Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions
Prostantheramarifolia(Seaforth mintbush)
You are invited to provide your views about:
1) theeligibility of Prostantheramarifolia (Seaforth mintbush) for inclusion on the EPBC Act threatened species list; and
2) the necessary conservation actions for the above species.
The views of experts, stakeholders and the general public are welcome. Responses can be provided by any interested person.
Anyone may nominate a native species, ecological community or threatening process for listing under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) or for a transfer of an item already on the list to a new listing category. The Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) undertakes the assessment of species to determine eligibility for inclusion in the list of threatened species and provides its recommendation to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment.
Draft information for your consideration of the eligibility of this species for listing as critically endangered starts at page 3 and information associated with potential conservation actions for this species starts at page 8. To assist with the Committee’s assessment, the Committee has identified a series of specific questions on which it seeks your guidance at page 10.
Responses to are to be provided in writing either by email to:
or by mail to:
The Director
Terrestrial Species Conservation Section
Wildlife, Heritage and Marine Division
Department of the Environment
PO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
Responses are required to be submitted by 20 June 2014.
Contents of this information package / PageGeneral background information about listing threatened species / 2
Information about this consultation process / 2
Draft information about the Seaforth mintbush and its eligibility for listing / 3
Conservation actions for the species / 8
References cited / 9
Collective list of questions – your views / 10
General background information about listing threatened species
The Australian Government helps protect species at risk of extinction by listing them as threatened under Part 13 of the EPBC Act. Once listed under the EPBC Act, the species becomes a Matter of National Environmental Significance and must be protected from significant impacts through the assessment and approval provisions of the EPBC Act. More information about threatened species is available on the department’s website at:
The listing of species is driven by a public nomination process. Public nominations to list threatened species under the EPBC Act are received annually by the department. In order to determine if a species is eligible for listing as threatened under the EPBC Act, the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) undertakes a rigorous scientific assessment of its status to determine if the species is eligible for listing against a set of criteria. These criteria are available on the Department’s website at:
As part of the assessment process, the Committee consults with the public and stakeholders to obtain specific details about the species, as well as advice on what conservation actions might be appropriate. Information provided through the consultation process is considered by the Committee in its assessment. The Committee provides its advice on the assessment (together with comments received) to the Minister regarding the eligibility of the species for listing under a particular category and what conservation actions might be appropriate. The Minister decides to add, or not to add, the species to the list of threatened species under the EPBC Act. More detailed information about the listing process is at:
To promote the recovery of listed threatened species and ecological communities, conservation advices and where required, recovery plans are made or adopted in accordance with Part 13 of the EPBC Act. Conservation advices provide guidance at the time of listing on known threats and priority recovery actions that can be undertaken at a local and regional level. Recovery plans describe key threats and identify specific recovery actions that can be undertaken to enable recovery activities to occur within a planned and logical national framework. Information about recovery plans is available on the department’s website at:
Information about this consultation process
Responses to this consultation can be provided electronically or in hard copy to the contact addresses provided on Page 1. All responses received will be provided in full to the Committee and then to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment.
In providing comments, please provide references to published data where possible. Should the Committee use the information you provide in formulating its advice, the information will be attributed to you and referenced as a ‘personal communication’ unless you provide references or otherwise attribute this information (please specify if your organisation requires that this information is attributed to your organisation instead of yourself). The final advice by the Committee will be published on the department’s website following the listing decision by the Minister.
Information provided through consultation may be subject to freedom of information legislation and court processes. It is also important to note that under the EPBC Act,the deliberations and recommendations of the Committee are confidential until the Minister has made a final decision on the nomination, unless otherwise determined by the Minister.
Prostantheramarifolia
Seaforthmintbush
Taxonomy
Conventionally accepted as Prostantheramarifolia R.Br. (Brown, 1810).
Description
Prostantheramarifolia(Seaforth mintbush) is an erect, openly branched shrub that grows to approximately30cm high. Its branches are sparsely to moderately hairy with mostly straight, spreading or slightly retrorse hairs. Its leaves are green in colour, sparsely to moderately hairy and oval to almost elliptic in shape with a very short leaf stalk. It has faintly aromatic foliage and delicate purple to mauve flowers. Its fruits are 1.5–1.8 mm (Conn, 2007).
Distribution
The Seaforth mintbush is endemic to NSW. It was first described in 1810 and was recorded from around Middle Harbour in northern Sydney and on Mangrove Mountain, 100 km north of Sydney (Conn,1992, 2007; NSWScientificCommittee,2008). Early records from south of Sydney that had been identified as the Seaforth mintbush were later re-identified as P. densa(NSW ScientificCommittee, 2008).Attempts to re-collect this species were unsuccessful and due to an absence of records over anumber of decades, the species was presumed to be extinct (Conn,2007).
The Seaforth mintbushwas rediscovered in 2001 near the suburb of Seaforthin northernSydney(Conn, 2007; DepartmentoftheEnvironment,2010). It is known from a single population in an area of four km2(NSW ScientificCommittee, 2008).Asurvey conducted in 2005 found between 90–130 individuals,which are fragmented into three sites;two occur within the local government area of Manly and one in the local government area of Warringah (NSW ScientificCommittee, 2008). Onesite consists of one plantwithin Garigal National Park, where it is close to the boundary and acleared area.A second site is adjacent to a main arterial road, while the remaining site is nextto a golf course (NSW ScientificCommittee, 2008). The majority of individuals (76–83% of the total population) are found in one of the two sites not in the National Park (NSWScientificCommittee, 2008).It is possible that a persistent seed bank is present in the soil.
Cultural Significance
Cultural significance of the Seaforth mintbushis currently unknown.
Relevant Biology/Ecology
The Seaforth mintbushoccurs on clay-loam soils associated with ironstone and scattered shale lenses, asoil type that only occurs on ridge tops and has been extensively urbanised (NSWScientificCommittee, 2008). The speciesoccurs in close proximity to the DuffysForestEcologicalCommunity, which is listed as an Endangered Ecological Community under the NSWThreatened Species Conservation Act 1995(NSW ScientificCommittee, 2008). Conn (2007) notes that it is found in woodland dominated bysilvertop ash(Eucalyptus sieberi) and redbloodwood (Corymbiagumnifera; Conn,2007).The Seaforth mintbush has been recorded flowering in spring (Conn, 1992), although flowering may occur throughout much of the year (Conn,2007).
There is limited information about the ecology of this species, but it is possible to extrapolate from the general characteristics of the genus Prostanthera. Prostanthera spp. are perennial shrubs, usually living for 5–15 yearsand one species, Prostantheracryptandroides, is thought to reach reproductive maturity at 3–5 years of age (Anon., 2000; Bean, 2004).Generation length is therefore estimated at between 4 and 10 years.Few species are known to re-sprout after fire, and even moderate intensity fires will kill mature plants outright. Prostantheracryptandroides, for example, is known to be fire sensitive, with recruitment occurring from the soil seed bank (Bean 2004). The Seaforthmintbush’s response to fire is unknown (Conn.pers. comm., inNSWScientificCommittee,2008)
Threats
The threats facing the Seaforth mintbush include habitat fragmentation, habitat loss, trampling (human and equipment) and habitat degradation. Habitat degradation includes compaction of soil, soil disturbance, hydrological change and weed invasion.
Conn et al. (2013) note that the species has undergone local extinctions caused by urban development in central metropolitan Sydney.It has been fragmented by urbanisation and is currentlythreatened by habitat loss due to small-scale clearing (NSW ScientificCommittee, 2008).
Adjacent urbanised areas pose threats of urban stormwater run-off and seepage, fertiliser and herbicide drift, weed invasion, extensive human traffic and rubbish dumping (NSWScientificCommittee,2008; NSWOEH,2013a).
One site is adjacent to a main arterial road and therefore trampling and habitat degradation from road widening and maintenance activities are a potential threat for this population. A second site is adjacent to a golf course, and the golf course maintenance activities are a potential threat.Habitat loss is a current threat for the species at both of these locations (NSWScientificCommittee, 2008).
Other potential threats that face the Seaforth mintbush are infection from the plant pathogen Phytophthora dieback(Phytophthoracinnamomi), inappropriate fires regimesand encroachment of exotic turf grasses (NSW OEH, 2013a). These risks are increased given the species’ highly fragmented condition and the small number of plants.
Assessment of available information in relation to the EPBC Act Criteria and Regulations
Criterion 1: Reduction in numbers (based on any of A1 – A4)
A1.An observed, estimated, inferred or suspected population very severe 90%, severe 70% substantial 50% size reduction over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer, where the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased, based on (and specifying) any of the following:
(a)direct observation
(b)an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon
(c)a decline in area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitat
(d)actual or potential levels of exploitation
(e) the effects of introduced taxa, hybridization, pathogens, pollutants, competitors or parasites.
A2.An observed, estimated, inferred or suspected population very severe 80%, severe 50% substantial 30%size reduction over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer, where the reduction or its causes may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible, based on (and specifying) any of (a) to (e) under A1.
A3.A population size reduction very severe 80%, severe 50% substantial 30%, projected or suspected to be met within the next 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer (up to a maximum of 100 years), based on (and specifying) any of (b) to (e) under A1.
A4.An observed, estimated, inferred, projected or suspected population size reduction very severe 80%, severe 50% substantial 30%over any 10 year or three generation period, whichever is longer (up to a maximum of 100 years in the future), where the time period must include both the past and the future, and where the reduction or its causes may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible, based on (and specifying) any of (a) to (e) under A1.
EvidenceOnly one survey for the species has been carried out since the Seaforth mintbush was rediscovered in 2001. This occurred in 2005, finding 90–130individuals counted at three locations (NSWScientificCommittee,2008).
While these data demonstrate that the species is rare, it does not provide evidence to estimate the population trend or rate of population change over the past 12–30 years. As there is insufficient evidence to assess against this criterion, it appears the Seaforth mintbush is ineligible for listing under this criterion.
However, the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the species’ status. This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process.
Criterion 2:
Geographic distribution (based on either of B1 or B2)
B1.Extent of occurrence estimated to be very restricted <100 km2, restricted5000 km2 or limited< 20 000 km2
B2.Area of occupancy estimated to be very restricted <10 km2, restricted <500 km2 or limited<2000km2
AND
Geographic distribution is precarious for the survival of the species,
(based on at least two of a–c)
a. Severely fragmented or known to exist at a limited location.
b.Continuing decline, observed, inferred or projected, in any of the following:
(i)extent of occurrence
(ii)area of occupancy
(iii)area, extent and/or quality of habitat
(iv)number of locations or subpopulations
(v)number of mature individuals.
c.Extreme fluctuations in any of the following:
(i)extent of occurrence
(ii)area of occupancy
(iii)number of locations or subpopulations
(iv)number of mature individuals
EvidenceThe Seaforthmintbushis known from a single population in an area of four km2 (NSW ScientificCommittee, 2008) and therefore has an extent of occurrence less than 100km2and an area of occupancy of less than four km2 which is very restricted distribution
The geographic distribution is precarious for the survival of the species because:
a. The population is severely fragmented into three sites(NSW ScientificCommittee, 2008)and exists in a limited location (within an area of four km2).
b. Given the risk of habitat loss and degradation as a result of occurring in a highly urbanised area, there is a projected decline in the area, extent and/or quality of habitat and number of locations and/or individuals for the Seaforth mintbush.
The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as critically endangered under this criterion. However, the purpose of this consultation is to elicit additional information to better understand the species’ status. This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process.
Criterion 3:The estimated total number of mature individuals is very low <250, low <2500 or limited<10 000;andeither of (A) or (B) is true
(A)evidence suggests that the number will continue to decline at a very high (25% in 3 years or 1 generation (up to 100 years), whichever is longer), high (20% in 5 years or 2 generations(up to 100 years), whichever is longer) or substantial (10% in 10 years or 3 generations years), whichever is longer(up to 100) rate; or
(B)the number is likely to continue to decline and its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival (based on at least two of a – c):
a.Severely fragmented or known to exist at a limited location.
b.Continuing decline, observed, inferred or projected, in any of the following:
(i)extent of occurrence
(ii)area of occupancy
(iii)area, extent and/or quality of habitat
(iv)number of locations or subpopulations
(v)number of mature individuals.
c.Extreme fluctuations in any of the following:
(i)extent of occurrence
(ii)area of occupancy
(iii)number of locations or subpopulations
(iv)number of mature individuals
EvidenceIn the survey conducted in 2005 the estimated number of individual plants was very low
(90–130) (NSW ScientificCommittee, 2008).Although no information isavailable as to how many of these individuals are mature plants, the total number is less than 250 and therefore the estimated total number of mature individuals is very low.
B) The number of individuals is likely to continue to decline and its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival based on:
a. The population is severely fragmented into three sites(NSW ScientificCommittee, 2008)and exists in a limited and very restricted location (within an area of four km2(NSW ScientificCommittee, 2008)).
b. Given the risk of habitat loss and degradation as a result of occurring in a highly urbanised area, there is a projected decline in the area, extent and/or quality of habitat and number of locations and/or individuals for the Seaforth mintbush.
The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is eligible for listing as critically endangered under this criterion. However, the purpose of this consultation is to elicit additional information to better understand the species status. This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process.
Criterion 4:Estimatedtotal number of mature individuals:
(a)Extremely low< 50
(b)Very low < 250
(c)Low < 1000
EvidenceIn the survey conducted in 2005 the estimated number of individual plants was very low
(90–130) (NSW ScientificCommittee, 2008).Although no information is available as to how many of these individuals are mature plants, the total number is less than 250 and therefore falls within either the extremely low or very low category.
The data presented above appear to demonstrate that the species is at least eligible for listing as endangered under this criterion. However, the purpose of this consultation is to elicit additional information to better understand the species status. This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process.
Criterion 5: Probability of extinction in the wild based on quantitative analysis is at least:
(a)50% in the immediate future, 10 years or three generations (whichever is longer); or
(b)20% in the near future, 20 year or five generations (whichever is longer); or
(c)10% in the medium-term future, within 100 years.
EvidencePopulation viability analysis is not known to have been undertaken on this species. The species appears therefore to be ineligible for listing under this criterion.
However, the purpose of this consultation is to elicit additional information to better understand the species status. This conclusion should therefore be considered to be tentative at this stage, as it may be changed as a result of responses to this consultation process.
Recovery Plan
A decision about whether there should be a recovery plan for this species has not yet been made. The purpose of this consultation draft is to elicit additional information to help inform this decision.
Recovery and Impact avoidance guidance
Primary Conservation Objectives1.Maintain and increase in situ populations to ensure the long-term preservation of the species in the wild.
2.Maintain and enhance existing and potentialhabitat.
3..Abate identified threats where possible.
4.Establish a healthy population at a new site and investigate options for linking, enhancing or establishing further populations.
5.Raise awareness of the Seaforth mintbush within the local community.
6.Effectively administer the recovery effort.
7.Establish an ex-situ seed collection as an insurance policy and to aid in establishing additional populations.
Important populations