The ‘Threatened Species Action Plan’ lists 110 priority species for conservation action across Australia’s wide range of environments. This list helps to focus the Australian Government effort and at the same time provides by default will benefit species that share the same habitat.
NACC NRM is working in partnership with DBCA to deliver ‘Safeguarding Midwest Flora‘ project that aims to protect three of these federally listed flora species. Scaly-butt mallee (Eucalyptus leprophloia) is considered endangered (EPBC Act) and as an endemic western Australian species can only be found in the NACC Region.
Scaly-butt mallee grows up to 5m tall and as the name suggests is identifiable by its curly bark, which is grey and party removed from the trunk appearing scaly. This distinct bark occurs 1m up from the base of the trunk and the upper bark is smooth grey over pale-copper coloured. The adult leaves can be up to 14cm long and are dull green and the flowers are creamy white.
The distribution of Scaly-butt mallee is highly restricted occurring from Badgingarra in the south to Mingenew in the north covering a distance of about 90km. Within this range only 6 populations are known to occur.
The major threats to Scaly-butt mallee is due to agricultural practices, grazing herbivores and inappropriate fire regimes.
Working in partnership NACC and DBCA’s hope to improve the trajectory of this endangered Eucalypt species before it is too late with survey work, seed collection, fencing and weed control being undertaken.
For information on this project, please contact NACC NRM’s Biodiversity Program Coordinator Jarna Kendle on jarna.kendle@nacc.com.au
This project is supported by NACC NRM as part of the Threatened Species Strategy Action Plan through funding from the Australian Government.