conducted an experimental burn on 10 mature (7 taken completely, 3 defoliated), senescing Eremophila verticillata plants at Population 1 in June 1994.

Approximately  646  seeds  collected  from  Population  1  in  March  and  April  2000  are  stored  in  DCLM’s Threatened Flora Seed Centre (TFSC) at –18 C. The initial germination rate of the seed was found to range between 73 and 80%. A further collection of 2954 seeds was made in March 2000 and had an initial germination

rate of 73%. Collection of  E. verticillata  seed  is difficult and requires many trips due to the  fruits ripening gradually rather than all at once (unpublished data, A. Cochrane2).

The  Botanic  Garden  and  Parks  Authority  (BGPA)  currently  have  seven  cultivated  plants  of   Eremophila verticillata  (three in the nursery and four in the Botanic Gardens), all of which were grown from cuttings. Propagation of E. verticillata from cuttings appears to be relatively successful but variable (personal communication A. Shade3).

The Katanning and Narrogin Districts Threatened Flora Recovery Teams (KDTFRT, NDTFRT) are overseeing the implementation  of this IRP and will include information on progress in their annual report to DCLM’s Corporate Executive and funding bodies.

Departmental staff from Katanning and Narrogin District offices regularly monitor both presumed extinct and extant populations.

Future recovery actions

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

1. 	Coordinate recovery

The KDTFRT and NDTFRT will continue to coordinate the implementation of recovery actions for Eremophila verticillata and will include information on progress in their annual report to DCLM’s Corporate Executive and funding bodies.

Actio n: 	Coordinate recovery
Responsibility: 	The Department (Katanning & Narrogin Districts) through the KDTFRT & NDTFRT
Estimated Cost: 	$600 per year.

2. 	Stimulate germination

Fire has proved to be an effective method in stimulating the germination of dormant Eremophila verticillata
seed. Other methods, including smokewater, may also be trialed.

Action: 	Stimulate germination of soil-stored seed
Responsibility: 	The Department (Katanning & Narrogin Districts) through the KDTFRT & NDTFRT
Estimated Cost: 	$3,600 in first and second years, $1,100 in subsequent years.

3. 	Surveys

Surveys, conducted by Departmental staff with assistance of local volunteers and wildflower society members, will take place during the plant's flowering period (October to January).

Action: 	Conduct surveys
Responsibility: 	The Department (Katanning & Narrogin Districts) through the KDTFRT & NDTFRT
Estimated Cost: 	$2,000 per year.

4. 	Weed control

Weeds are a major threat to Population 2 and a possible future threat to Population 1. Native dodder is a minor threat to Population 2.

1. 	Experience and research to date in similar situations has shown that the use of selective herbicides to control grasses may result in infestation by broad leaf weeds. As there are currently no herbicides available for

2  Anne Cochrane, Manager, the Department’s Threatened Flora Seed Centre
3  Amanda Shade, Horticulturist, Botanic Garden and Parks Authority

broad leaf weeds that can be used in a non-selective way and there are several native grasses present at Population 1 which would be inadvertently  killed when spraying for exotic grasses, care must be taken when implementing weed control.
2. 	Broad spectrum, non-residual herbicides, e.g. glyphosate, can be used for spot control of weeds utilising techniques such as direct application or the use of temporary spray shields. Generally these techniques have been under utilised in respect to threatened flora and practical methods of application in the field require further development.
3. 	Hand removal of native dodder and weeds will be undertaken around  Eremophila verticillata plants. Care must be taken as hand weeding has the potential to increase weed levels (at least temporarily) as a result of soil disturbance.
4. 	Within the five-year scope of an IRP weed control will be a short-term protective measure. Long term conservation of populations of CR flora will require further habitat rehabilitation including the replacement of weeds with appropriate native species.

Action: 	Undertake weed control using proven, best practice methods
Responsibility: 	The Department (Katanning District, Science Division) through the KDTFRT
Estimated Cost: 	$800 per year.

5. 	Care, control and management of Lake Cobham

Negotiations will continue with the Lake Grace Shire and DOLA in relation to the future care, control and management of Lake Cobham which contains both extant populations of Eremophila verticillata.

Action: 	Review the care, control and management of Lake Cobham Responsibility: 	The Department (Katanning District) through the KDTFRT Cost: 	$500 per year until completion.

6. 	Habitat rehabilitation

Restoration of Eremophila verticillata  habitat will be achieved through the re-introduction of endemic plant species back into the old mine site at Population 2. During rehabilitation works, mounds of soil left from mining operations will be flattened out and may stimulate germination of soil-stored native seed.

Action: 	Rehabilitate habitat
Responsibility: 	The Department (Katanning District) through the KDTFRT
Estimated Cost: 	$3,000 in first, second and third years.

7. 	Seed and cuttings

Preservation of germplasm is essential to guard against the possible future extinction of wild populations. Seed and cutting collections can also be used to propagate plants for the establishment of a living collection at the BGPA and for future translocations back into the wild.

Action: 	Collect seed and cutting material
Responsibility: 	The Department (Katanning District, TFSC) and BGPA, through the KDTFRT
Estimated Cost: 	$3,400 in first and second years.

8. 	Propagation

The propagation of plants for translocation is essential as both wild populations of Eremophila verticillata are threatened through poor recruitment and degraded habitat. Plants will be propagated at the BGPA for planting in the second and third years of IRP implementation.

Action: 	Propagate plants for future translocation
Responsibility: 	The Department (Katanning District) and the BGPA through the KDTFRT
Estimated Cost: 	$1,500 in first and second years.

9. 	Translocation

Although translocations are generally undertaken under full Recovery Plans, the threats to both known wild populations of Eremophila verticillata  requires the implementation of a translocation proposal within the time frame of this IRP. A translocation proposal has been prepared and is being be coordinated by the KDTFRT. Information  on the translocation  of threatened animals and plants in the wild is provided in DCLM’s Policy Statement No. 29 Translocation of Threatened Flora and Fauna.

Action: 	Implement the translocation proposal
Responsibility: 	The Department (Science Division, Katanning District) through the KDTFRT
Estimated Cost: 	$13,300 in first year and $6,200 in subsequent years.

10. 	Fire management strategy

Eremophila verticillata is an opportunistic species that germinates from soil-stored seed following fire and soil disturbance.  However,  frequent  fire  will  kill  plants  before  they  reach  maturity  and  may  result  in  the accumulation  of insufficient soil stored seed for regeneration.  Except for recovery purposes, fire should be excluded from the area of populations. A fire management strategy will be developed to determine fire control measures and fire frequency.

Action: 	Develop and implement a fire management strategy Responsibility: 	The Department (Katanning District) through the KDTFRT Estimated Cost: 	$2,600 in first year and $1,000 in subsequent years.

11. 	Liaison

Land managers have been officially notified of the occurrence of the species. DCLM staff will continue to liase with them to ensure the populations are not damaged or destroyed accidentally.

Action: 	Liaise with land managers
Responsibility: 	The Department (Katanning District) through the KDTFRT
Estimated Cost: 	$800 per year.

12. 	Fencing

A fence will be erected alongside Population 2 to protect plants from vehicle damage.

Action: 	Fence Population 2
Responsibility: 	The Department (Katanning District) through the KDTFRT
Cost: 	$1,200 in the first year.

13. 	Monitoring

Monitoring  of  factors  such  as  weed  invasion,  habitat  degradation,  salinity  levels  and  population  stability (expansion or decline), pollinator activity, seed production, recruitment, and longevity is essential. Both known populatio ns of Eremophila verticillata  will be inspected annually. Special attention will be given to salinity levels and it’s impact, with soil salinity and pH readings taken during winter and summer. Presumed extinct populations will be monitored annually for possible germination of soil-stored seed.

Monitoring of translocated plants will be undertaken according to the timetable set out in the Translocation
Proposal.

Action: 	Monitor populations
Responsibility: 	The Department (Katanning & Narrogin Districts) through the KDTFRT & NDTFRT
Estimated Cost: 	$1,600 per year.

14. 	Community awareness

The  importance  of  biodiversity  conservation  and  the  need  for  the  long-term  protection  of  Eremophila verticillata in the wild will be promoted to the general community through the local print, electronic media and poster  displays.  An  information  sheet,  which  includes  a description  of the  plant,  its habitat  type,  threats, management actions and photos have been produced. Formal links with local naturalist groups and interested individuals will be encouraged.

Action: 	Promote community awareness
Responsibility: 	The  Department  (Katanning  &  Narrogin  Districts,  Corporate  Relations)  through  the
KDTFRT & NDTFRT
Estimated Cost: 	$1,600 in first year and $900 in subsequent years.

15. 	Biology and ecology

Better knowledge  of the biology and ecology of  Eremophila verticillata  will provide a scientific basis for management of wild populations. An understanding of the following is necessary for effective management:

1. 	Soil seed bank dynamic s and the role of various disturbances (including inundation), competition, rainfall and grazing in germination and recruitment.
2. 	The pollination biology of the subspecies, and the requirements of pollinators.
3. 	The reproductive strategies, phenology and seasonal growth of the species.
4. 	The population genetic structure, levels of genetic diversity and minimum viable population size.
5. 	The impact of salinity on Eremophila verticillata and its habitat.

Action: 	Obtain biological and ecological information
Responsibility: 	The Department (Science Division, Katanning District) through the KDTFRT
Estimated Cost: 	$18,800 per year.

16. 	Recovery Plan

If Eremophila verticillata is still ranked as Critically Endangered at the end of the fourth year of the five-year term of this Interim Recovery Plan, the need for a full Recovery Plan or a review of this IRP will be assessed and a plan prepared if necessary.

Action: 	Review the need for a full Recovery Plan
Responsibility: 	The Department (WATSCU, Katanning & Narrogin Districts) through the KDTFRT & NDTFRT
Estimated Cost: 	$20,700 in the final year.

4.	TERM OF PLAN

This Interim Recovery Plan will operate from June 2003 to May 2008 but will remain in force until withdrawn or replaced. If the taxon is still ranked Critically Endangered after five years, the need to review this IRP or to replace it with a full Recovery Plan will be determined.

5. 	ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The following people have provided assistance and advice in the preparation of this Interim Recovery Plan: Brett Beecham 	Regional Ecologist, DCLM’s Wheatbelt Region
Bruce Bone 	District Manager, DCLM’s Katanning District
Bob Chinnock 	Botanist, Adelaide Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium
Anne Cochrane 	Manager, Threatened Flora Seed Centre, DCLM’s Science Division
Greg Durell 	District Operations Officer, DCLM’s Narrogin District
Mal Graham 	Former District Operations Officer, DCLM’s Katanning District
Kim Kershaw 	Conservation Officer, DCLM’s Narrogin District

Bethea Loudon 	Conservation Officer, DCLM’s Katanning District Leonie Monks 	Research Scientist, DCLM’s Science Division Amanda Shade 	Horticulturist, Botanic Garden and Parks Authority

We would like to thank the staff of DCLM’s WA Herbarium for providing access to Herbarium databases and specimen information, and DCLM’s Wildlife Branch for their extensive assistance.

6. 	REFERENCES

Department  of Conservation  and Land Management  (1992) Policy Statement  No. 44  Wildlife Management
Programs. 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  (1995)  Policy  Statement  No.  29  Translocation  of
Threatened Flora and Fauna Department of Conservation and Land Management, Perth.
Chinnock, R.J. (1986) Five endangered new species of Myoporaceae  from south-western Australia.  Nuytsia
5(3), 391-400.
IUCN (2000) IUCN red list categories prepared by the IUCN Species Survival Commission, as approved by the
51st meeting of the IUCN Council. Gland, Switzerland.
Richmond, G. and Coates, D. (1995) Population dynamics, seed biology and conservation of six  endangered Eremophila   species.   Unpublished   report,   Australian   Nature   Conservation   Agency,   Department   of Conservation and Land Management.
Western Australian Herbarium (1998) FloraBase - Information on the Western Australian Flora. Department of
Conservation and Land Management, Western Australia. http://www.calm.wa.gov.au/science/.

7. 	TAXONOMIC DESCRIPTION

Chinnock, R.J. (1986) Five endangered new species of Myoporaceae  from south-western Australia.  Nuytsia
5(3), 391-400.

Eremophila verticillata  is a low spreading shrub up to 0.8 m high and 1 m diameter, emitting a strong, slightly offensive odour. Branches terete, erect or spreading, non-tuberculate, sparsely to densely hirsute. Leaves sessile, in whorls or 3, appressed to branches, green to purplish, fleshy, narrowly oblong, 2.5- 6 x 1 mm, obtuse, hirsute on adaxial  surface,  obscurely  glandular-papillose  on abaxial surface.  Flowers  1 per axil, sessile.  Sepals  4, valvate, green, subequal, linear to lanceolate, (1)1.5-5 x 0.3-1 mm, acute, outside surface glabrous or glandular- pubescent, inside surface glandular-pubescent.  Corolla  (5)8-11 mm long, violet, but inside of tube white on lower side and purple spotted, 2- lipped, outside surface pubescent, hairs consisting of short glandular and longer eglandular ones, lower half of medial lobe of lower lip villous, with hairs extending down tube below lobe; lobes obtuse, medial lobe of lower lip dilated, emarginate. Stamens included, glabrous. Ovary ovoid, c. 1.5 x 0.5 mm, green, bilocular with one ovule per loculus , hirsute; style glabrous.  Fruit dry, ovoid, 2-3  x 1-2.5 mm, beaked and slightly separated into two at apex, hirsute with short glandular and longer eglandular hairs. Seed unknown.

ADDENDUM

Whorled Eremophila (Eremophila verticillata) Interim Recovery Plan 2003-2008

In adopting this plan under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
(EPBC Act), the Minister for the Environment and Heritage has approved the following modifications.

Critical Habitat

The plan identifies a broad area as critical habitat, including buffer zones of a set distance around known populations.  The Threatened Species Scientific Committee does not necessarily believe that such an area qualifies as habitat critical to the survival of the species, as defined in the EPBC Act.

Recovery Criteria

For the purposes of reviewing this recovery plan under the EPBC Act, the Recovery Criteria are amended to read as follows:

Criteria for success: The number of individuals within populations and/or the number of populations have increased by 10% or more over the period of the plan’s adoption under the EPBC Act.
Criteria for failure: The number of individuals within populations and/or the number of populations
have decreased by 10% or more over the period of the plan’s adoption under the EPBC Act.