Threatened and Priority Flora – How Species are Conservation Listed

Western Australia’s very high floral diversity, combined with the introduction of new threats since European colonisation, have led to the recognition that numerous plant species are of conservation concern or potentially so. While some of these species are listed as Threatened, many more have been placed on the State’s Priority flora list, which is unique to WA. These lists are important tools to better understand our flora and to direct efforts towards conservation, recovery, research, survey and monitoring.

As this month’s invited guest, Tanya Llorens’ talk will aim to demystify these conservation listings by explaining what they mean, and how, when and by whom they are assigned. Tanya will present some examples of recent listings, including explaining how a wide range of different people, including volunteers, have contributed the knowledge required to produce accurate conservation status assessments that then lead to improved conservation management.

Dr Tanya Llorens is Senior Conservation Botanist in the Species and Communities Program at the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Tanya helps to coordinate the conservation management of conservation-significant plants in WA, including species listings, recovery planning and provision of scientific and policy advice. She co-authored the current Action Plan for Australian Plants and has previously researched and published on the ecology and conservation genetics of several Australian plant species, particularly in the context of habitat fragmentation.

Our meeting is on Tuesday evening, 8 October, at The Palms Community Centre, (corner of Nicholson Road and Rokeby Road), Subiaco. Doors open at 7.45 pm for an 8 pm start, with a $3 donation giving you entry into the night’s door prize. All are welcome to attend.