By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A rescue bid is under way to save a threatened species whose last but best hotspots are in the Geelong region.
The vulnerable velvet daisy-bush exists in small populations on public and private land across greater Geelong, Golden Plains and the Surf Coast.
Trust for Nature Corangamite regional manager Chris Lindorff said Anglesea and the Brisbane Ranges shared three “broad hotspots”.
“The Brisbane Ranges is the main spot. If that is lost it means the loss 50 per cent of the planting population,” Mr Lindorff said.
“In some areas the number of plants is down from 100 to 25 and they’re struggling.”
The State Government provided a grant of $61,700 to Trust for Nature and the Arthur Rylah Institute to carry out a critical assessment and protection of the plant.
“Almost all populations are severely impacted by browsing of wallabies, rabbits or hares, with some populations in urgent need of protection to prevent extinction,” Mr Lindorff said.
“Many populations contain only very old plants that are not reproducing.”
Mr Lindorff said other threats included competition with weeds coupled with small population sizes increasing the risk of local extinctions.
“Some plants that successfully flower have been known to produce non-viable seed so the plants are not reproducing at a rate that sustains populations.”
Mr Lindorff said knowledge about velvet daisy-bush populations, including information about existing population sizes, their health and threats, was limited.
Mr Lindorff said the plant grew and flowered well in suburban gardens.
“We’re also trying to raise awareness of our threatened species.
“With the velvet daisy-bush, people can see it if they’re walking through the Anglesea heath or Ironbark Basin or might find other populations.
“We’d love people to take an interest and grow some in their backyard. A number of nurseries can provide plants.”
