Establishment success and persistence of threatened plant translocations in south west Western Australia: an experimental approach
Rebecca Dillon A B , Leonie Monks A and David Coates A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Biodiversity and Conservation Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Locked Bag 104 Bentley Delivery Centre, Bentley, WA 6983, Australia.
B Corresponding author. Email: Rebecca.Dillon@dbca.wa.gov.au
Australian Journal of Botany 66(4) 338-346 https://doi.org/10.1071/BT17187
Submitted: 5 October 2017 Accepted: 7 June 2018 Published: 18 July 2018
Abstract
Establishment of viable threatened plant populations through translocations presents significant practical and logistical challenges. To address these challenges there is a need for experimental studies that inform refinement of translocation methodologies to optimise seedling survival during the establishment phase. In the present study we investigated the effect of three post planting techniques on the survival and growth of six translocated threatened plant species in south-west Western Australia over a 10-year period. Planted seedlings received summer watering for the first year, mulch or protection from vertebrate herbivores. Survival of seedlings was significantly enhanced in both watering and fencing treatments, but was not positively influenced by the mulch treatment. Plant growth was also significantly improved by the fencing treatment. Results showed that both fencing and supplementary summer watering were two very effective approaches for enhancing seedling establishment and plant persistence. We emphasise the value of integrating an experimental approach involving long-term monitoring into threatened plant species translocations and recovery programs for improving plant translocation success.
Additional keywords: herbivore exclusion, irrigation, mulch, plant conservation, reintroduction, seedling establishment, threatened plants, translocation.
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