Seven new wattle species found in the Pilbara

7/2/06
Seven new species of wattles have been discovered in the Pilbara region.
Environment Minister Mark McGowan said the new species were found by Department of Conservation and Land Management botanist Bruce Maslin during field research for CALM's five-year biological survey of the Pilbara bioregion - one of the most extensive systematic assessments to be conducted in this State.
"The Pilbara's biodiversity is rich but also poorly documented," Mr McGowan said.
"The outcomes from this survey will make it easier to assess the environmental impacts of developments and provide a framework for future sustainable land use and conservation planning in the region.
"The discovery of new wattles highlights the significance of undertaking systematic biological surveys to improve our understanding of the State's biodiversity.
"It also highlights the Pilbara's biodiversity values and its significance for flora conservation in the North-West of the State, particularly as none of the new species are common, with one, Acacia leeuweniana, being quite rare and found on only two isolated granite outcrops.
"This impressive tree with its spectacular red curly bark was named after CALM research scientist, Dr Stephen van Leeuwen who has worked on Pilbara plants for nearly 20 years.
"Other new species discovered include Acacia minutissima and Acacia subtiliformis, which are characterised by having very small 'leaves' measuring just a few millimeters long."
Mr McGowan said wattles were the biggest genus of woody plants in Australia and WA's Pilbara region represented a major centre of species richness with more than 100 different types recorded in the region.
"These wattles comprise mostly a mixture of widespread desert and Kimberley species, along with the Pilbara's own suite which are found nowhere else.
"Wattles dominate much of the Pilbara landscape, they are an essential component of many ecosystems and play an important role in nature conservation programs.
"Some species, such as mulga (Acacia aneura), provide stock fodder during droughts and many species have cultural significance to indigenous people."
Mr McGowan said Pilbara wattles were often difficult to identify without specialist training and CALM was in the process of developing a user-friendly field guide for these species.
"This manual will enable wattles to be quickly and easily identified and will provide comprehensive information, drawings and photographs of each type," he said.
"This work will greatly facilitate the effective management and sustainable use of wattles in this region of the State."
Information on wattles is available on CALM's website http://www.naturebase.net and on the WorldWideWattle website http://www.worldwidewattle.com/
Minister's office: 9222 9111