INTERIM RECOVERY PLAN NO. 148

TRIGWELL’S RULINGIA (RULINGIA SP. TRIGWELL BRIDGE) INTERIM RECOVERY PLAN
2003-2008

Gillian Stack & Andrew Brown

Photograph showing fruits of Rulingia  sp. Trigwell Bridge: Andrew Brown

August 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 (DCLM) 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.

DCLM 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Plan, which replaces IRP 33 (1999- 2002), will operate from July 2003 to June 2008 but will remain in force until withdrawn  or replaced.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 assessed.

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

Information in this IRP was accurate at July 2003.

SUMMARY

Scientific Name:	

Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge	

Common Name:	

Trigwell’s Rulingia	
Family:
Dept Region: Shire:	Sterculiaceae South West West Arthur	Flowering Period: Dept District: Recovery Team:	August
Wellington
South West Region Threatened Flora	
			Recovery Team (SWRTFRT)	

Illustrations   and/or  further  information:   A.  Brown,  C.  Thomson-Dans   and  N.  Marchant  (Eds)  (1998)   Western Australia’s Threatened Flora; N.G. Marchant, J.R. Wheeler, B.L. Rye, E.M. Bennett, N.S. Lander, and T.D. Macfarlane (1987)  Flora  of  the  Perth  Region;  The  Department (1998)  FloraBase  - Information  on  the  Western  Australian  Flora (http://www.calm.wa.gov.au/science/).

Current status: Rulingia  sp. Trigwell  Bridge was declared as Rare Flora in November  1993 and ranked as Critically Endangered  (CR) in 1995. It currently  meets World Conservation  Union (IUCN, 2000) Red List Category ‘CR’ under criteria A1c; B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii); C2a(i); D as there has been an estimated population size reduction of 90%; the extent of
occurrence is estimated to be less than 100 km2 and the are a of occupancy less than 10 km2; the species is known to exist at
a single wild location with a continuing decline in the quality of habitat and the single known population contains fewer than 50 mature individuals in size.

Rulingia sp. Trigwell  Bridge is known  from a single very small wild population  of two adult plants with a continuing decline in the quality of its habitat. There are also four translocated populations. The species appears to have very specific habitat requirements and its restricted dis tribution is a major threat to its survival. Other threats include the lack of natural recruitment, poor genetic diversity, inappropriate fire regimes, grazing and weeds.

Distribution and habitat: Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge is endemic to Western Austra lia where it is known from a single wild population in the West Arthur area over a range of less than 1 km. Plants are found in small fissures on a lateritic ridge supporting open low jarrah (Eucalyptus  marginata) and marri (Corymbia calophylla) woodland.  It is not known whether this is the plant’s preferred habitat or if these plants have survived because they were less accessible to grazing animals. Associated species include Banksia grandis, Xanthorrhoea  preissii, Macrozamia  riedlei, Sollya heterophylla  and Acacia pulchella (Brown et al. 1998).

Critical  habitat: The critical habitat for  Rulingia sp. Trigwell  Bridge  comprises  the area of occupancy  of the known populations; area of occupancy of translocated populations; similar habitat within 200 metres of known and translocated populations; corridors of remnant vegetation that link populations and additional nearby occurrences of similar habitat that do not currently contain the species but may have done so and may be suitable for additional translocations.

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 and that all populations are important.

Benefits to other species/ecological communities: Recovery actions implemented to improve the quality or security of the habitat of Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge will also improve the health of the habitat in which it occurs.

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 Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge 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  in digenous  communities  interested  or involved  in the management of areas affected by this plan.

Social and economic impacts: The implementation of this recovery plan is unlikely to cause significant adverse social and economic impacts. The single known wild population occurs on private property and has been fenced with the approval of the owners.

Evaluation of the Plan’s Performance:  The Department of Conservation and Land Management (DCLM), 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 owners have been made aware of the location and threatened status of the species.
2. 	A ringlock fence was erected in 1992 to exclude sheep from Population 1.
3. 	A netting cage was erected in 1994 to exclude rabbits and ‘twenty eight’ parrots from Population 1.
4. 	Botanic Garden and Park Authority (BGPA) staff conducted germi nation trials in April 1995.
5. 	In 1995 samples taken to assess the presence of  Phytophthora cinnamomi  (dieback) in the habitat tested negative.
Dieback hygiene practices are adhered to.
6. 	Tests undertaken by the Department’s Science Division staff indicate that the species is not susceptible to dieback.
7. 	Soil sample analyses have indicated high organic matter and average nutrient levels at Population 1.
8. 	Soil sample analyses have indicated very high organic content at Population 1, probably due to deep fissures in rock collecting leaf debris. The plants grow in these deep fissures.
9. 	In 1997 BGPA staff conducted experimental micropropagation trials to establish long-term cryostorage of the species.
10.  The Department’s Threatened Flora Seed Centre (TFSC) has over 7,000 seeds in long-term storage.
11. The Botanic Garden and Parks Authority currently have 75 plants of Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge from five clones .
12.  Translocations have taken place according to an approved Translocation Proposal.
13.  All translocation areas have been fenced.
14.  Grazing by rabbits within fenced areas at Populations 1 and 2 has been controlled with use of 1080 oats.
15.  An information sheet that describes and illustrates the species has been produced.
16.  Staff from the Department's  South West Region regularly  monitor both natural and translocated populations of the species.
17.  The South  West  Region  Threatened  Flora  Recovery  Team  is overseeing  the implementation  of this IRP and will
include information on progress in an annual report to the Department's Corporate Executive and funding bodies.

IRP Objective: 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.

Recovery criteria
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.

1.	Coordinate recovery actions	8.	Conduct further surveys	
2.	Develop and implement a fire management strategy	9.	Collect seed and cutting material	
3.	Control grazing	10.	Continue implementing translocations	
4.	Undertake weed control	11.	Obtain biological and ecological information	
5.	Maintain dieback hygiene	12.	Promote community awareness	
6.	Monitor populations	13.	Review this IRP and revise it or prepare a full Recovery
Plan if necessary	
7.	Liaise with land managers			

Recovery actions

1.	BACKGROUND

History

Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge was first collected from private property by R. Smith in 1989 and is still the only known wild population known. Plants grow in cracks on a lateritic ridge in an area that was used for grazing sheep until 1992. As just two wild plants are known a translocation project coordinated by the South West Region Threatened Flora Recovery Team (SWRTFRT) is underway and includes putting plants back into the wild population and up to six other self-sustaining populations in areas of similar habitat. Research into the fire response of Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge seed has confirmed that fire stimulates germination of the species. This knowledge has been used during germination trials in two new translocated populations (Populations 4T and
5T).

Due to the extremely small population size, restricted distribution and threats associated with growing in a specialized habitat, Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge was declared as Rare Flora in November 1993, and ranked as Critically Endangered in September 1995.

Description

A  full  taxonomic  description  for the species  has been prepared  by Dr. Gordon  Guymer,  Senior  Botanist, Queensland  Herbarium,  however,  as  the  species  has  not  yet  been  formally  described,  it  is  not  currently available.

Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge is a small shrub up to 1.5 m tall and 1 m wide with branches and leaves covered in star-shaped hairs that are typical of other species in the genus. The narrow stipules are deciduous and the upper stipules are divided into thin lobes. The terminal flowers are creamy white, and petals are equal or shorter in length than the sepals. The broad-based petals embrace the stamens and the upper portion of the petals forms a ligule (Brown et al. 1998).

Distribution and habitat

Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge is endemic to Western Australia where it is known from a single wild population in the West Arthur area over a range of less than 1 km. New translocated populations are being established near the known population.

In its natural state the species is found on a lateritic ridge supporting open low jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) and marri (Corymbia calophylla ) woodland, with two mature plants growing in small fissures in the rock. It is not known whether this is the species’ preferred habitat or if these plants have survived because they were less accessible to grazing animals, including sheep and rabbits. Associated species include Banksia grandis, Xanthorrhoea preissii, Macrozamia riedlei, Sollya heterophylla and Acacia pulchella .

Native plant species at the translocation sites are largely the same as taxa associated with the wild population, but soils differ in being laterite rich rather than an exposed laterite ridge. Translocated  plants appear to be surviving well at these new sites.

Biology and ecology

In 1995 staff from the  Botanic Garden and Parks Authority (BGPA) conducted research to determine seed viability and seed production capability of the two natural plants. They found that 60% of flowers produce capsules, with an average of 6.5 seeds per capsule. This results in a seed production capacity of approximately
5000  seeds.  Laboratory  analysis  of the collected  seeds  indicated  100%  germination  in a nutrient  enriched medium.

Fire research has been conducted by Wellington District in 2000, 2001 and 2002. Results suggest that a high intensity burn of greater than 50 C for a duration of more than ten minutes is needed for optimum germination of Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge seed in the field. There were indications that soil-stored seed was still present and viable after at least seven years.

Threats

Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge was declared as Rare Flora in November 1993 and ranked as Critically Endangered (CR) in 1995. It currently  meets World Conservation  Union (IUCN,  2000) Red List Category  ‘CR’ under criteria A1c; B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii); C2a(i); D as there has been an estimated population size reduction of 90%; the extent of occurrence is estimated to be less than 100 km2   and the area of occupancy less than 10 km2; the species is known to exist at a single wild location with a continuing decline in the quality of habitat and the single known population contains fewer than 50 mature individuals.

The species is currently known from one adult and two juvenile plants in single known natural population, and several hundred plants  in five translocated  populations.  In its natural state the species appears to have very specific habitat requirements with the low number of extant plants and its restricted distribution being a major threat to its survival. Other threats include a lack of recruitment in the natural population, poor genetic diversity, inappropriate fire regimes, grazing and weeds.

Restricted distribution is a serious threat to Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge as a single event such as clearing, disease or senescence could result in the extinction of the natural population. However, it is hoped that translocated populations will become self-sustaining and contribute to the long-term survival of the species.

Lack of natural recruitment threatens this species. The reasons for this low level of recruitment are not certain, but may include an absence of high- intensity fire needed to germinate soil-stored seed.

Poor genetic diversity is likely to result from the low number of plants in the wild population. There are now  just  two  adult  plants  in the  wild  population  and  this  represents  an  extremely  limited  gene  pool (although there may be additional genetic variation in the soil-stored seed bank). Low genetic diversity reduces the species’ ability to adapt to changes in its environment.

Inappropriate fire regimes may affect the viability of populations. It is known that seed of Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge germinates following fire and the soil seed bank would rapidly be depleted if fires recur before juvenile plants reach maturity and replenish the soil seed bank. Conversely, it appears from fire research that occasional high intensity fires are needed for reproduction  of the species. Population 1 is protected from fire by the surrounding exposed rock, and through the low fuel levels associated with the habitat.

Grazing  by rabbits  (Oryctolagus  cuniculus),  sheep,  kangaroos  and  ‘twenty  eight’  parrots  (Barnardius zonarius semitorquatus) has previously been a major threat to Population 1. Steps have been taken to reduce this threat, and  annual rabbit control  is required.  Insects  also impact  Rulingia  sp. Trigwell Bridge and populations may require protection from this threat.

Weed invasion is a minor threat to Population 1. Weeds suppress early plant growth by competing for soil moisture, nutrients, and light. However, as Population 1 occurs on rocky exposed habitat there are relatively few weeds. Those that are there are readily managed by hand weeding.

Summary of population information and threats

Pop. No. & Location	Land Status	Year/N o. plants	Condition	Threats	
1. NE of Boyup Brook	Private Property	1995  4
1998  1 (2)
2001  3
2002  2	Moderate	Lack of natural recruitment, inappropriate fire
regimes, weeds, grazing	
1T. NE of Boyup Brook	Private Property	1998  49
2001  42
2002  41	Healthy	Inappropriate fire regimes, weeds, grazing
poor recruitment	
2T. NE of Boyup Brook	Nature Reserve	1998  89
2001  46 (18)
2002  37 (73)	Healthy	Inappropriate fire regimes, grazing, firebreak
maintenance, weeds	

3T. ESE of Collie	Proposed
Conservat ion
Park	1998  40
2001  54
2002  52	Moderate	Inappropriate fire regimes, grazing, poor
recruitment	
4T. S of Darkan	Nature Reserve	2001  (17)
2002  (5)	Healthy	Inappropriate fire regimes, grazing	
5T.	Conservation
Park	2002  (223)	Healthy	Inappropriate fire regimes, grazing	
Number in brackets = number of juveniles. Pop. T = translocated population.

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 Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge comprises:
the area of occupancy of the wild population;
the area of occupancy of translocated populations;
areas of similar  habitat within 200 metres of known populations,  i.e. open jarrah and marri woodland associated with laterite (these provide potential habitat for natural population expansion);
corridors of remnant vegetation that link populations  (these are necessary to allow pollinators to move between populations); and
additional occurrences of similar habitat that do not currently contain the species but may have done so in the past (these represent possible translocation sites).

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

Given that this species is listed as Critically Endangered it is considered that all known habitat for wild and translocated populations is habitat critical and that all populations are important.

Benefits to other species/ecological communities

There are no threatened ecological communities  in the immediate vicinity of  Rulingia  sp. Trigwell Bridge. However, recovery actions put into place for the species will benefit the remnant bushland habitat in which it occurs.

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 Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge 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.

Social and economic impacts

The implementation of this recovery plan is unlikely to cause significant adverse social and economic impacts. Although the single natural population of the species occurs on private property, the landowner is working closely with DCLM in providing protection and a ringlock fence was erected around the population in1992 and

nursery grown plants have been translocated back into the area. Four of the five translocated populations are on
Conservation reserves.

Evaluation of the Plan’s Performance

The Department of Conservation and Land Management (DCLM), in conjunction with the Recovery Team will evaluate  the performance  of this IRP. In addition  to annual  reporting  on progress  with listed actions  and comparison  against  the criteria  for success  and failure,  the plan is to be reviewed  within  five years  of its implementation.

Guide for decision-makers

Section 1 provides details of current and possible future threats. Any on-ground works (clearing, firebreaks, roadworks etc) in the immediate vicinity of Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge will require assessment. On-ground works should not be approved unless the proponents can demonstrate that they will not have an impact on the species, its habitat or potential habitat.

2.	RECOVERY OBJECTIVE AND CRITERIA

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 taxon 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

BGPA have successfully propagated  Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge using tissue culture, cuttings, and grafting techniques.

The owner of land containing Population 1 has been formally notified of the presence of Rulingia sp. Trigwell
Bridge and associated legal responsibilities.

With the permission of the landowner, a ringlock fence was erected around Population 1 in 1992. This excluded sheep from the area which contains the single known population and its lateritic ridge habitat. In 1994 netting cages were erected over all plants of in Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge. These cages completely covered plants and protected them from rabbits and ‘twenty eight’ parrots. The latter had been a major threat to the plants due to their habit of breaking the ends off branches while foraging on the fruit of the species.

In April 1995 staff from the BGPA conducted smoke and smoke water germination trials under and near adult plants at Population with Site 1 (0.9 m x 4.5 m) treated with smoked water (two litres per square metre) and Site
2 (1 m x 5 m) with smoke. Both sites were inspected in October 1995 but no evidence of germination was observed.

The presence of dieback (Phytophthora spp.) was suspected on the northwest slopes of Population 1 in April
1995. However, two samples were sent for analysis and the results were negative and research by staff from the
Department's  Science  Division  indicates  that  Rulingia  sp. Trigwell  Bridge  is not susceptible  to this plant pathogen. Disease hygiene is maintained to protect the surrounding habitat.

Soil samples were collected from the wild population in 1995 and sent to the WA Chemistry Centre. Subsequent analysis indicated that the soil is very high in organic content with levels of nitrogen and phosphorus higher than those generally expected in the locality. The higher levels are due to the fact that Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge has its roots in deep fissures in which there is an accumulation of leaf litter. Soil samples were collected from the proposed ex situ sites in 1996, for comparison with samples taken from the site of the wild population. The results were consistent with average nutrient levels for most southwestern soils.

During 1997, BGPA undertook research into micropropagation,  in vitro physiology, slow growth, germplasm maintenance and cryostorage and had had success in propagation of the specie s through tissue culture, cuttings and grafting. Propagated plants were transferred into areas of natural habitat successfully.

A total of 608 seeds  collected  in November  1994  from  4 plants  in Population  1 are being  stored  in the Department's TFSC at -18 C. Seed from this collection had an initial germination rate of 95%. Another 20,000 seeds collected  in November  1998 from the wild population  and several  translocation  sites had an initial germination rate ranging from 56 to 85% and, after 12 months storage, a rate of over 90% (unpublished data A. Cochrane1). The TFSC now has over 7,000 seeds in long-term storage at -18 C, and over 13,000 seeds stored at
4 C available for direct seeding trials at translocation sites.

The nursery at the BGPA currently have 75 plants of Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge from five clones. The species is easy to propagate from cuttings, with a strike rate of 75% and higher (personal communication A. Shade2).

A translocation proposal that was approved by the Director of Nature Conservation in September 1997 has the aim of establishing self-sustaining populations of Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge at up to six locations. In the first year of implementation plants propagated by BGPA were planted into four plots. Plot 1 is adjacent to the only known wild population (Population 1) and Plots 2 and 3 are on a Nature Reserve. A further two translocations were subsequently undertaken  - Population 4T in a Nature Reserve and Population 5T in a Conservation Park. Monitoring of translocated plants is ongoing.

In addition to planting nursery grown plants back into the wild, the establishment of additional  Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge plants has also been attempted by burning areas containing hand sown seed of the species. Experimental burns took pla ce in April 2000. Germination was first recorded in June 2000. Results from this initial trial support the hypothesis that fire stimulates germination of this species and show that a burn with temperatures higher than 50 C and duration of more than ten minutes is required for optimum germination. It is possible that a lack of high intensity fire is a contributing factor to the species’ rarity as such fires are quickly put out in agricultural areas. The area of the wild population (Population 1) has not had an intense fire for more than 40 years.

Further burns in areas that were hand sown with Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge seed collected for this purpose were undertaken in 2001 and 2002. In 2001 fifty two seeds germinated at one site with eight surviving semi- drought  conditions  through  the 2001/02  summer.  Eighteen  seedlings  germinated  at a second  site with five surviving the same summer. The 2002 trial burn took place in May over an area of 100m2  in a Conservation Park (Population 5T). Unfortunately weather conditions were not favorable and burning the remainder of the area has been deferred until Autumn 2003. Nevertheless, despite the small size of the area burnt, 223 seeds had germinated by September 2002.

A double -sided information  sheet has been produced which includes a description of  Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge, its habitat, threats, recovery actions and photos. The sheet will be distributed to community members, local libraries and wildflower  shows, and also placed on the internet. It is hoped that it may result in the discovery of new populations.

Staff from the Department's South West Region regularly monitor the wild and translocated populations.

1  Anne Cochrane, Manager, the Department's Threatened Flora Seed Centre
2  Amanda Shade, Horticulturalist, Botanic Garden and Parks Authority

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

Future recovery actions

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

1. 	Coordination

The South West Region Threatened Flora Recovery Team (SWRTFRT) will coordinate recovery actions for Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge and other Declared Rare flora in the region. The team will include information on progress in their annual report to the Department’s Corporate Executive and funding bodies.

Action: 	Coordinate recovery actions
Responsibility: 	The Department (Wellington District) through the SWRTFRT
Cost: 	$400 per year

2. 	Fire management strategy

Although it appears likely that the species requires an occasional high intensity fire to germinate soil-stored seed, frequent fires may be detrimental  to its long-term survival if young plants have  not reached maturity between events. Fire also promotes the introduction  and proliferation  of weed species. A fire management strategy will be developed by the Department’s Wellington District in consultation with relevant land managers and the SWRTFRT.

Action: 	Develop and implement a fire management strategy
Responsibility: 	The Department (Wellington District), relevant landholders, Bush Fires Board through the SWRTFRT
Cost: 	$1,900 in the first year and $600 in subsequent years

3. 	Grazing control

The two individuals in the natural population (Pop 1) are enclosed in large cages to prevent predation of seed capsules by ‘twenty eight’ parrots. Translocated plants in Populations 2T and 3T have also been enclosed in cages to prevent grazing. However, rabbits are having a continuing impact on some populations through grazing or digging. It is planned that following consultation with relevant landholders rabbits will be controlled using
1080 oats. Where not already present, fences will be erected to protect  Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge and its habitat, allowing a suitable buffer area to contain any regenerating plants.

Action: 	Control grazing
Responsibility: 	The Department (Wellington District) through the SWRTFRT
Cost: 	$6,500 in the first year and $500 in subsequent years

4. 	Weed control

Some weeds are present at Population 1 but they are not likely to become a major problem due to the exposed rocky nature of the habitat. However, as a precautionary measure, weeds will be hand pulled at that site and weed control maintained at all translocation sites.

Action: 	Undertake weed control
Responsibility: 	The Department (Wellington District) through the SWRTFRT
Cost: 	$400 per year

5. 	Dieback hygiene

Although research indicates  Rulingia  sp. Trigwell Bridge is not susceptible to  Phytophthora  spp. (dieback), hygiene measures will be maintained to protect the habitat of Population 1 and all translocation sites.

Action: 	Maintain dieback hygiene
Responsibility: 	The Department (Wellington District) through the SWRTFRT
Cost: 	$300 per year

6. 	Monitoring

Annual  monitoring  of  threats  such  as  weed  invasion,  pathogens  and  predation,  and  population  stability
(expansion or decline), pollination activity, seed production, recruitment and longevity is essential.

Action: 	Monitor populations
Responsibility: 	The Department (Wellington District) through the SWRTFRT
Cost: 	$1,200 per year

7. 	Liaison

Staff  from  the  Department's  Wellington  District  will  continue  liaising  with  relevant  land  managers  and landowners to ensure that populations on private and other non departmental land are not accidentally damaged or destroyed.

Action: 	Liaise with land managers
Responsibility: 	The Department (Wellington District) through the SWRTFRT
Cost: 	$300 per year

8. 	Surveys

Surveys supervised  by DCLM staff, and with the assistance of community volunteers will be conducted for
Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge during its flowering period (August).

Action: 	Conduct further surveys
Responsibility: 	The Department (Wellington District) through the SWRTFRT
Cost: 	$2000 per year

9. 	Seed and cutting collection

Preservation of germplasm is essential to guard against the possible future extinction of the single known wild population. Such collections can also be used to propagate plants for translocations. Some seed of Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge is currently held in the Department’s TFSC. However, further collections from as many plants as possible are needed and will be lodged with the TFSC and the BGPA seed store. Cuttings may also be taken and propagated to enhance the living collection at BGPA.

Action: 	Collect seed and cutting material
Responsibility: 	The Department (TFSC, Wellington District), BGPA through the SWRTFRT
Cost: 	$2,400 in first, third and fifth years

10. 	Translocations

Translocation is essential for the long-term conservation of this species as the single small wild population is threatened by poor genetic diversity (two plants), grazing, a lack of natural recruitement and degraded habitat. Information on the translocation of threatened plants and animals in the wild is provided in the Department’s Policy Statement No. 29 Translocation of Threatened Flora and Fauna. This recovery action has started and will continue to be coordinated by the SWRTFRT.

A Translocation Proposal,  endorsed by the Department’s Director of Nature Conservation,  consists of three phases.

Phase 1 trialed  appropriate  establishment  techniques  to supplement  Population  1 and established  a population on a conservation reserve with the intention of further supplementation in Phase 2.
Phase 2 aimed to establish 5 self-sustaining populations on secure conservation reserves over the 1998-
2000 period.
Phase 3 includes continued monitoring of all translocated populations, the erection of fences to prevent grazing of seedlings  by kangaroos and rabbits, and the establishment of additional translocations to reduce the level of threat to the species.

Phases 1 and 2 have been completed, and Phase 3 has commenced. Monitoring is ongoing for all translocated populations.

Action: 	Continue implementing translocations
Responsibility: 	The Department (Wellington District, TFSC), BGPA through SWRTFRT
Cost: 	$10,000 per year

11. 	Biology and ecology

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

1. 	The response of Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge and its habitat to fire.
2. 	The pollination biology of the species and the requirements of pollinators.
3. 	The affect and level of invertebrate grazing.
4. 	Factors determining level of flower and fruit abortion.
5. 	The  soil  seed  bank  dynamics  of  the  species  and  the  role  of  various  disturbances  (including  fire), competition, rainfall and grazing in germination and recruitment.
6. 	The longevity of plants and the time taken to reach maturity.

Action: 	Obtain biological and ecological information
Responsibility: 	The Department (Science Division, Wellington District) through the SWRTFRT
Cost: 	$17,200 per year in second, third and fourth years

12. 	Community awareness

The importance of biodiversity conservation and the need for the long-term protection of wild populations of this species 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.

Action: 	Promote community awareness
Responsibility: 	The Department (Wellington District) through the SWRTFRT
Cost: 	$2,200 for the first year and $1000 in subsequent years

13. 	Review this IRP and revise it or prepare a full Recovery Plan if necessary

If the taxon 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 to rewrite this IRP or to replace it with a full Recovery Plan (RP) will be determined.

Action: 	Review this IRP and revise it or prepare a full Recovery Plan if necessary Responsibility: 	The Department (WATSCU, Wellington District) through the SWRTFRT Cost: 	$20,300 in the fifth year (if a full Recovery Plan is required)

4.	TERM OF PLAN

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

5.	ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The following people have provided assistance and advice in the preparation of this Interim Recovery Plan: Anne Cochrane 	Manager, DCLM’s Threatened Flora Seed Centre
Tom Kenneally 	Forester, DCLM’s Wellington District
Amanda Shade 	Horticulturalist, Botanic Garden and Parks Authority

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

6.	REFERENCES

Brown,  A.,  Thomson-Dans,  C.  and  Marchant,  N.  (Eds).  (1998)  Western  Australia’s  Threatened  Flora.
Department of Conservation and Land Management, Western Australia.
Marchant, N.G., Wheeler, J. R., Rye, B. L., Bennett, E. M., Lander, N. S. and Macfarlane, T. D. (1987). Flora of the Perth Region. Western Australian Herbarium and Department of Agriculture, Western Australia.
The Department (1992a) Dieback disease hygiene manual. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Western Australia.
The Department (1992b) Policy Statement No. 44 Wildlife Management Programs. Department of Conservation
and Land Management, Western Australia.
The Department (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.
The Department (1995) Policy Statement No. 29 Translocation of Threatened Flora and Fauna. Department of
Conservation and Land Management, Western Australia.
The Department (1998) Western Australian Herbarium FloraBase  – Information on the Western Australian Flora. 	Department 	of 	Conservation 	and 	Land 	Management, 	Western 	Australia. http://www.calm.wa.gov.au/science/
World  Conservation  Union  (2000)  IUCN  red  list  categories  prepared  by  the  IUCN  Species  Survival
Commission, as approved by the 51st meeting of the IUCN Council. Gland, Switzerla nd.

7.	TAXONOMIC DESCRIPTION

Brown et al. (1998).

Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge
This small shrub or undershrub can grow up to 1.5 m high and 1 m wide. Star-shaped hairs are visible. Stipules are deciduous, narrow, with the upper stipules often divided into slender lobes. Leaves are entire. There is a terminal inflorescence of creamy-white flowers. The petals are shorter than or as long as the sepals, with a short broad base embracing the stamens and a linear or broad upper portion known as the ligule.

ADDENDUM

Trigwell’s Rulingia (Rulingia sp. Trigwell Bridge) 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.