Cycas conferta

Taxonomy

Assessment Information

Geographic Range

Population

Habitat and Ecology

Threats

Conservation Actions

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Taxonomy [top]

Kingdom	Phylum	Class	Order	Family
PLANTAE	TRACHEOPHYTA	CYCADOPSIDA	CYCADALES	CYCADACEAE

Scientific Name:	Cycas conferta
Species Authority:	Chirgwin ex Chirgwin & Wigston

Assessment Information [top]

Red List Category & Criteria:

Near Threatened ver 3.1

Year Published:

2010

Assessor/s:

Ottley, H.

Reviewer/s:

Donaldson, J.S. & Bösenberg, J.D.

Contributor/s:

Justification:
Originally classified as Vulnerable based on its limited distribution and ongoing decline, as well as its small overall population size and estimated decline of >10% over the past 50 years. However, current information indicates that the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are larger than originally estimated. Therefore classified as Near Threatened (almost qualifies for threatened listing under criterion B1+2 and C1).

History:

2003	–	Vulnerable (IUCN 2003)
2003	–	Vulnerable
1997	–	Vulnerable (Walter and Gillett 1998)

Geographic Range [top]

Range Description:	This species occurs in the Northern Territory of Australia. Populations are found from between Jim Jim Falls and Graveside Gorge in the Kakadu National Park, southwest through Goodparla and Mary River Station to Foelsche Headland, and north to Burrell Creek near Adelaide River. A large population of C. conferta has been reported near the headwaters of the Fergusson River, but as yet has not been confirmed.
Countries:	Native: Australia (Northern Territory)
Range Map:	Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.

Population [top]

Population:	The distribution of this species is considered to be sporadic and local in occurrence, with plants forming isolated, usually small but dense, stands. The population estimates exceed 30,000 plants with a major concentration at Harriet Creek.
Population Trend:	Decreasing

Habitat and Ecology [top]

Habitat and Ecology:	C. conferta occurs on sandy soils over granites or coarse sandstones. In association with Eucalyptus and grasses. Populations are found mainly on rocky outcrops and stunted woodland overlying Cullen granite and sandstone and quartz of the Brocks Creek Group. The soils are grey gravelly loams. Eucalyptus miniata is the dominant tree species in the woodland whereas the cycads are dominant on the outcrops.
Systems:	Terrestrial

Habitat and Ecology:

C. conferta occurs on sandy soils over granites or coarse sandstones. In association with Eucalyptus and grasses. Populations are found mainly on rocky outcrops and stunted woodland overlying Cullen granite and sandstone and quartz of the Brocks Creek Group. The soils are grey gravelly loams. Eucalyptus miniata is the dominant tree species in the woodland whereas the cycads are dominant on the outcrops.

Systems:

Terrestrial

Threats [top]

Major Threat(s):	In the past, the large population at Harriet Creek has been extensively harvested for seed. Some of the smaller populations along the Kakadu Highway have been severely impacted by past removal of plants. However, because of the large numbers over a substantial area, the species is not presently at risk.

Major Threat(s):

In the past, the large population at Harriet Creek has been extensively harvested for seed. Some of the smaller populations along the Kakadu Highway have been severely impacted by past removal of plants. However, because of the large numbers over a substantial area, the species is not presently at risk.

Conservation Actions [top]

Conservation Actions:	This species is listed on Appendix II of the CITES Appendices. Some stands are conserved within Kakadu National Park.

Conservation Actions:

This species is listed on Appendix II of the CITES Appendices. Some stands are conserved within Kakadu National Park.

Citation:	Ottley, H. 2010. Cycas conferta. In: IUCN 2012. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2012.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 25 May 2013.
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