Fimbristylis costiglumis

This species is found in sparsely populated, remote forests and savannahs, which have retained their wilderness character and where the human footprint is low (Sanderson et al. 2002). Most of the region is generally in good condition as it has been largely spared from intensive land use and development. Pastoralism with cattle grazing is the main form of land use and some parts of the region have been degraded. Overgrazing by livestock and feral animals (pig, donkey, horse, and water buffalo) remains a cause of concern. Other threats to plant species in the region include exotic invasive weeds e.g., Parkinsonia aculeata, Martynia annua, Calotropis procera, Cenchrus ciliaris, Jatropha gossypifolia, Xanthium strumarium, Acacia nilotica and Ricinus communis, which are becoming more abundant and widespread, especially in riparian and wetland areas. Some exotic pasture grasses may also still be deliberately spread. Over the last century, the traditional Aboriginal fire regime (relatively fine-scale, frequent burning particularly in the early dry season) has largely been replaced by attempted fire exclusion, resulting in a higher frequency of extensive, uncontrolled, hot, late dry season fires. This altered fire regime has led to pronounced changes in vegetation patterning e.g., scrub and tree encroachment of some grasslands. Infrastructure development e.g., proposed gas pipeline and mining also represent threats to the natural heritage, in some parts of the region. Some of the region is targeted for intensification of land use and development. How these threats directly impact the taxon is not known as there is very little published information on its biology and ecology (Mockrin and Nelder 2001, Woinarski and Ford 2001).

A priority in the region is the enhancement of integrated management of weeds, feral animals, and fire. Increased resourcing, better coordination across landholders and tenures, and some capacity building are needed for a better control of the threatening processes to the native flora across the region. Sustainable land-use practices should be established in sections of the region (to be) used for intensive horticulture. The estimated range of the taxon occurs in protected areas at international or state level but the existing reserve system may neither be comprehensive nor adequate. Reservation should be increased in the region and wild underdeveloped areas protected. A conservation plan for part of the region is currently being prepared including a comprehensive survey of the fauna and flora, and an assessment of conservation values. The availability of environmental mapping at appropriate scale may be an issue. Monitoring of biodiversity programs are lacking in other parts of the region. However, these actions may not be such a priority for F. costiglumis. The taxon does not benefit from any legal protection in the Northern Territories, Queensland or Western Australia as it is not considered rare or threatened. Seeds have been collected in Queensland for the Kew Millennium Seed Bank (Mockrin and Nelder 2001, Woinarski and Ford 2001).