Rare spider orchid found in Pinjarra reserve

08/02/06
A biodiversity survey of a nature reserve near Pinjarra has resulted in the discovery of a healthy population of a rare and endangered species of native orchid.
The survey, conducted by the Department of Conservation and Land Management with the support of volunteers, located and identified 246 grand spider orchids (Caladenia huegelii) - the third largest known population of the species.
Environment Minister Mark McGowan said Kooljerrenup Nature Reserve, on the east side of the Harvey Estuary where the plants were found, was of particular interest since 1995 when a CALM scientist discovered a single flowering orchid.
"This was important as it provided a link between the two areas where the orchid was previously known to exist, in the Perth metropolitan area, mainly around Southern River and Huntingdale, down to Mardella and further south in Busselton," Mr McGowan said.
"With urban expansion impacting heavily on the grand spider orchid habitat, CALM made a significant commitment to conduct extensive surveys.
"CALM, with the help of Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority and volunteers, visited known populations and other areas identified as having prospective habitat to carry out surveys - which were coined the 'Huegelii Hunt'."
The Minister said success was not immediate as a survey in 2004 of Kooljerrenup Nature Reserve involving 32 search hours only found one flowering plant, about 500m from the plant found in 1995.
"This year, CALM volunteers from Mandurah and Perth, joined CALM staff to search more of the nature reserve, in the second instalment of the Huegelii Hunt," he said.
"There was great excitement among the survey team as it became clear that the orchid was healthy and abundant in the search area with many standing 70cm high and some having 'double-headers' or two flowers on each stem.
"The contribution of volunteers to the conservation of this orchid species has been invaluable.
"Further surveys are planned for 2006 and it is hoped that more populations of the grand spider orchid will be found."
People interesting in assisting with surveys can call Nicole Willers at CALM on 9368 4399.
Minister's office: 9222 9111