Atlas Rainforest Ground-beetle - 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: Nurus atlas

Conservation status in NSW: Critically Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Gazetted date: 25 Aug 2023

Profile last updated: 22 May 2024

Description

The Atlas Rainforest Ground-beetle is a large, heavily-built, black-coloured ground beetle about 3 to 3.5 cm in length. Its larger size distinguishes it from the related Shorter Rainforest Ground-beetle.

Distribution

Historically widespread in heavily timbered high rainfall areas east of the Great Dividing Range on the north coast of NSW. The species had not been seen for many years and was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in Victoria Park near Lismore in 1973. Presently it is only known from this location and a few others in the Lismore-Alstonville area.

Habitat and ecology

Low-elevation rainforest and wet eucalypt forest with a well-developed rainforest understorey. Other habitat requirements may be relatively undisturbed old-growth forests on highly productive soils and consistently high moisture levels.
It is flightless and preys on other ground invertebrates.

Regional distribution and habitat

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

South Eastern Queensland

Threats

Recreational users trampling habitat.
Given our current taxonomic understanding of this species, there is a risk of local extinction due to the low number of small and isolated populations. Confirmation of the taxonomy is required.
Invasion of habitat by introduced weeds, specifically Tradescantia spp and Dolichandra unguis-cati (Cat's Claw Creeper).
Predation by cane toads.
Clearing of rainforest and wet eucalypt forest remnants.
Beetle collecting activities.
Predation by brush turkeys, destroying burrows through roosting, breeding and foraging activities.
Grazing and associated trampling by cattle.
Flying fox droppings clog up soil and substrate, inhibiting burrow construction.
Stormwater runoff from adjacent roads.
Fire encroaching into key habitat.

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 0 priority actions to help recover the Atlas Rainforest Ground-beetle in New South Wales.

Activities to assist this species

Restrain domestic cats, particularly at night.
Assist in the control of feral cats.
Protect areas of rainforest from fire.
Assist with control and removal of introduced weeds in rainforest remnants.
Protect known and potential habitat, particularly in the area of the former Big Scrub, from clearing and disturbance from cattle grazing and agricultural activities.
Protect known and potential habitat from small scale clearing and ground disturbance.
Rehabilitate and reconnect rainforest and wet eucalypt forest remnants.
Advise the DEC of any illegal collection activities.
Report any occurrences of the species to the DEC.

Information sources

NSW Scientific Committee (2001) Nurus atlas (a beetle). Endangered species determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

South Eastern Queensland

Scenic Rim

Known

None

Images

Illustration, Atlas Rainforest Ground-beetle
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