[OGD] Biomass
Beware Biomass. Wood chipping in Australia began as a way of clearing non useable product from the logging area and evolved into unsustainable logging of old growth forest. The native hardwood was frequently replaced by non native softwood plantations. I feel sure any proposal to use so-called waste from North American forests will be followed by vested interests promoting the tiresome phrase of jobs, jobs, jobs after investing more money than they can afford in vehicles and other machinery in this pseudo green opportunity. The problem with the jobs is how much will they cost in inevitable subsidies and benefits to the perpetrators of habitat destruction? One example is our island state of Tasmania, where if logging is carried out in accordance with a Regional Forest Agreement, the Commonwealth Environmental Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 does not apply. Logging is currently being undertaken in the habitat of an orchid species listed under this legislation and the operation is being termed a trial to determine how the species survives after being invaded by logging machinery and felling of old growth habitat. See The Orchadian Volume 16 No 1 for this story. Letters and protests to the Tasmanian government have been of no use as this government is too close to the logging company involved. Alan W Stephenson National Conservation Officer Australasian Native Orchid Society ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Orchid Societies
I am going to Canada in two weeks to visit my daughter who currently lives in Vancouver. If time permits I would like the opportunity to attend a meeting of one of the orchid societies in the Vancouver area. Does anyone have any direct contact details of any of these groups? If so I would appreciate this information. Alan W Stephenson ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Rediscovered
A terrestrial orchid species thpught to be extinct in Tasmania has recently been rediscovered. Corunastylis nudiscapa has been located on the slopes of Mt Wellington near Hobart during a search for Land Snails by officers of the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries,Water and Environment (DPIWE). This species has not been recorded since the type species was collected in 1840. Growing in sandy soil occuring on the eastern foothills of the mountain, the officers were initially unable to immediately identify the plant but formal identification came quickly as C. nudiscapa has no Tasmanian species with which it could be confused. It is a Dwarf Midge Orchid with tightly congested inflorescence of crowded reddish-brown to purplish glabrous nodding flowers and was only known from this single location. Great news and a psychological boost to those who never say never. Now all we need to do is get the same department to protect those other species rapidly heading in the same direction. Alan W Stephenson National Conservation Officer Australasian Native Orchid Society ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Fragrant orchids
In my part of Australia we are well served with fragrant orchids. The best of them being Dendrobium speciosum and a walk through the bush, usually along a rocky escarpment in mid-September, is a delight, as the perfume is obvious well before the plants are visible. Also attending an orchid show at that time, in a hall rather than a large shopping centre, provides those attending with something to remember for all time and be sure to wind down the windows in the vehicle transporting those species to the show or you will be in danger of suffocating from the concentration of that beautiful odour. Alan W Stephenson ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Conservation
I cannot understand what is happening in Australia at the moment. We have had two decisions in favour of the environment in the past two weeks. Firstly a proposal to clear 102 hectares (47 acres) of good bush land for an extra runway at Jandakot Airport near Perth in Western Australia, has been rejected by the Commonwealth Minister for Infrastructure and also referred to the Minister for Conservation. The land in question is habitat for a threatened orchid species, Arachnorchis huegelii (Grand Spider Orchid) and several other significant flora and fauna species. The people responsible for this result are Friends of Ken Hurst Park and the Western Australia Native Orchid Study and Conservation Group and my point of contact as far as information goes has been Dr Eddy Wajon who is the Convenor of the first group and is Conservation Officer for the second. I have compiled several submissions from information sent to me by Dr Wajon and am delighted he now has a positive result. The next piece of good news relates to another threatened orchid species Diuris aequalis (Buttercup Doubletail). This species numbers about 250 plants in total and for over three years a battle has raged to protect its habitat from a landholder who calls himself The Firewood Baron. His proposal to log the remaining trees in his section of the Mt Rae Forest under the guise of a Private Native Forestry Operation was rejected unanimously by the Upper Lachlan Shire Council. The proposal was to log trees with no replanting to replace those logged for firewood. The Firewood Baron has played a very physical game in that letterboxes have been blasted by shotgun and one opponent was told his house would be burned if he continued his opposition. However some locals were made of better stuff and managed to convince several landowners and the council to reach this decision. This was done by sheer hard work and intestinal fortitude on their behalf and their efforts have so far been successful. As this situation is only 200km (120 miles) from my home, I have made several visits to the area and written several submissions and countless letters to the Council but the concerned locals are responsible for the decision. The Mt Rae Forest has been declared an Endangered Ecological Community in that it is considered rare Tablelands Basalt Forest, containing a wide range of birds, animals, orchids and other significant flora. This result can also be challenged but the unanimous decision is one the Council will find hard to reverse. Alan W Stephenson National Conservation Officer Australasian Native orchid Society (ANOS) ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] David Banks
David had his operation last Thursday and is progressing as well as could be expected. The hole in his heart has been repaired and he is currently undergoing physiotherapy in hospital. No complications were encountered either during or after the surgery. Alan W Stephenson ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] David Banks
I have just spoken to David Banks (telephone conversation) who has just been relased from hospital. David suffered a heart attack about two weeks whilst indulging in his other love, a game of cricket. The attack resulted in a small hole being torn in his heart, which must be repaired. He is currently at home with his family and will return to hospital in three weeks to have the necessary operation. Following the operation he will be out of action for a further six to eight weeks. David has asked me to place this message because he has been deluged with emails and phone calls, which have placed an added burden upon him and his wife Louanne and currently he is not able to respond to these concerns. He is well at this time and needs the next few weeks to concentrate on strengthening himself for the operation. If any messages need to be sent, he has asked they be forwarded through this address. I assure those who do this that the messages will get to him but I trust all will respect David's wishes until he is fully recovered. Alan W Stephenson ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Colin Hamilton
To K. Barrett Yes most Australians have that type of self deprecating humour and Colin did that quite well. He will be sadly missed as a good Australian and computer savvy contributor and former editor of Orchids Australia magazine and I will miss him at AOC meetings. He encouraged me with snippets from here and there about orchid conservation and several articles resulted from that association. Colin was far too young to go this way. I can say this as I am about the same age and although very active, have realised nothing is forever or should be taken for granted and good ones like Colin in particular. Alan W Stephenson Conservation Director Australian Orchid Council ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Spelling
Hi Linda Your second choice was correct, Vanda tessellata. Alan W Stephenson ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Western Australia Orchids
Land clearing is a problem in Western Australia (and all other states) and is certainly an ongoing threat to the orchid population. Currently several districts are working very hard to widen the roadside verges to allegedly provide a safer place for motorists to drive. However, this clearing is adversely affecting many orchid species, both threatened and non-threatened (so far). The verges are frequently narrow strips of remnant vegetation and the only home available to many small species of flora and fauna. One local Council is ridding itself of as many trees as possible to stop stupid inattentive and inebriated drivers from running into them. It recently happened in my own backyard when 96 mature trees were removed because several young people were killed in a single accident. The problem was alcohol and speed, not the proximity of the trees to the road or the road surface. Unfortunately a major part of the problem in Western Australia directly concerning orchids, is the increasing salinity of the soil, as this change is far to rapid for the evolutionary processes of our orchids to cope with. Alan W Stephenson ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Orchid at Vincentia
Without wishing to contradict anyone, this story as relayed in OGD Vol 9 Issue 288 is incorrect, however this is not the fault of Viateur. I am the local orchid expert alluded to in the story and the truth is as follows. I located the orchid (Calochilus pulchellus) and not the so-called professionals hired to look for such things on the site and it was I who contacted the developers to arrange and carry out the translocation. I located four plants in 2004 and a further individual in a tree stump in 2006. The orchid was at that time considered to be a new species but it was not formerly recognised until the name was published according to correct protocols in March 2007. Unfortunately the development was given consent late in 2006, leaving, C. pulchellus in limbo. As soon as the species was recognised I forwarded a nomination to the New South Wales Scientific Committee, for its listing as a Vulnerable Species, under state legislation. This nomination has been accepted but a final determination will not be made until later this year, too late for all plants on the site. During a meeting with the project manager I mentioned C. pulchellus and asked if it were possible to get access to the site to rescue the plants. This was permitted and the area containing the plants was fenced off for three weeks until an officer from the NSW Environment Department was able to assist. He travelled 250 km to do this. Translocation of this type of orchid (heavily fungus reliant) is not a choice I would normally make but I believe it was the only chance the plants had. I am thankful to the developers for arranging to work ariund the orchid site and co-operate with the translocation but that is as far as I will go. All plants were relocated to an Environmental Zone nearby. This week I was invited to a function on the site to mark the commencement of work on the residential development and both the Regional Manager for the developers (Stockland) and the Mayor made mention of my efforts, however the Mayor gave credit for initial contact to the developers, which to me was no surprise, as he is that way inclined. The Mayor is the least environmentally considerate person I know and he leads a Council with two green Councillors and 10 others who follow his line like sheep. It is only to be expected he would not give me credit for anything, as we are not the best of friends. To see the story in detail please read one of the Australian orchid journals over the next few months as the complete story with photos was sent to all of them in the past week. Just doing my job. Alan W Stephenson National Conservation Officer Australasian Native Orchid Society (ANOS) Conservation Director Australian Orchid Council (AOC) ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Anne Gaskett
I know this young lady quite well and I can say, look for her in the future as she will have finished her thesis in the next six months and I feel sure she will go far and do things. I had the pleasure of showing her the four species of Cryptostylis available in my area, which she used as part of her pollination studies. More than keen and rather bright, Anne was also involved in the Sex and Death Exhibition (still current) at the Sydney Botanic Gardens. Alan W Stephenson ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Calochilus pulchellus
Still trying with this species. I have managed to speak with the developers and have come to an arrangement regarding the future of C. pulchellus. Despite the two populations being marked for destruction in the first stage of the residential development, the company has agreed to wait until the end of this month before bulldozers are allowed to clear the orchid sites. An on-site meeting with the Project Manager and Civil Engineer was productive in that they have agreed to wait until personnel from the Department of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change can effect a translocation of the offending plants. The meeting also discovered the four original plants were intact and the single plant in a sawn-off tree stump has produced nine seedlings including a new plant in the stump. Plants in the ground will be dug up by garden shovel, placed into containers and relocated to a suitable site in the Environmental Protection Zone in the hope they will survive. The stump will be removed by the developers using their machinery and also relocated. As the species is heavily mycorrhiza dependent, this is at best a 50-50 chance but as the species will not be granted legal status as a Vulnerable Species until later this year, it appears the only chance available. I am not a proponent of translocation but at the moment it's the only game in town, as consent for the development was granted prior to the formal recognition of C. pulchellus as a new species. I also will partake in this operation and a series of photos will be taken of the in the hope we can learn something but it is a tragedy we are interfering with a growing population. Alan W Stephenson National Conservation Officer Australasian Native Orchid Society (ANOS) ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Species Lost
Yet another species is to be lost almost as soon as it has been formerly recorded. Calochilus pulchellus, (the pretty bearded orchid) has a known population of 24 plants and within a few weeks 26% of these will be on the wrong side of a bulldozer, as it carves out the lots for a residential development. Only formerly described in March 2007 and nominated for listing as a Vulnerable Species immediately after, this species flowers in early November. Unfortunately in less than three weeks from now, work will start on the development and all plants in situ will be lost.The tragedy is that the listing will not be made until later this year and until then the orchids will have no status and therefore are considered of no special value. No interim order for their protection is available. The obvious difficulty is the mycorrhizal dependency of the orchid and its very localised incidence of ocurrence. Over the four known sites the populations are one, one four and 18. Fortunately the 18 are secure within a National Park but 18 is not a good number when one considers the cultural difficulties and cost associated with removal and just who will take responsibility for the plants, pay for studies to determine the mycorrhizal needs and find space and personnel to look after them. I hope they do not get allocated to the too-hard basket. If it sounds like I have given up, that would be an incorrect assumption but I am well into my list of desperate measures, in what appears to be another futile exercise. For a photo of the offending species please contact me off list. Alan W Stephenson National Conservation Officer Australasian Native Orchid Society (ANOS) ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Rhizanthella slateri
I have been ranting on about this species in Australia since 1997 when I was able to identify a locally discovered plant and later on this forum when I managed to find a local plant on my own. However, I regret to inform those interested that the major population at the type site of Bulahdelah, will be diminished by a large number during the next year or so, due to the recent state government approval to construct a four lane highway through this Endangered Ecological Community (EEC). Offending plants are to be removed, stored in a Trial Cryogenic facility and relocated to another site, when and if the ability to do that becomes a reality, following a hastily arranged and yet uncompleted scientific study. I just love a Government department engaging in a Trial with an EEC, particularly when that department is the road builder and not the environment department, which will have some oversight and monitoring reponsibilities but not the final say on anything. The same will also occur with the saprophytic species Cryptostylis hunteriana. Sites for translocation are expected to be selected from unwanted land acquired for the road by-pass. A further recently named species, Corybas dowlingii will also be translocated and is of the three species involved, the only species with a reasonable chance of survival. The sudden reason for this activity is to ensure the Federal Government contribution of $50M AUD is accounted for and spent by 2009 or it will be withdrawn. At least the scientific study is being undertaken by the right person and that is probably the only good part of the whole sorry exercise. I truly hope some ground breaking facts result from this work or the realities of Big Yellow Taxi will envelop us all. Alan W Stephenson National Conservation Officer Australasian Native Orchid Society ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] ebay
Last year I was alerted to a person in Australia selling native terrestrial orchids through ebay. I posted a notice on the site to the vendor asking them to prove the plants were legally collected and were being sold with all necessary permission and if not to remove them from sale. I was pleased to note almost immediately that the plants were removed from ebay. No photos or copyright were involved but if you think the actions on ebay are questionable, then say it out loud as ebay will sit on its hands and do nothing. Failing that contact the authorities. Alan W Stephenson National Conservation Officer Australasian Native Orchid Society ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Wingecarribee Swamp
Here we go again. Nothing like a bit of political spite and hypocrisy to make a point. The decision by Senator Campbell, (outgoing environment minister) marks the fifth time he has intervened on behalf of the environment since his party proclaimed the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act in 1999. A very proud record indeed but a pity this decision was made for reasons other than environmental protection. Latham's Snipe is the bird species mentioned but it is not listed on any threatened species register as it is fairly common. Unfortunately the same cannot be said of the leek orchid, Prasophyllum fuscum, as at last count 18 plants were known to exist. Most plants have died a slow death over the past three decades due to the mining of peat from the perimeter of the swamp. This mining has drained water away from the orchid habitat, and it cannot be replaced. The wind farm issue has now been resolved as the original development was resubmitted under a different title and behold all orange-bellied parrots are secure, mostly because they are smart enough to fly below the blades of the wind turbines. I wrote a letter of congratulations to Senator Campbell about the parrots but failed to receive a reply. He must be averse to facetious letters. Moves are afoot to try to rectify the orchid situation but please do not hold your collective breaths, as Sydney Water are very paranoid about who enters their land andwhat they intend to do when they get there. Alan W Stephenson National Conservation Officer Australasian Native orchid Society Conservation Director Australian Orchid Council___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Prasophyllum uroglossum (fuscum)
The facts (another very sad story) about Prasophyllum uroglossum (fuscum) began in the 1970's when a farmer whose property adjoined the Wingecarribee Swamp decided to mine the peat bog he had found on the property. P. uroglossum preferred the wet edges of the swamp. All was well for a few years (very profitable) until the then National Parks and Wildlife Service Threatened Species Unit found the mining operations had begun to drain water from the orchid habitat and subsequently orchid numbers were diminishing. A lengthy process then began to bring the farmer into line using the laws in force at the time. These laws were sufficient to prosecute, however the enforcement of them by the government of the day was negligent. As this government was replaced in 1996 with one of a different persuasion more was expected, as the new government had a better environmental focus. However, this government also failed the NPWS and the farmer later decamped to another state (without prosecution), leaving a rapidly escalating environmental disaster, a raft of unpaid bills and several unpaid employees. My contact is a senior officer with the Department of Environment and Conservation and in his words of 2005 there are approximately 18 plants remaining in the colony (world) and the situation has deteriorated so far I do not see any way to rectify the situation, as the water cannot be returned to the orchid site. Now we have the problem of the tapping of the adjacent Kangaloon Aquifer to gain access to the subterranean water body to use for the water hungry New South Wales capital of Sydney, the population of which is growing by 1,000 people per week and all will need water for normal household activities. This situation is exacerbated by the decrease in the residential lot size, as this and all other local and state governments seek to squeeze more people into a given area despite the uncertainty of the water supply. Most of the rivers in NSW are blessed (cursed) with a dam or two and the building of more water storage facilities will not help unless we have something with which to fill them (rain). An article outlining this and other problems associated with habitat destruction appeared in Orchids Australia, February 2004 pages 56-59. Alan W Stephenson National Conservation Officer Australasian Native Orchid Society Conservation Director Australian Orchid Council___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Invasive Non natives
It matters little whether the introduced species is flora or fauna as the cost to Australia from these invasive non-native species is $3.3B per year and those figures are from 1997. This of course is only a monetary cost, the real cost is loss of native flora and fauna. Currently in New South Wales a proposalis under consideration for the introduction of Bombus terrestris (European Bumble Bee), to aid pollination rates in the Greenhouse industry and in particular, Tomato production. This pest was illegally released in Tasmania in the late 1980's and despite claims it would not spread, has colonised all World Heritage areas and most National Parks. It has spread at a rate of 25km per year and is found in low (600mm pa) and high (3200mm pa) rainfall areas and altitudes from sea level to 1260 mts. It was also introduced into New Zealand in 1885 to aid pollination of red clover but as in all other countries it has proved impossible to control. Do we need any more evidence? Alan W Stephenson National Conservation Officer Australasian Native Orchid Society Conservation Director Australian Orchid Council ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Threatened orchids
Thanks Viateur,Below isthe complete email to the Editor of my local newspaper and the reason it was sent. The Shoalhaven City Council (NSW South Coast) isto say the least, a developer friendly body and following a recent article where the Mayorstated "Shoalhaven City is a majestic haven for thousands ofnative species" I saw red (again). This statement comes from a man who described one of the threatened species, Prasophyllum affine, as "nothing more than a bloody stick" and prompty killed nine of them during the construction of a Leisure Centre. Then heexpects the rest of the voters to think he is coloured green. I am continually in awe of how this man can walk straight, given his lack of a social conscience. He and he alone is the reasonmany of our flora and faunaare disappearing,with his propensity to develop every spare blade of grass within the city boundaries, which total 4,660 square kilometres. The threatened species orchidsare; Arachnorchis tessellata and the habitat of this species was converted to a Pine Forestduring the 1960's. Fortunately it was rediscovered two years ago in a location which will cannot be developed. Speculantha vernalis is endemic to the area as is Corunastylis vernale. We are also blessed with Prasophyllum affine,Oligochaetochils gibbosus, Diplodium pulchellum, Genoplesium baueri, Rhizanthella slateri and Cryptostylis hunteriana. I am responsible for discoveringnew locations for five of these species. The other three species as yet unnamed are, one Calochilus species, (rediscovered inthree new locations by me), but only six plants existin these three sitesplus two Prasophyllum specieswhich I can claimas being newly found by me. All are awaiting new taxonomic status and this will be determined by the Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research at the National Botanic Gardens. Yesit seems like I have bragging rights but it is also dammed hard work trying to keep them from the bulldozer.And yet some who know me, wonder whyI am such a cranky little b-d. Trying to protect orhids is like pushing snowballs uphill with your nose.The full text reads as follows. Alan How pleasing to see the Mayor, Clr Watson is at last prepared to recognise some of the threatened species still remaining within Shoalhaven boundaries. In addition to the cute and cuddlies or fierce and venemous we are blessed with eight orchid species recognised as threatened by the Commonwealth and a further three newly discovered species awaiting formaldescriptions. However, at the rate of development within this area the children of today will never get to see any of them except as Herbarium recordsin the form nofuninspiring colourless pressings or alcohol preserved specimens. Unfortunately these are the type of species unsuited to pot culture, as they are quite specific in their habitat requirements. No money making WollemiPines among this lot,just a few struggling orchidsawaitingexecution by the developer's Bulldozer. Alan W Stephenson NOWRA 44217773 National Conservation Officer Australasian Native Orchid Society ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] OGD Vol 8 Issue 174
The consternation regarding Rhizanthella slateri has been a subject with which I have been involved since 1997 when saw it for the first time and identified the first plant ever discovered at sea level (Orchadian Vol 12 No. 4). In company with a Zoologist associateI alsomanaged to discover a specimen for myself in September 2001. I have travelled to the site at Bulahdelah (800 km round trip)on two occasions to see this marvel since it was rediscovered there and was subsequently identified from photographsI had sent to the father of the boy who located this plant. I then met with the state minister for roads in July 2002 to plead the case forR. slateri, with little success.I also wrote to the then federal environment minister (late 2002) and received an insulting reply stating (in bureaucratic terminology) thathe didn't really give a stuff as the plantat that time was only listed as a vulnerable species under state legislation. I have sent a 30 page dossier plus of informationabout R.slateriand a CD of photos, to 28 local and state politicians, national environment groups and television stations,also with little impact. Listing on the Kew Environment website (BGCI)also had a zero effect. I have also written two formal submissions in reply to environmental assessments for the road by-pass. I was also invited by the federal Department of Environment and Conservation to comment on the nomination of R. slateri for a federal vulnerable species listing. Thisnomination is currently being assessed. In November of 2005 I travelled to Canberra (250 km) for a meeting with the current federal environment minister about R. slateri and Prasophyllum affine (another site). Unfortunately my protestations during the 30 minute meeting fell on deaf ears. It is a great pity the scientific people who are best placed to comment on these matters, are hamstrung as they are public servants. So here we are in serious trouble, because those who make the laws are the first to overturn them when it suits their purpose for a commercial or governmental project. I commend Allan Dash for his efforts in trying to protect this unique species,as he has alwaysput the interests of orchid conservation at the forefront of his long association with Australian native orchids and I hope his efforts can spark some further interest and perhaps prick a conscience or two. Alan W Stephenson Conservation Director Australian Orchid Council National Conservation Officer Australasian Native Orchid Society ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Orchids, numbers and threats
A quick look at the federal list of Australian threatened species would reveal six extinct species, 24 critically endangered, 82 endangered and 71 vulnerable. Those classedunder similarstate legislationwould increase those numbers significantly. However, despite all the best legislation and intent, we are still seeing large shopping centres and residential developments in and around the habitat of these orchids. They still have not realised the greatest threat to orchids, is habitat destruction . It simply means developers are closer to those in power than any conservationist can ever hope to be. They also have more money with which to spread their goodwill.Furthermore, the first thought given to any threatened orchid (usually terrestrial) is to dig it up and transplant it somewhere else, without realising ifthe orchid were that easy to deal with it would not be under threat. Most of these orchids do not have a commercial reality so are seenas being of little value but that is the very reason they should be protected. Unfortunately the persons directly responsible for their protection are politicians, who make the lawsbutalways use the easy escape route of, "this development will create jobs", when thatpart of the equation is not in their appointed field of responsibility. These people are Environment Ministers in name only and are low down on the totem poleas far astheir ability to influence fellow members of a ruling body, or perhaps the reasons for this is their government is not too keen on the environment but sees the need to fill an empty office in the building. Alan W Stephenson Conservation Director Australian Orchid Council National Conservation Officer Australasian Native Orchid Society ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] More or Less Orchids
With the incidence of extreme weather doubling in the past 30 years due to climate change,it is possible those species considered rare or threatened, will more than likely become more so. In Australia, many of these species areheavily fungal reliant and climate change isoccuring a rate faster than the evolutionary processes of most of these species are able to cope with.The pessimist in me saysthe resultant vegetative changescontributing tothe fungus, will change in perhaps the same manneras the vegetation does in the incidence of too frequent fire. In Australia with our normal Summer bushfires added to the all too frequent Winter burning off, to protect property from Summer fires,willsee some areas with a concentration of fire loving plants as opposed to those native plant species which only need to haveagood normal burn each decade or so, at the correct time.But then again I am a pessimist, with little faith in my fellow human beings to do the right thing at the right time, made worse by the rapidly increasing urbanisation of what is left of our beautiful bush land. Alan W Stephenson Conservation Director Australian Orchid Council ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
