Integrating different knowledge types to better advise little known semi-arid threatened species Westringia parvifolia (C.T. White and W.D. Francis) recovery, translocation, and conservation

Alison Shapcott; Yoko Shimizu; Raechel Missen; Ben Fleay; Joel Nichols; Amber Gould

doi:10.1071/BT25092

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Integrating different knowledge types to better advise little known semi-arid threatened species Westringia parvifolia (C.T. White and W.D. Francis) recovery, translocation, and conservation

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Integrating different knowledge types to better advise little known semi-arid threatened species Westringia parvifolia (C.T. White and W.D. Francis) recovery, translocation, and conservation

Alison Shapcott, Yoko Shimizu, Raechel Missen, Ben Fleay, Joel Nichols and Amber Gould

Australian Journal of Botany, Vol.74(5), pp.1-19

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/BT25092

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Abstract

conservation

density

genetic diversity

Native Title

propagation

reproduction

SDM

translocations

Context Infrastructure, mining and agricultural projects may impact threatened plant species, through direct removal along with habitat degradation and fragmentation. Commonly, project proponents and regulators must assess potential impacts and agree on appropriate mitigations and recovery actions. Semi-arid zones of south-east Queensland’s ‘Brigalow Belt’, Australia, have been impacted by industry, extensive clearing, and land modification despite little known about much of their flora. Significant areas are now under Native Title, providing new opportunities for engagement, capacity building, and land management options. Here, we use the little known and vulnerable shrub Westringia parvifolia, which occurs in Queensland’s ‘Brigalow Belt’, to demonstrate some key elements of impact assessment and recovery. Aims This study aimed to increase knowledge of the distribution of W. parvifolia populations to enable better conservation and management, and identify its potential to be impacted by proposed developments. Methods Field-based demographic studies and species distribution modelling assessed the spatial distribution of the impacts and conservation opportunities. We trialled propagation methods and produced species distribution models overlaid onto Native Title and development footprints to advise recovery and/or offsetting needs. Genetics studies identified the diversity and distinctiveness of potentially impacted populations. Key results Population sizes are highly variable, ranging from <100 to thousands of plants. Suitable habitat and area of occupancy were restricted in distribution, but remaining populations were scattered widely within this. Diversity was relatively high, and showed little differentiation among populations despite their present isolation, with little genetic differentiation among populations. We propagated by cuttings and established local propagation capacity by First Nations caring for country rangers Conclusions We found considerable high-quality suitable habitat within Bigambul Native Title land. Implications We identified impacted plants and suitable offsetting and recovery planting locations, and advised of genetic considerations to reduce potential for outbreeding depression and maximise genetic diversity.

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Title: Integrating different knowledge types to better advise little known semi-arid threatened species Westringia parvifolia (C.T. White and W.D. Francis) recovery, translocation, and conservation
Authors: Alison Shapcott (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Yoko Shimizu - University of the Sunshine Coast
Raechel Missen - Bigambul Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (Australia)
Ben Fleay - Bigambul Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (Australia)
Joel Nichols - University of the Sunshine Coast
Amber Gould - University of the Sunshine Coast
Publication details: Australian Journal of Botany, Vol.74(5), pp.1-19
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date published: 2026
DOI: 10.1071/BT25092
ISSN: 1444-9862
Copyright note: © 2026 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND)
Data Availability: The microsatellite loci primers have been submitted to GenBank and their accession numbers given in the manuscript table. The raw output is available upon request from the corresponding author.
Grant note: We thank the Inland Rail Pty Ltd Social Investment Program who funded this project.
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; Academic Support Unit; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Forest Research Institute; Centre for Bioinnovation
Language: English
Record Identifier: 991246797302621
Output Type: Journal article

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