harrow wattle recovery program

Summary

Harrow wattle (Acacia acanthoclada subsp. acanthoclada) is a threatened shrub, listed as Endangered under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. Harrow wattle is found on ridges and dunes in mallee vegetation in south western in New South Wales. It also occurs in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. In NSW, Harrow wattle is threatened by land clearance, overgrazing from goats, domestic stock, kangaroos and rabbits. Small populations are likely to be threatened by inbreeding depression and mate limitation. Consequently, many populations have declined dramatically and community action is urgently needed to recover the species.

The Rick Farley Soil Conservation Reserve (RFSCR), situated adjacent to Mungo National Park in south west NSW, once supported Harrow wattle. However, DPIE and the Traditional Owner group, Mothers Ancestral Guardians Indigenous Corporation (MAGIC) report that in recent years, wildfire, drought and heavy grazing by goats, kangaroos and rabbits has caused the extinction of the population. Ironically, the loss of native vegetation due to fire has made the site more accessible and suitable for fencing. As such, Rick Farley Soil Conservation Reserve is an ideal site for a Harrow Wattle translocation. 

Project Strategy

The Threatened Species Conservancy will work with the support of MAGIC and DPIE to establish the first herbivore-protected population of Harrow Wattle on public land managed by the  National Parks and Wildlife Service at the Rick Farley Soil Conservation Reserve. Core activities will include:

●        collection and storage of Harrow wattle seed;

●        preparation of a Harrow wattle translocation plan;

●        installation of a 300m x 300m rabbit/goat/kangaroo proof enclosure; and

●        establishment of a new Harrow wattle population through direct seeding.

Progress

As of January 2022 we have made some great progress with the installation of the 300 x300 m enclosure and collection of Harrow wattle seed from a nearby natural population. This  natural population has also produced seedlings after two wet years which is very positive.

In Autumn of 2022, MAGIC and TSC will direct seed the enclosure at RFSCR. As we observed seedlings in the natural population growing in both open areas and under other shrubs, we will locate seeds in these two microhabitats at RFSCR and then monitor if there are differences in germination and survival rates.

A second translocation is also planned at Tapio Station in lock-up country, plans are underway to erect a 300 x300 m fence.

Partners:

Mothers Ancestral Guardians Indigenous Corporation (MAGIC)

Department of Planning and Environment (DPE)

Biodiversity Conservation Trust 

Tapio Station

Funding:

NSW Environmental Trust’s Environmental Restoration and Rehabilitation grants program

Conservation Status: Endangered (NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act),
Funding Received: $99,897.00 
Duration: 6 years

 Volunteers – interested in getting involved? Contact Christine Christine.allen@tsconservancy.org