<
https://theconversation.com/this-rare-australian-wattle-is-on-the-brink-of-extinction-new-research-287362>
"The spidery wattle (
Acacia araneosa) is a national treasure.
This plant is named for its spidery, leaf-like phyllodes and shares the same
iconic golden flowers as Australia’s floral emblem, the golden wattle (
Acacia
pycnantha).
The spidery wattle is extremely rare, found only in a tiny area of South
Australia’s Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary and Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges
National Park. This, alongside its unusual appearance, makes it a distinctive
and beloved part of the landscape.
But this local icon is under threat. In the late 1830s, the first pastoral
leases – which allowed livestock grazing on government land – were granted in
South Australia. This significantly reshaped the state’s landscapes and
ecosystems.
Our new study shows since that period, the spidery wattle population has
drastically shrunk by about 98%. If this trend continues, the future of this
unique species looks grim.
Thankfully, we can do something about it."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
