Caladenia graniticola

• Small population: Small population size can increase the risk of chance (stochastic) events leading to the decline or destruction of an entire population.
• Poor recruitment: C. graniticola displays poor recruitment. Subpopulations are either stable or in decline with no natural recruitment documented.

• Weeds: The species occupies habitat highly susceptible to weed invasion especially after disturbance by rabbits and kangaroos. Weed seeds in rabbit droppings and increased nutrient levels from droppings may also encourage weed invasion.
• Rabbit warren construction: Warren construction may directly impact C. graniticola plants.

• Rabbits and/or kangaroos may eat leaves, buds and flowers of C. graniticola. 
• In 1999, 29% of flowers in subpopulation 1 were grazed, severely impacting reproductive potential.

• Altered water run-off: Several granite outcrops on which this species grows have rock walls channelling water runoff into dams. These walls severely alter natural runoff resulting in a drying of the orchid’s habitat. This threat impacts Subpopulations 1 and 2.
• Fire: Fire has the potential to dramatically alter the open Allocasuarina habitat of the species.
• Recreational activities: The habitat of several subpopulations is subject to recreational activities such as off road vehicles and trailbike riding potentially threatening the species. This threat impacts Subpopulations 1, 2 and 5.

This species is listed as Endangered under the Australian Government Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. 

In Place

• Land managers have been notified of the threatened nature of this species and its location.
• Regular surveys are being undertaken.
• Plots established in 1999 are monitored annually at Subpopulation 1.
• Signs have been erected at Subpopulation 1 to protect it from accidental destruction (from an adjacent golf course).
• The Southern Wheatbelt Threatened Flora Recovery Teams oversees the implementation of the Interim Recovery Plan for the species and includes details in its Annual Report to Parks and Wildlife.
• Seed was collected in 2002 as part of the Millennium Seed Bank Project.
• A double-sided A4 poster produced in 2002 which includes a description of the plant, its habitat, threats, recovery actions and photos has been distributed to community members, Wildflower groups, local libraries and Regional Herbaria.

• Liaise with land managers and Aboriginal communities to ensure that subpopulations of Caladenia graniticola are not accidently damaged or destroyed and its habitat is maintained in suitable condition for the conservation of the species. Aboriginal consultation will take place to determine if there are any issues or interests in areas that are habitat for the species.
• Protect plants from grazing.
• Undertake weed control.
• Conduct ongoing monitoring and observations of subpopulations and threats.
• Continue undertaking surveys for new populations.
• Develop and implement a fire management strategy. Caladenia graniticola is thought to be killed by fire if it occurs while the plant is in active growth. It is important therefore that a fire regime with appropriate fire frequency, intensity and seasonality be applied to areas occupied by the species.
• Collect and store seeds along with samples of the orchid’s symbiotic fungus to guard against the extinction of natural populations. Collections of seed should aim to sample and preserve the maximum range of genetic diversity possible.
• Map habitat critical to the survival of the species to facilitate its protection and appropriate management.
• Promote awareness of the species with general public.
• Develop and implement a translocation proposal if natural subpopulations decline.