New app showcases rare plants of the Pilbara

Tracking rare plants in the Pilbara has been made easier with the development of a new app.
  • Easy access to detailed information about rare plant species in the Pilbara
  • The free app will help guide management and conservation decisions

Tracking rare plants in the Pilbara has been made easier with the development of a new app.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob today launched The Rare and Priority Plants of the Pilbara app which provides descriptions, distribution maps, images and a simple identification guide for 167 rare and little-known plant species.

The free app was developed by the Department of Parks and Wildlife in collaboration with Rio Tinto and provides targeted research relevant to both organisations and their contractors.

"This app is important because the information about rare plants will help the Government, industry and the community make better decisions about conservation planning," Mr Jacob said.

"It gives easier access to details about rare and priority species, including certain species of hibiscus, wattles and the Pilbara mulla mulla genus Ptilotus. This will help botanists, conservation staff, industry environmental officers and landowners with the ongoing management of the region.

"Having this critical information and knowledge readily available at one's fingertips is extremely useful to further support conservation and future development in the Pilbara.

"The app will also appeal more broadly to nature lovers and people with an interest in plants."

The Minister said the creation of the new app also paved the way for the development of future apps for other regions in Western Australia, including specific plant apps on weeds, common wildflowers and rare plants.

Fact File

  • The free app is available on Apple and Android smartphones and tablets
  • Rio Tinto partners with the Department of Parks and Wildlife and has funded a special botanist position to provide plant specimen identifications, targeted research and help with creation of the app
  • The Pilbara is characterised by vast coastal and inland plains and mountain ranges with deep gorges
  • Vegetation is predominantly arid and semi-arid woodlands, shrublands and spinifex grasslands

Minister's  office - 6552 5800