In a critical effort to save endangered plant species, scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria are mobilizing to the Grampians National Park in western Victoria, Australia, following severe bushfires that ravaged the area over December and January. Among the plants at risk is the Grampians globe-pea, a critically endangered shrub known for its vibrant orange and yellow flowers.
Chris Russell, the director of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, emphasized the urgency of their mission, stating, "We do not yet know the extent of the damage," and highlighted the importance of creating backup populations of these species before they are lost forever due to climate change and habitat destruction.
The Grampians region, known as Gariwerd to Indigenous peoples, is a biodiversity hotspot, home to approximately one-third of Victoria's flora, including 49 unique plant species not found anywhere else in the world. The park's ancient landscapes and diverse ecosystems are critical for the survival of these endemic plants.
As the botanical team prepares for their assessment, they plan to collect seeds and cuttings from threatened species to store in the Victorian Conservation Seedbank. This initiative is crucial, as many species may struggle to recover if fires occur again before they can regenerate.
Fire ecology expert Dr. Ella Plumanns Pouton noted that while some plants have adapted to fire, the frequency and intensity of recent blazes pose significant threats to their survival. The Grampians has experienced multiple major fires in recent years, burning up to 90% of its landscape, which complicates the recovery process for fire-adapted species.
Alongside the globe-pea, other priority species include the critically endangered Mt Cassell grevillea and the endangered Pomonal leek orchid, both of which have seen their habitats severely impacted by the recent fires. Russell described the ongoing effort as a race against time, highlighting the genetic importance of the plants they aim to save.
As climate change continues to alter ecosystems, the work of conservationists becomes ever more vital. The team at RBGV is committed to ensuring that these unique plants do not vanish from the planet, underscoring a broader imperative to protect biodiversity in the face of environmental challenges.