DEC’s Flora Conservation and Herbarium Program – an Overview · Genetics & Conservation...
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Science Division Department of Environment and Conservation NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008 DEC’s Flora Conservation and Herbarium Program – an Overview Kevin Thiele Curator, Western Australian Herbarium
Transcript of DEC’s Flora Conservation and Herbarium Program – an Overview · Genetics & Conservation...
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Div
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Env
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NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
DEC’s Flora Conservation andHerbarium Program – an Overview
Kevin ThieleCurator, Western Australian Herbarium
Science DivisionNeil Burrows (Goldfields)
Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Future Directions
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
Flora Conservation and HerbariumDavid Coates (Wheatbelt, MidWest)
Plant ecology, biology & genetics. Threatening processes. Collections & Taxonomy
Science SupportMargaret Byrne (Pilbara)
Work centre finance & budgets, administration, infrastructure, library. Vegetation Health Service.
Science ApplicationsPaul Gioia (Swan)
Bioinformatics (Naturebank, Naturemap). Data integration, partnerships and science uptake.
Fauna ConservationKeith Morris (South West)
Animal ecology, biology, genetics. Threatening processes including feral animals.
Landscape ConservationLachie McCaw (South Coast, Warren)
Ecology of ecosystems and communities. Landscape restoration & monitoring. Fire.
BiogeographySteven van Leeuwen (Kimberley)
Patterning and inventory of biodiversity. CAR reserve system
MarineChris Simpson
Marine biodiversity and processes. Biodiversity planning. Marine reserves.
ObservatoryJames Biggs
Astronomy information. Astronomy research. Astronomy education
Science DivisionNeil Burrows (Goldfields)
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
Flora Conservation and HerbariumDavid Coates (Wheatbelt, MidWest)
Plant ecology, biology & genetics. Threatening processes. Collections & Taxonomy
Science SupportMargaret Byrne (Pilbara)
Work centre finance & budgets, administration, infrastructure, library. Vegetation Health Service.
Science ApplicationsPaul Gioia (Swan)
Bioinformatics (Naturebank, Naturemap). Data integration, partnerships and science uptake.
Fauna ConservationKeith Morris (South West)
Animal ecology, biology, genetics. Threatening processes including feral animals.
Landscape ConservationLachie McCaw (South Coast, Warren)
Ecology of ecosystems and communities. Landscape restoration & monitoring. Fire.
BiogeographySteven van Leeuwen (Kimberley)
Patterning and inventory of biodiversity. CAR reserve system
MarineChris Simpson
Marine biodiversity and processes. Biodiversity planning. Marine reserves.
ObservatoryJames Biggs
Astronomy information. Astronomy research. Astronomy education
Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Future Directions
Flora Conservation and Herbarium Program20 Scientists (14.1 FTE), 30 Tech Officers (22.7 FTE)
SER
VIC
ES
RESEA
RC
H EXPER
TISE
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
State CollectionMaintain the State’s scientific research
collection of plants, algae and fungi
Reference Herbarium and Plant Identification Service
Provide facilities for identifying plants
Threatened Flora Seed CentreMaintain the State collection of seed
germplasm for rare and threatened species
Vegetation Health ServicePhytophthora detection, identification and
advice
Taxonomy & SystematicsDiscover, describe and document all WA
plants, algae and fungi
Conservation ecology & geneticsAssess ecology of WA plants as it affects
their conservation status & needs
Genetics and phylogeographyStudy genetic patterns in WA flora, in
population, landscape & historical contexts
Threatened Flora TranslocationsDetermine translocation strategies and protocols for rare and threatened flora
Phytophthora controlUnderstand, reduce and ameliorate the
impacts of Phytophthora dieback
Flora Information SystemsProvide paper- and web-based, authoritative
information on all WA plants
Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Future Directions
Flora Conservation and Herbarium Program20 Scientists (14.1 FTE), 30 Tech Officers (22.7 FTE)
SER
VIC
ES
RESEA
RC
H EXPER
TISE
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
State CollectionMaintain the State’s scientific research
collection of plants, algae and fungi
Reference Herbarium and Plant Identification Service
Provide facilities for identifying plants
Threatened Flora Seed CentreMaintain the State collection of seed
germplasm for rare and threatened species
Vegetation Health ServicePhytophthora detection, identification and
advice
Taxonomy & SystematicsDiscover, describe and document all WA
plants, algae and fungi
Genetics and phylogeographyStudy genetic patterns in WA flora, in
population, landscape & historical contexts
Threatened Flora TranslocationsDetermine translocation strategies and protocols for rare and threatened flora
Phytophthora controlUnderstand, reduce and ameliorate the
impacts of Phytophthora dieback
Conservation ecology & geneticsAssess ecology of WA plants as it affects
their conservation status & needs
Flora Information SystemsProvide paper- and web-based, authoritative
information on all WA plants
Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Future Directions
Chloroplast DNA variation in Sandalwood (Santalum spicatum)
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
Two distinct lineages derive from historical fragmentation (c. 1Mya)
A
B
E
C
F
H
G
I
D Burnerbinmah
Northampton, Murchison, Billabong (1)
Nyabing
Kokerbin (3)
Laverton, Cue, Jeedamya
Peron
Billabong (4)
Ned’s Gorge, Cobra, Wiluna
S. acuminatum Arthur River
S. acuminatum Goongarrie
Pingrup, Borden, Dumbleyung, Koorda, Ravensthorpe, Goomalling, Kokerbin (2), Cairn Rock, Hyden, Kulin, Coolgardie
Flor
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Div
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n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
AugustaSleeman
Road21
Albany
SpencerRoad
79
Snake Springs250
Adelaide Springs483
Beenup100Brennans
Ford52
Dennis Road
68
Walpole
Narrikup
Scott River Plains
Spencer RdSleeman Rd
Snake Sp.
BeenupDennis Rd
Narrikup
Scott Plains
0.24 00.040.080.120.160.20
Brennans Ford
Adelaide Sp.
Genetic relationships between populations of the endangered Lambertia orbifolia
Flor
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Div
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EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
Microsatellite variation and translocation of the critically endangered Banksia brownii
StirlingRanges
Southern
Vancouver Peninsula
Albany
Stirling Range National Park Seed from now extinct
populations used in
translocations
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
Flora Conservation and Herbarium Program20 Scientists (14.1 FTE), 30 Tech Officers (22.7 FTE)
SER
VIC
ES
RESEA
RC
H EXPER
TISE
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
State CollectionMaintain the State’s scientific research
collection of plants, algae and fungi
Reference Herbarium and Plant Identification Service
Provide facilities for identifying plants
Threatened Flora Seed CentreMaintain the State collection of seed
germplasm for rare and threatened species
Vegetation Health ServicePhytophthora detection, identification and
advice
Taxonomy & SystematicsDiscover, describe and document all WA
plants, algae and fungi
Conservation ecology & geneticsAssess ecology of WA plants as it affects
their conservation status & needs
Genetics and phylogeographyStudy genetic patterns in WA flora, in
population, landscape & historical contexts
Threatened Flora TranslocationsDetermine translocation strategies and protocols for rare and threatened flora
Phytophthora controlUnderstand, reduce and ameliorate the
impacts of Phytophthora dieback
Flora Information SystemsProvide paper- and web-based, authoritative
information on all WA plants
Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Future Directions
Population size, seeds set and gene flow in Calothamnusquadrifidus and Eucalyptus wandoo
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5Log (population size)
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
Mea
n no
. of s
eeds
per
frui
t
r2 = 0.65, p < 0.001
0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5Log (population size)
0.0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
Mea
n no
. of v
iabl
e se
eds
per f
ruit r = 0.76, p < 0.001As populations get smaller:
•Fewer seeds produced per fruit (increased seed abortion)
•Thresholds of size (100-200 plants?) •Increased inbreeding depression
Flor
a C
onse
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and
Her
bariu
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rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
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Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
Pollen dispersal in E. loxophleba determined using DNA microsatellites
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
Pollen dispersal over 2 km from planted populations into natural populations
Planted ssp. lissophloia
Natural ssp. supralaevis
Flor
a C
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rvat
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and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
Flora Conservation and Herbarium Program20 Scientists (14.1 FTE), 30 Tech Officers (22.7 FTE)
SER
VIC
ES
RESEA
RC
H EXPER
TISE
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
State CollectionMaintain the State’s scientific research
collection of plants, algae and fungi
Reference Herbarium and Plant Identification Service
Provide facilities for identifying plants
Threatened Flora Seed CentreMaintain the State collection of seed
germplasm for rare and threatened species
Vegetation Health ServicePhytophthora detection, identification and
advice
Taxonomy & SystematicsDiscover, describe and document all WA
plants, algae and fungi
Genetics and phylogeographyStudy genetic patterns in WA flora, in
population, landscape & historical contexts
Threatened Flora TranslocationsDetermine translocation strategies and protocols for rare and threatened flora
Phytophthora controlUnderstand, reduce and ameliorate the
impacts of Phytophthora dieback
Conservation ecology & geneticsAssess ecology of WA plants as it affects
their conservation status & needs
Flora Information SystemsProvide paper- and web-based, authoritative
information on all WA plants
Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Future Directions
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
60% of the Stirling Range National Park is impacted by Phytopthora
Flor
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rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
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Scie
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Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
Susceptibility of plants in the SW Botanical Province to Phytophthora
5,710 taxa in total
2300 taxa susceptible
Flor
a C
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and
Her
bariu
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rogr
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Thie
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Div
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EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
Banksia montana in the Eastern Stirling Range montane thicket and heath community
Highly susceptible to Phytophthora• Total plants: 51• No recruitment – biologically extinct?• Successful seed orchard established • One of ten species on the verge of extinction in
the Stirling Ranges
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
Flora Conservation and Herbarium Program20 Scientists (14.1 FTE), 30 Tech Officers (22.7 FTE)
SER
VIC
ES
RESEA
RC
H EXPER
TISE
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
State CollectionMaintain the State’s scientific research
collection of plants, algae and fungi
Reference Herbarium and Plant Identification Service
Provide facilities for identifying plants
Threatened Flora Seed CentreMaintain the State collection of seed
germplasm for rare and threatened species
Vegetation Health ServicePhytophthora detection, identification and
advice
Taxonomy & SystematicsDiscover, describe and document all WA
plants, algae and fungi
Genetics and phylogeographyStudy genetic patterns in WA flora, in
population, landscape & historical contexts
Threatened Flora TranslocationsDetermine translocation strategies and protocols for rare and threatened flora
Phytophthora controlUnderstand, reduce and ameliorate the
impacts of Phytophthora dieback
Conservation ecology & geneticsAssess ecology of WA plants as it affects
their conservation status & needs
Flora Information SystemsProvide paper- and web-based, authoritative
information on all WA plants
Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Future Directions
Translocations of 55 critically endangered floracurrently underway
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
WA is the only place in the world to achieve the Global Strategyfor Plant Conservation Target 8 for 2010
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
•70% of WA threatened flora in ex situconservation (target 60%)
•13% used in reintroductions (target 10%)
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
Flora Conservation and Herbarium Program20 Scientists (14.1 FTE), 30 Tech Officers (22.7 FTE)
SER
VIC
ES
RESEA
RC
H EXPER
TISE
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
State CollectionMaintain the State’s scientific research
collection of plants, algae and fungi
Reference Herbarium and Plant Identification Service
Provide facilities for identifying plants
Threatened Flora Seed CentreMaintain the State collection of seed
germplasm for rare and threatened species
Vegetation Health ServicePhytophthora detection, identification and
advice
Taxonomy & SystematicsDiscover, describe and document all WA
plants, algae and fungi
Genetics and phylogeographyStudy genetic patterns in WA flora, in
population, landscape & historical contexts
Threatened Flora TranslocationsDetermine translocation strategies and protocols for rare and threatened flora
Phytophthora controlUnderstand, reduce and ameliorate the
impacts of Phytophthora dieback
Conservation ecology & geneticsAssess ecology of WA plants as it affects
their conservation status & needs
Flora Information SystemsProvide paper- and web-based, authoritative
information on all WA plants
Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Future Directions
WA Threatened Flora Seed Centre, part of the Millennium Seed Bank
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
•Established 1993 to focus on Phytophthora-threatened taxa
•Subsequently broadened to target all Priority Flora and DRF (2813 taxa)
•1382 taxa, 2283 accessions
• 283 threatened taxa (DRF)
Flor
a C
onse
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ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
Flora Conservation and Herbarium Program20 Scientists (14.1 FTE), 30 Tech Officers (22.7 FTE)
SER
VIC
ES
RESEA
RC
H EXPER
TISE
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
State CollectionMaintain the State’s scientific research
collection of plants, algae and fungi
Reference Herbarium and Plant Identification Service
Provide facilities for identifying plants
Threatened Flora Seed CentreMaintain the State collection of seed
germplasm for rare and threatened species
Vegetation Health ServicePhytophthora detection, identification and
advice
Taxonomy & SystematicsDiscover, describe and document all WA
plants, algae and fungi
Genetics and phylogeographyStudy genetic patterns in WA flora, in
population, landscape & historical contexts
Threatened Flora TranslocationsDetermine translocation strategies and protocols for rare and threatened flora
Phytophthora controlUnderstand, reduce and ameliorate the
impacts of Phytophthora dieback
Conservation ecology & geneticsAssess ecology of WA plants as it affects
their conservation status & needs
Flora Information SystemsProvide paper- and web-based, authoritative
information on all WA plants
Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Future Directions
The State Collection: c. 700,000 specimens of plants, algae and fungi
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
Algae (22,000)
Fungi (20,000)
Gymnosperms (2,000)
Lichens (15,000)
Ferns (3,500)
Flowering Plants (>600,000)
Bryophytes (8,000)
c. 25,000 new specimens p.a. (4.5% p.a. growth)
92% of specimens are from WA
Flor
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onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
The State Collection: c. 700,000 specimens of plants, algae and fungi
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
Curation:
• Accessioning of new specimens
• Mounting and maintenance of specimens
• Insect and pest control
• Maintenance of taxonomic currency
• Specimen exchange and loans
• Management of volunteer program
The State Collection: c. 700,000 specimens of plants, algae and fungi
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
The State Collection: c. 700,000 specimens of plants, algae and fungi
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
0 10000 20000 30000 40000 50000 60000 70000 80000 90000
Cumulative specimens
Cum
ulat
ive
taxa
Flor
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onse
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ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
The State Collection: c. 700,000 specimens of plants, algae and fungi
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
14000
16000
0 100000 200000 300000 400000 500000 600000
Cumulative specimens
Cum
ulat
ive
taxa
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
Flora Conservation and Herbarium Program20 Scientists (14.1 FTE), 30 Tech Officers (22.7 FTE)
SER
VIC
ES
RESEA
RC
H EXPER
TISE
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
State CollectionMaintain the State’s scientific research
collection of plants, algae and fungi
Reference Herbarium and Plant Identification Service
Provide facilities for identifying plants
Threatened Flora Seed CentreMaintain the State collection of seed
germplasm for rare and threatened species
Vegetation Health ServicePhytophthora detection, identification and
advice
Taxonomy & SystematicsDiscover, describe and document all WA
plants, algae and fungi
Genetics and phylogeographyStudy genetic patterns in WA flora, in
population, landscape & historical contexts
Threatened Flora TranslocationsDetermine translocation strategies and protocols for rare and threatened flora
Phytophthora controlUnderstand, reduce and ameliorate the
impacts of Phytophthora dieback
Conservation ecology & geneticsAssess ecology of WA plants as it affects
their conservation status & needs
Flora Information SystemsProvide paper- and web-based, authoritative
information on all WA plants
Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Future Directions
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
Taxonomic research
• Identification (assigning specimens to taxa)
• Discovery (new species and other taxa)
• Naming and scientific description of new taxa
• Maintaining scientific standards & authority
•Phylogeny and classification
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
Taxonomic research
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
1753
1773
1790
1803
1813
1823
1834
1844
1854
1864
1874
1884
1894
1905
1915
1925
1935
1945
1955
1965
1975
1985
1995
2005
Num
ber
of n
ew t
axa
per
year
Taxa described in WA (300 =
15%)
Taxa described in world (2000)
Flor
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rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
Taxonomic research
Bibendum, the Michelin Man™
Tecticornia bibenda (a world Top 10 species for 2007)
Flor
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and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
Taxonomic research
Stylidium coroniforme
00.100.200.30
S. amabile
S. coroniforme
ALBANY
PERTH
Stylidium amabile
Molecular studies confirm a new species in the Stylidium coroniformecomplex
Flor
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bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
Taxonomic research
Phylogenetic analyses help resolve taxonomy and relationships of BIF species of Tetratheca
Tetratheca (Newdegate) 12Tetratheca (Newdegate) 14Tetratheca aphylla 1.2Tetratheca aphylla 2.6Tetratheca (Eneabba) 4Tetratheca (Eneabba) 10Tetratheca confertifoliaTetratheca junceaTetratheca bauerifoliaTetratheca shiressiiTetratheca ericifoliaTetratheca ciliataTetratheca parvifoliaTetratheca piliferaTetratheca harperi 1.1Tetratheca harperi 2.5Tetratheca hirsutaTetratheca pubescensTetratheca retrorsaTetratheca cremnobata 5Tetratheca paynterae 1.5Tetratheca paynterae 1.3Tetratheca filiformisPlatytheca galioidesTremandra diffusa
0.95/70
1.00/100
1.00/100
0.91/67
1.00/85
0.95/81
1.00/91
0.99/64
0.98/74
0.94/–
0.98/75
1.00/100
0.92/–
1.00/97
0.63/–
1.00/81
1.00/80
1.00/100
1.00/100
1.00/100
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Tetratheca paynterae
Tetratheca aphylla
Tetratheca harperi
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
Flora Conservation and Herbarium Program20 Scientists (14.1 FTE), 30 Tech Officers (22.7 FTE)
SER
VIC
ES
RESEA
RC
H EXPER
TISE
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
State CollectionMaintain the State’s scientific research
collection of plants, algae and fungi
Reference Herbarium and Plant Identification Service
Provide facilities for identifying plants
Threatened Flora Seed CentreMaintain the State collection of seed
germplasm for rare and threatened species
Vegetation Health ServicePhytophthora detection, identification and
advice
Taxonomy & SystematicsDiscover, describe and document all WA
plants, algae and fungi
Genetics and phylogeographyStudy genetic patterns in WA flora, in
population, landscape & historical contexts
Threatened Flora TranslocationsDetermine translocation strategies and protocols for rare and threatened flora
Phytophthora controlUnderstand, reduce and ameliorate the
impacts of Phytophthora dieback
Conservation ecology & geneticsAssess ecology of WA plants as it affects
their conservation status & needs
Flora Information SystemsProvide paper- and web-based, authoritative
information on all WA plants
Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Future Directions
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
The Herbarium’s Identification Service
Reference Herbarium:
• c. 14,000 specimens representing c. 11,000 taxa
• >3,000 visitors p.a., mainly consultants• Maintained by volunteers• Fully synchronised with main collection
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
The Herbarium’s Identification Service
Identification Room
• Two dedicated and expert ID botanists• Specialist taxonomists• Two embedded industry botanists (Rio
and BHP)
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
Flora Conservation and Herbarium Program20 Scientists (14.1 FTE), 30 Tech Officers (22.7 FTE)
SER
VIC
ES
RESEA
RC
H EXPER
TISE
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
State CollectionMaintain the State’s scientific research
collection of plants, algae and fungi
Reference Herbarium and Plant Identification Service
Provide facilities for identifying plants
Flora Information SystemsProvide paper- and web-based, authoritative
information on all WA plants
Threatened Flora Seed CentreMaintain the State collection of seed
germplasm for rare and threatened species
Vegetation Health ServicePhytophthora detection, identification and
advice
Taxonomy & SystematicsDiscover, describe and document all WA
plants, algae and fungi
Genetics and phylogeographyStudy genetic patterns in WA flora, in
population, landscape & historical contexts
Threatened Flora TranslocationsDetermine translocation strategies and protocols for rare and threatened flora
Phytophthora controlUnderstand, reduce and ameliorate the
impacts of Phytophthora dieback
Conservation ecology & geneticsAssess ecology of WA plants as it affects
their conservation status & needs
Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Future Directions
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
WA Flora Information Systems
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
WA Flora Information Systems
Monthly usage statistics – Florabase search page
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
Future Directions (2010-2020)
Biodiversity Science Centre
• Expansion space and new facilities for Herbarium
• Co-location of DEC Science• New genetics research labs• Due for completion end-2009
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
NGO Industry Environment Forum, December 2008
Future Directions (2010-2020)
Strategic Directions
• Molecular alpha taxonomy
•An Electronic Flora of Western Australia (Florabase 3)
Flor
a C
onse
rvat
ion
and
Her
bariu
m P
rogr
amKe
vin
Thie
le,
Scie
nce
Div
isio
n, D
EC
Introduction Genetics & Conservation Research The Herbarium Future Directions
