Mt Canobolas Xanthoparmelia Lichen Community - 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: Mt Canobolas Xanthoparmelia Lichen Community

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered Ecological Community

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 05 Oct 2001

Profile last updated: 07 Sep 2017

Description

A foliose lichen community characterised by the following assemblage of terricolous (soil-dwelling) and saxicolous (rock-dwelling) species: Cladia fuliginosa - Xanthoparmelia canobolasensis - Xanthoparmelia digitiformis - Xanthoparmelia metaclystoides - Xanthoparmelia metastrigosa - Xanthoparmelia multipartita - Xanthoparmela neorimalis - Xanthoparmelia sulcifera - Xanthoparmelia tasmanica The total species list for the community is likely to be considerably larger than that given above. It is likely, for example, that microfauna and many species of invertebrates are associated with the lichens, but these have not been studied.

Distribution

The community occurs at Mt Canobolas in central-western New South Wales, on rock faces and soils of the Mt Canobolas Tertiary volcanic complex. Xanthoparmelia canobolasensis and X. metastrigosa are known only from Mt Canobolas, and X. sulcifera and C. fuliginosa are each known from only one other locality in New South Wales. Part of the Community occurs within the Mt Canobolas State Conservation Area.

Habitat and ecology

Occurs on rock faces and soils of the Mt Canobolas Tertiary volcanic complex. The Mt Canobolas complex consists mostly of trachyte and alkali rhyolite, with smaller outcroppings of other Tertiary rocks.
The community includes both terricolous (soil-dwelling) and saxicolous (rock-dwelling) lichens: X. sulcifera and C. fuliginosa are terricolous; X. canobolasensis, X. digitiformis, X. metaclystoides, X. metastrigosa, X. multipartita, X. neorimalis and X. tasmanica are saxicolous.
Some saxicolous species may also be found on soil (e.g. X. tasmanica) or wood (e.g. X. metaclystoides).

Regional distribution and habitat

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

South Eastern Highlands

Threats

Road and track (vehicular, cycling and walking) and drainage works in areas where the lichen community occurs.
Collection of bushrock on which the lichen is growing.
Disturbance associated with recreational use including bikes and foot traffic on the slopes and summit of Mt Canobolas.
Loss of lichen habitat from increased urban encroachment and rural development such as vineyards and orchards on the north and east flanks of Mt Canobolas.
Anthropogenic climate change is a long term significant threat as it will alter physical characteristics of the habitat such that it is no longer able to sustain the community.
High intensity fire, which may destroy large areas of the community or its habitat.
Weed encroachment around rocky outcrops, specifically blackberry and other mixed weeds.
Lack of understanding of habitat requirements, ecological processes and associations between lichen, their habitat and other species.
Removal of logs on which the lichen is growing.
Minimise levels of erosion and/or sedimentation.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Promote appropriate recreational use within the Mt Canobolas area, in particular staying on established vehicular and walking tracks.
Ensure that fire management promotes a fire regime that protects the EEC from direct burning and disturbance during hazard reduction actitivies, while limiting the risk of intense wildfire.
Ensure urban and rural development around Mt Canobolas do not impact upon the community.
Restrict cultivation around suitable ground habitat.
Leave bushrock in its natural setting and obtain rocks for gardens only from licensed dealers.
Retain fallen logs as habitat for this community.
Maintain exfoliating and soil surface rocks in the area of concern.
Ensure road and drainage works around Mt Canobolas do not impact upon the community.
Prevent clearing of habitat on the slopes of Mt Canobolas.

Information sources

NSW Scientific Committee (2001) Mount Canobolas Xanthoparmelia lichen community - Endangered ecological community determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.