Inverell Cycad - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Macrozamia humilis

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 13 Dec 2002

Profile last updated: 21 Nov 2018

Description

Like many cycads, Inverell Cycad has the appearance of a short-trunked palm. It has a stem up to 28 cm in diameter and stiff green to grey-green fronds up to 65 cm long with 60 - 90 leaf-segments. Female plants have oval-shaped seed cones 10 - 15cm long and 6 - 8 cm wide which produce large red seeds.

Distribution

Known only from a single locality near Inverell, on the North West Slopes of NSW.

Habitat and ecology

The single known population occurs in low dry woodland on sandy soil on an outcrop of laterite-capped granite.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

New England Tablelands

Threats

Risk of extinction due to small numbers.
Clearing and fragmentation of known and potential habitat for agriculture and development.
Illegal collection from the wild by people not realising it's threatened, particularly where species occurs close to urban centres.
Reduction in stream water quality affecting food resources
Mining.
Inappropriate fire regime including risk of uncontrolled fires from arson. Too frequent and intense fire is likely to remove individuals and disrupt reproduction by depleting energy reserves beyond its ability to recover. Fire also kills pollinators during thermogenic period.
Prolonged drought causing stress and mortality and leading to more intense fires.
Lack of knowledge on the species pollinators, which is important to understand key drivers of plant reproduction and the consequences of heat and fire on the species.
Disturbance to species habitat by recreational users (e.g. bush walkers, mountain biking, motor bikes) within the site, particularly along tracks and around edges close to urban centres.
Weed invasion by coolatai grass increasing fire risk within species habitat, particularly where it occurs along roadsides and in urban areas.
Lack of knowledge of population size. Limited distribution and small total population size place the species at risk from demographic and environmental uncertainties, and natural catastrophes (e.g. fire).
Potential impact from grazing or trampling by goats and other herbivores.

Recovery strategies

Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified 1 priority actions to help recover the Inverell Cycad in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Support local Landcare groups.
Only buy plants from licensed nurseries.
Protect known population and areas of potential habitat from clearing, development and mining.
Seek a permit from the DEC before collecting seeds from the wild.
Report new records of Inverell Cycad to the DEC.

Information sources

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Threatened Species of the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes of NSW. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)
NSW Scientific Committee (2002) Macrozamia humilis (a perennial cycad) - Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

New England Tablelands	Eastern Nandewars	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Tingha Plateau	Known	None

Images

Form and nut, Inverell Cycad Image 1 of 6.
View slideshow.

Related information

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