Varroa mite, a parasite associated with the collapse of European honeybee populations globally, has recently become established in Australia and will inevitably spread across the country. If feral honeybee populations drastically decline across Australia there may be serious consequences for native plant species in terms of their reproductive ecology and conservation. We highlight potential consequences of the spread of varroa mite, and knowledge gaps and research opportunities to prevent avoidable negative impacts on Australian flora. Illustration by Juan Camilo.

Reasonably accurate predictions of the spatial patterns and temporal dynamics of green foliage cover can be made from satellite imagery. We have produced fortnightly, Australia-wide woody and grass foliage cover layers for the past 24 years and have assessed their accuracy across a range of vegetation types and productivity gradients. Data are publicly available. Image by Randall Donohue.

The endangered short-lived, ephemeral herb Monotaxis macrophylla is detectable only after fire or ground disturbance and has been attributed to 262 Plant Community Types in NSW for regulatory purposes. A review of evidence for occurrence has concluded that only 15 PCTs might be expected to support the species, substantially altering survey and assessment requirements. Photograph by Stephen Bell.