Integrating different knowledge types to better advise little known semi-arid threatened species Westringia parvifolia (C.T. White and W.D. Francis) recovery, translocation, and conservation

Context Infrastructure, mining and agricultural projects may impact threatened plant species, through direct removal along with habitat degradation and fragmentation. Commonly, project proponents and regulators must assess potential impacts and agree on appropriate mitigations and recovery actions. Semi-arid zones of south-east Queensland’s ‘Brigalow Belt’, Australia, have been impacted by industry, extensive clearing, and land modification despite little known about much of their flora. Significant areas are now under Native Title, providing new opportunities for engagement, capacity building, and land management options. Here, we use the little known and vulnerable shrub Westringia parvifolia, which occurs in Queensland’s ‘Brigalow Belt’, to demonstrate some key elements of impact assessment and recovery. Aims This study aimed to increase knowledge of the distribution of W. parvifolia populations to enable better conservation and management, and identify its potential to be impacted by proposed developments. Methods Field-based demographic studies and species distribution modelling assessed the spatial distribution of the impacts and conservation opportunities. We trialled propagation methods and produced species distribution models overlaid onto Native Title and development footprints to advise recovery and/or offsetting needs. Genetics studies identified the diversity and distinctiveness of potentially impacted populations. Key results Population sizes are highly variable, ranging from <100 to thousands of plants. Suitable habitat and area of occupancy were restricted in distribution, but remaining populations were scattered widely within this. Diversity was relatively high, and showed little differentiation among populations despite their present isolation, with little genetic differentiation among populations. We propagated by cuttings and established local propagation capacity by First Nations caring for country rangers Conclusions We found considerable high-quality suitable habitat within Bigambul Native Title land. Implications We identified impacted plants and suitable offsetting and recovery planting locations, and advised of genetic considerations to reduce potential for outbreeding depression and maximise genetic diversity.